NOTES ON THE EVENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21267, 23 February 1931, Page 12

NOTES ON THE EVENTS.

(Special to Daily Times.) AUCKLAND, February 21. The Otahuhu Handicap produced an exciting finish, Mountain Dell coming very fast on the outside to win in the last couple of strides from Free Advice, who looked to have the race won when she disposed of a challenge from Great Peter about 50 yards from the post. Lindbergh was the favourite, with Great Peter, Free Advice, and Mountain Dell also well backed. Genuine carried the field along for the first half-mile in Imin 8 2-ssec, with Pageant, Great Peter, Mountain Dell, Harvest Child, Free Advice, and Sunshower following closely. Genuine was still in charge when the mile was reached in 2min 18 2-ssec. Genuine and Free Advice were the leaders into the straight just ahead of Pageant and Great Peter, with Mountain Dell and Jewel Pointer ndxt. Once into the straight Free Advice drew out slightly from Genuine to be immediately tackled by Great Peter. Great Peter’s run was finished about 50 yards from the post, and success for Free Advice seemed assured. Then Mountain Dell appeared with a brilliant burst on the outside, and she snatched the winning honours from Free Advice on the post. Pageant was two lengths away third, and Genuine fourth. Great Peter was right up fifth. Mountain Dell_ was driven very patiently, and she finished with great determination. Near the turn it appeared as if she might have some trouble in getting clear, and the chance to get out came just in time. Lindbergh was never in the picture. Surprise Journey, Akenehi, and Kolmar were the favourites for the February Handicap, but they were all beaten out of a place, Linnett the Great leading practically from end to end to wi\ from Great Change, who returned a good price for second. Peter M'Kinney, Great Change, and Gold Sovereign all made mistakes at the start, and /Akenehi broke up badly at the end of the first furlong after beginning very fast. Linnett the Great was quickly in the lead, and she made play from Great Change, Jock Bingen, Kolmar, and Mutu. There was not much change until the home turn, where Surprise Journey came into the picture also. Linnett the Great stayed on solidly in the run home, and scored by a length from Great Change. - The Railway Handicap proved a very easy win for Great Ballin; who streaked away with a good lead in the middle stages, and afterwards gave nothing a chance. The winner was favourite in the best pool of the day, with Author Franz and The Admiral next in request. Mignonne was slow away, and Gaza broke badly after going about a furlong. Great Vanity was soon several lengths clear of Gaza, Author Franz, and Great Ballin, with The Admiral heading the others. With four furlongs covered Great Ballin ran to the lead,, and then cleared away to win by three lengths from The Admiral, who defeated Mignonne by a length. Author Franz was a moderate fourth, succeeded by Gaza and Goldman. ihe Admiral paced a sound race, but be juts his knees, and that will always be against him. Author Franz showed up for about half a mile, but was not afterwards dangerous.