COMMENT ON RUNNING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26350, 3 January 1947, Page 7

COMMENT ON RUNNING

BENBECULA SCORES AGAIN (Special) INVERCARGILL, Jan. 2. The Hazlett pair, Kassai and French Knight, fought out the finish of the A venal Hurdle Handicap with the firstnamed finishing slightly the better to gain half-a-head decision. At the half mile Kassai moved up in a handy position behind Filibeg and French Knight, with Gamble and Ring Chief at the head of the others. French Knight and Kassai sorted themselves out in the run home, Filibeg being three lengths away at the post, and Gamble, who did not jump well, was close up fourth, ahead of Maharajah. Aganev Wins Again Salmon Spear monopolised the betting for the Three-year-old Handicap, but after covering a lot of extra ground he failed to hold off Aganev over the last furlong. Tlie honours of the race were with Aganev, who was patiently handled, and after being well back in her field at the end of half a mile she finished exceptionally well to win going away by half a length. Faithful Pal, who had made practically all the running, was three-quarters of a length away third. It was only over the last furlong that Salmon Spear headed him. ’■* Flying Handicap After being well back in the early running, Lyndali did not give the sprinters a chance over the last furlong in the Flying Handicap, and she won with a lot in hand. Wantwood and Great Coon were the first into the straight from Fleet Street, Sterling Lad and Lyndali. Wantwood compounded when they straightened up, and Great Coon had charge at the distance. He was soon tackled by Lyndali, and then Grill arrived on the scene. Lyndali beat Grill by a length, with Great Coon, Fleet Street, Sterling Lad and Wantwood next. Rider’s Third Success Gunther gave H. Ford his third win for the day when he won the first division of the New Year Handicap. Geisha Girl was first into the straight from Soft Light, Gunther, Absentee, Marie Rita and Incitatus. Gunther took charge at the distance and hung on to hold off Absentee’s challenge by a head. Geisha Girl was half a length back third, and then came Soft Light, Incitatus and Debater. Bonny Royal and Percy made the early running in the second division from Gipsy Major, Good Sport and Lance . Art. Percy took charge at the home turn, where Gipsy Major, Good Sport and Lance Art came into the picture. Gipsy Major was first to head Percy, and in a good finish he stayed on to hold off Good Sport by three-quarters of a length. Invercargill Cup Aurora Australis was backed down to a short price in the Invercargill Cup, but she had nothing to spare at the finish from Eriskay and Foxchase. necks separating them at the post. With seven furlongs to run, Wild Cry held a two lengths' lead from Aurora Australis and Red Prize. At the half mile, Red Prize had taken charge from Wild Cry, who began to