NOTES ON THE RUNNING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26791, 7 June 1948, Page 2

NOTES ON THE RUNNING

Special to the Daily Times CHRISTCHURCH, June 6. Congo Song justified his position of the best of his age this season by beating the Futurity Stakes field at Ashburton yesterday in good style. Driven by M. Holmes, who has had a wonderful run in classic races in recent years, Congo Song began best, but was steadied in behind after, two furlongs. Fortuna and Chief Office carried the field along down the back from .Belmont Hall, Quarterdeck, Congo Song, Red Flight and Shalimar, with Beckleigh further back after making a slow beginning. The order was much the same passing the half-mile, but Congo Song had taken charge before reaching the straight to carry on for a two-length win over Shalimar, who finished well. Beckleigh made up a lot of ground over the last mile to get third. His performance was a fine one, and with an even break at the start he may have troubled the winner, but it is doubtful if he would have beaten him. Quarterdeck had every chance and battled on for fourth just in front of Ada Scott, Demetrius, Fortuna and Pierre. Belmont Hall was beautifully placed for over a mile, but then dropped out to finish a bad last. His form is puzzling. Congo Song is a fine colt, who may break the run of success older horses have enjoyed in the All-aged Stakes in recent years. Starshell, after being well placed throughout outstayed the Durbar Handicap field over the final furlong to win his first race for the present season. Hal Derby made the pace to the mile post, where Palava and Magnificent took charge, with Hal Derby, Starshell, National Velvet, Novelda, Lyndale and Duncraig all prominent. Novelda was trailing Palava at the straight, but Starshell shot through and put the issue beyond doubt some distance from the post National Velvet had a good run and every chance. He beat the tiring Novelda by a neck. Scottish Brogue, Gough's Pride and Palava headed the others. Scottish Brogue did not get the best of runs and Gough’s Pride was also unlucky, losing a good early position to finish faster than anything from a long way back at the straight. Novelda, the win favourite, was also unlucky, losing a good deal of ground at the start. Make Believe was in a bad position throughout and was never able to offer a challenge, finally finishing alongside Palava. The best performances in the other events were returned by Java and Attack. Java, in spite of soreness, outclassed the Stewards' field, while Attack overcame difficulties to swamp the ooposition in the Harvest Handicap. Racing down the back, Attack was badlv placed in the big field, but got out nearing the ha'f-nvle from where he covered a tremendous amount of extra ground. Once in line he strode riaht away for a very easy win. He is a fine tvne and a generous racer, who shoffid reach Cun class soon. Loyal Nurse had littl° trouble in beating her six opponents in the RakaK leading from the mile nost. Countless did best of the others! Snravman ran a useful race for third, but the favourite. Navigate, was very disappointing, failing to run on over tlie last furlong after having every chance.