ROBIN LEIGH DISPLAYS FORM FOR ELLERSLIE ENGAGEMENT TO-MORROW

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27039, 25 March 1949, Page 8

ROBIN LEIGH DISPLAYS FORM FOR ELLERSLIE ENGAGEMENT TO-MORROW

Special to the Dally Times AUCKLAND, Mar. 24. There was considerable activity at Ellerslie this morning in view of the Auckland Racing Club’s March meeting on Saturday. Robin Leigh was responsible for one of the best efforts of the morning when he galloped in good style over seven furlongs. Enrldalc also went solidly ovo:r seven furlongs, and the two-year-old, Nionyx, again sprinted well. Silver Gull was another who worked pleasingly. Robin Leigh conceded a big lead to Golden Pay in the early stages of their gallop over seven furlongs, but made up ground in the straight to finish in front in lmin 30 2-ssec. He ran the last three furlongs in 40sec. Robin Leigh evidently appreciated the easier track conditions. He is engaged in the Hauraki Handicap on Saturday. Nionyx jumped off ahead of Gold Point and led her over half a-mile in 51sec, after running the first furlong in 12sec. Nionyx did his work well. He raced disappointingly at his last start, but may make amends in the second division of the Ascot Handicap on Saturday. Gold Point worked lazily and could have done better. She is also an acceptor for the second division of the Ascot Handicap. Earidale was going very easily alongside Pleasant Bay after running seven furlongs in lmin 32sec, the first in 15sec and the last three in 41sec. Earidale is very well at present and should be capable of a forward showing in the Services’ Handicap on Saturday. He scored an impressive victory at New Plymouth on March 14. Pleasant Bay also galloped in good style. Before going with Earidale he jumped four hurdles cleanly. Silver Gull was going easily alongside Royalist and Marcher at the conclusion of five furlongs*- in lmin 4 4-ssec. She disappointed while the ground was hard, but may show improved form now that conditions are more to her liking. Scratchines posted to-day were:—Percival Handicap: Town Hero, 2.25 p.m.; Fleet Fox. 2.30 p.m. Ascot Handicap: Velia. 4.40 p.m. Services’ Handicap: Frontier Mac. 5.30 p.m.