NOTES ON THE RUNNING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27081, 16 May 1949, Page 2

NOTES ON THE RUNNING

INFATUATE IMPRESSIVE Special to the Daily Times CHRISTCHURCH, May 15. Following a week in which much rain fell, the Amberley Racing Club held its meeting * yesterday in fine weather and there was a large crowd of North Canterbury enthusiasts to witness some good racing. . . , Change of Luck The G. B. Starkey Handicap, the chief’ race of the day, gave Peridot a chance to atone for bad luck at Ashburton, where his saddle slipped. He was first out but dropped back behind Watchword after two furlongs, while Lights On also headed him a little further on. Pageant was fourth at this stage, followed by Flibbertigibbet, who moved up at the half-mile to join the leaders. Peridot came through nearing the straight and went on to beat 'Watchword easily, with Lights On only a head away and Pageant was next, just beating Flibbertigibbebt. Whitley in Form The Amberley Handicap, the only open race on the programme, saw Whitley in form to have his second win this season. Lorna Leigh began slowly and Flying Orders was smartest out, with Whitley following. These two opened up a gap of several lengths after three furlongs and they were never seriously challenged, a great battle ending in a narrow victory for Whitley after he had appeared to be beaten. Faithful Pal and Kirkella headed the others all the way, the former having only a slight advantage at the post. Impressive Win Flying Control was the early leader in the High-weight Handicap, but: Golden Air joined him at the home turn after being well placed all the way. Infatuate, Irish Peach, Beau Soir and Terminate were handy nearing the straight, where Infatuate went on to win impressively. Novice Stakes Waihora set a strong pace in the Novice Stakes, Flying Agnes and Dissenter soon being handy, while Cloudy Range joined in at the home turn. Cloudy Range finished solidly and had a comfortable win Braemorn made a late dash to beat Prince Defaulter for fourth. Easy for Advent . Advent was always going well in the Glasnevin Stakes. He followed Sally Gold and Miss Loretto from the start and jpined them after going half a mile and went on for an easy vvin. Outclassed Field Competitive outclassed his opponents in the Sead-own Hack Handicap. Coxswain led early, with Exchange, Repudiate and Primitive handy. Competitive moved up at the home turn to join Coxswain at the entrance to tire straight and he cleared right away. This was the second win of the day for the young Stoneyhurst owner, Mr J. B. Douglas Clifford, and his Riccarton trainer, A. Cults, the other being Infatuate. The Trotting Events Piccolo and Affection had a great duel in the Teviotdale Trot. These two were followed by Mystery Maid and were out clear over the last three furlongs. The Kowai Trot was the best race of its kind I have ever seen on a country course. Ten horses came home in a bunch, with Orthodox hanging on for a narrow win after being in front practically all the way.