THRILLING FINISH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27273, 27 December 1949, Page 7

THRILLING FINISH

SWANEE'S SUCCESS IN AUCKLAND CUP RIZZIO’S BRILLIANCE Special to Daily Times AUCKLAND, Dec. 26. Tlie field left to a good start in the Auckland Cup, except that Lord Manna was standing slightly behind and lost a few lengths. In Front took the lead almost immediately from King's Ransom. Foxbay, Beaumaris, Conspiracy, and Wonder Boy. After two furlongs, Distinction went up to join In Front in the lead and a little further on they were joined by Balmacara. Passing the stands with about seven furlongs completed, Balmacara just led from In Front and Distinction, with Vice Chancellor prominent ahead of Mountain Glory, Bedivere, King’s Ransom, Beaumaris and Blue Seal, with Swanee well back and Calibrate last and Sweet Spray about the middle of the field. Turning along the back with seven furlongs to run, In Front, Balmacara, and Distinction were the leaders from Mountain Glory, Bedivere, King's Ransom, Vice Chancellor, Bedivere, Lord Manna, Conspiracy, Beaumaris and Sweet Spray, who were in close order. After passing the half-mile In Front began to drift and Distinction went on to lead into the straight from Balmacara, Swanee and Calibrate. A furlong from the post, Swanee came to the front. Beaumaris, on the inside, and Calibrate were also challenging, and Sweet Spray also came with a strong run after being a little late in getting clear of the ruck. In a great race home, Swanee, wide out on the track, won by three-quarters of a length from Sweet Spray, who cut Beaumaris out of second by a neck. Calibrate was about a length and a-half away fourth, followed by Distinction, Akbar, Conspiracy, Blue Seal, Mountain Glory Balmacara, Foxbay, Broadway, Quick March. Equator, King’s Ransom and Vice Chancellor.

The winner’s performance was good as she was a long way back after the first mile and made a big run to reach the front in the straight. She might have won more decisively if she had not veered out in the straight. Sweet Spray finished like a real stayer and might have been a shade unlucky in that she was checked before being able to bet clear of the ruck. Beaumaris made a gallant, showing, fighting on gamely in the closing stages.

Railway Handicap

After losing a little ground at the start, Rizzio finished brilliantly to win the Railway Handicap. The field gave some trouble at the post and finally Rizzio, who drew No. 1, Coonbridge and Chatrill went to the outside. Rizzio dwelt slightly when the tapes were released and after being last early was still giving the leaders a good start. Da Vinci, Te Tui and Morocco were quickest to find their feet,. Morocco making play past the half mile from Te Tui. Lady Coronach, Da Vinci, Spellbound, Princessita, Coonbridge and Swayup. Morocco led into the straight from‘Spellbound, with Te Tui, Swayup, Coonbridge (wide out), Princessita and Da Vinci also prominent. Once in line for the post Te Tui headed Morocco and Da Vinci was also prominent. Travel King challenged strognly on the inside a furlong from the post, and Chatrill also came into the picture. Rizzio then came through with a brilliant burst to win going away by half a length from Travel King Da Vinci held on solidly to be another half length away third and Chatrill was fourth, followed by Te Tui Lady Coronach, Princessita, Morocco, Faultina, Super Vaals, Coonbridge and .Swayup. Rizzio’s performance was first class ana he fully deserved his success. It is seldom mat horses come from so far back to win the Railway Handicap. Travel King made a determined bid Inside the last furlong but could not wtthsrtand Rizzio's irresistible challenge. The topweight, Da Vinci, was a meritorious third with 9.4. The each-way favourite. Swayup, was in the picture for the nr-A five furiongs and then weakened.