THE OAKS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2369, 27 July 1899, Page 35

THE OAKS.

"Vigilant" writes: — "Mr Douglas Baird's victory was extremely popular, but it was certainly one of the luckiest in the history of the race. Sloan rode the worst race he has done since he has been in this country. It was probably not his fault that he lost many lengths at the start, for Moriungton Cannon did the same thing, but it was a fatal mistake to push his mount along and make up all this lost ground just at the suffest part of the bill. Then, instead of getting a pull a.t her, he raced on the outside of Corposant all round the top of the ground, and managed to allow Madden on Musa to slip past him on the inside. The latter jookey made the most of the advantage he gained there, and was a good length in front at the distance, but Sibola was staying on the better of the pair, and must have won in another three strides. Were the two to run over the same course again next week, Sibola giving 71b, I think she would be favourite, and I feel certain she would win." The Sportsman's special adds: — "The race was really a farcical affair, there being about 20 lengths between the first and the last when they got off. Sloan, on Sibola, was last but one. Corposant got away with the lead, Musa lying handy. Whether' Sloan had reason to believe that Sibola would not act down hill I do not know, but 'certainly he rode Sibola as if it was a case of now or never while they went up the hill, and he got her to the front but at the cost of a very serious effort indeed. Then, as they came into the straight, hfe trid not make the turns by any means oleverly — though, of oourse, tho mave ;nay have been difficult to handle on the descent. Meanwhile. Corposant had stuck well to her work, and she ran well to the finish for that matter, but Musa drew out with the race in hand, and was an easy winner until Sloan, having once more got his mount going, loomed large on the scene, and riding the One T.'iousand Guineas winner desperately home was c-nly beaten by a head. That he ought to have won Ldo not suppose he himself doubts, but the viotory of Musa was particularly well received, and it put one more nail in the coffin which is ready prepared for the absurd opponents of Ormonde blood. The Derby ie won by Flying Fox, son of Orme, and the Oaks by Musa, daughter of Martagou, who is blood brother to Ormonde. What more do they want? "