HUA WINS V.R.C. DERBY

Southland Times, Issue 23345, 1 November 1937, Page 11

HUA WINS V.R.C. DERBY

CANTALA STAKES TO MOHICAN FIFTH SUCCESSIVE WIN BY THE TRUMP (Received October 31, 6.30 p.m.) MELBOURNE, October 30. Hua, whose connections considered that he was unlucky in the A.J.C. Derby, had a splendid victory. in the Victoria classic today, the opening day of the spring meeting at Flemington. Hua emphasized his possibilities as a contender for the Melbourne Cup. He promises to prove a strong rival for The Trump, who had his fifth successive win when he defeated Prince Quex (New Zealand-bred) in the weight-for-age race, the L. K. S. MacKinnon Stakes. Mohican, who has been performing consistently in spring events lately, achieved his most important success when he defeated an excellent field in the Cantala Stakes. Prairie Moon, who ran a poor race in the Burwood Handicap at Caulfield, displayed improved form, winning the Wakeful Stakes in a good finish from the New Zealand-bred Amiable, with Ena a good third. The winner is engaged in the Oaks, and it is notable that Siren, Protea and Golden Hair have all won the Wakeful—Oaks “double”\in recent years. Nuffield, although slowly away, finished brilliantly in the Maribyrnong Plate, making his record two wins in three starts. He was bred by his owner, Mr C. B. Kellow, and his sire, Heroic, won the same race in 1923. His rider, D. Munro, won the plate in 1935 on Fidelity. Bushbee and Lovable ran good races, but had no chance with the winner; Beau Frere gave a fair display, but Normal ran poorly. There was a thrilling finish to the Mackinnon Stakes, four horses being in line half a furlong from home The

Trump won narrowly and Allunga finished well, beating the pace-maker, Mala, for third place. Mala disappointed his Cup admirers. Red Manfred was last but one and Silver Standard was last. The Trump should hold his rivals of today safely in the Cup. THRILLING CONTEST The Derby also provided a thrilling contest. Ajax as usual attempted to lead all the way, but Hua finished brilliantly and won by the barest margin. Ajax ran a wonderful race but Avenger was disappointing slightly because he had every chance, as did Courtcraft, who was the biggest disappointment of the race. John Wilkes was responsible for a fair effort.

Hua’s owner had previously won the Derby with Trivalve, Wolawa and Furious. Hua gave his trainer, Scobie, his 19th classic win. Scobie’s successes include eight Victoria Derbies, the previous winners being Malster (1900), Hautvilliers (1900), E. J. A. (1903), Sylvanite (1904), Alaway (1908), Wolawa (1922) and Trivalve (1927). Mohican, usually a good beginner, was badly placed early in the Cantala Stakes, but finished with a wonderful burst. King’s Head and Regular Bachelor fought gamely under big weights. The French-bred Gentout was never dangerous. K. Voitre had his first riding success in the metropolitan area since his serious accident when he rode Frill Prince in the Hotham Handicap, which is regarded as one of the Melbourne Cup trials. Voitre had a great reception on returning to the scale. Frill Prince wore"' Willie Win down near the post; it was Willie Win’s best effort in Australia. Old Rowley was a fastfinishing third, but International shaped poorly. Results: WAKEFUL STAKES, £750. One mile. Prairie Moon 8.4 (R. Wilson) 1 Amiable 8.4 (J. O’Brien) 2 Ena 9.0 (A. Breasley) 3 Sixteen started. Won by a neck, third half a neck away; Miss Devlin was fourth. Time 1.37 f, a race record. MARIBYRNONG PLATE, £l5OO. Five furlongs. Nuffield, 8.10 (D. Munro) 1 Bushbee 8.0 (J. O’Sullivan) 2 Lovable 8.7 (A. Dewhurst) 3 Fourteen starters. Won by two and a-half lengths, third a length. behind; Beau Frere was fourth. Time, I.IJ. L. K. S. MACKINNON STAKES, £lOOO. One mile and a-quarter. The Trump, 9.1 (A. Reed) 1 Prince Quex 9.0 (J. O’Brien) 2 Allunga 9.4 (T. Webster) 3 Eleven started. Won by a neck, third a neck away; Mala was fourth. Time, 2.6. VICTORIA DERBY, £5OOO. One mile and a-half. Hua 8.10 (R. Wilson) 1 Ajax 8.10 (H. Badger) 2 Avenger 8.10 (D. Munro) 3 Won by hadf a head, third half a length away; John Wilkes was fourth and Courtcraft was sixth. Time, 2.32 i CANTALA STAKES, £2500. One mile. Mohican 7.11 (W. Cook) 1 King’s Head 9.2 (E. Bartie) 2 Regular Bachelor 9.5 (A. Breasley) 3 Nineteen started. Won by half a length, third three-quarters of a length away; Ramdin was fourth. Time, 1.35 J, a Flemington record. HOTHAM HANDICAP, £7OO. One mile and a-half. Frill Prince, 7.12 (K. Voitre) 1 Willie Win, 8.5 (A. Dewhurst) 2 Old Rowley, 7.6 (J. Duncan) 3 Eight started. Won by three-quarters of a length, third a length away. Time, 2.32. FLOOD TIDE INJURED DEATH OF PART OWNER OF DONASTER (Received October 31, 6.30 p.m.) MELBOURNE, October 31. On his return to the stables after sprinting yesterday Flood Tide suddenly twisted and ricked his side. The horse was unable to start yesterday and his Cup starting is doubtful. Courtcraft has been scratched from all Flemington engagements. Nightguard and Avenger showed slight lameness after the Derby. Mr J. A. MacLeod, a member of the committee of the Victoria Racing Club, died today after' a short illness. He was part owner of Donaster, and expressed the wish that the horse should run in the cup. He was also part owner of a Cup Hurdles acceptor. Sea Scout. New Zealand acceptors in minor events on Cup Day are: Railway Highweight Handicap: Royal Quex. Mimosa Stakes: Homily. Yan Yean Stakes: Gay Blonde, Sir Simper.