BIG DIVIDEND PAID

Southland Times, Issue 24238, 23 September 1940, Page 9

BIG DIVIDEND PAID

BLAZEALONG’S WIN AT GERALDINE CONVINCING VICTORY OF ALL NIGHT (United Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, September 21. With Recollection taken out of the Second Hurdles, Sir Frederick was sent out a good favourite but was beaten into third place mainly owing to some faulty jumping over the first half of the journey. Jewish Lad once again carried the field along at a sound pace and had a substantial lead with half a mile to go, but both Master Dingle and Sir Frederick then ran past him and Jvlaster Dingle was first over the last fence from Sir Frederick and Leopardstown. Master Dingle appeared to have the race well in hand, until Leopardstown put in a determined claim. The latter, confidently ridden, gradually got Master Dingle’s measure in the run home and won well. Sir Frederick stayed on for third money, beating Jewish Lad by half a length.

WIN GOING AWAY Pink Gauntlet and Circular Note carried on in front in the Wainui Handicap to the straight entrance from Green Gables, Wild Coon and Safe Light. Green Gables challenged early in the run home but could not improve his position and then Wild Coon shot through on the rails soon to overhaul the leaders and to beat them going away. Circular Note as easily held off Safe Light, who put in some telling work over the final stages and beat Tissue by a neck. INTERESTING RACE

The President’s Handicap provided an interesting race. Combat was the early leader but gave way to Night Hawk in the back stretch. The latter led round the top from Petersham, Combat, Roy Bun, Nightdress and Swordstick with The Raker and' Passaform in the rear. Night Hawk still held charge turning into the straight but Petersham soon ran down the leader and carried on for an easy win. In an exciting struggle for second money between Swordstick and the fast-finishing Passaform the former gained a narrow verdict. Night Hawk was a length away just in front of Glenora Boy, Nightdress and Combat together.

WIN FAVOURITE BREAKS Aurie’s Star was sent out a win favourite in the Domain Trot and after being prominent most of the way broke when under pressure inside the last furlong. The race was won by Marco Polo, who, after failing to move off at Ashburton and again on the first day of this meeting, was well placed from the outset and followed Channel Fleet and Clonard into the straight with Hamarfast, Aurie’s Star and Chelidon in close attendance. Marco Polo gradually improved his position in the run home and he and Chelidon had a hard tussle over the final stages, the former winning well by less than a length. Hamarfast was a good third a length in front of Clonard, with Aurie s Star next. BACKED TO SHORT PRICE All Night was supported down to a short price in the Gladstone Hack Handicap and carried out his part by another convincing win. Lady Magellan was the early leader, but at the end of two furlongs The Vulture showed out from Royal. Lancer, All Night and Craiglea." The Vulture was first into the straight from All Night, Craiglea, Royal Lancer and Airline. All Night soon drew to the front in the run home and went on to outclass the field. Airline finished solidly, to beat Royal Lancer in the last stride for second honours. The Vulture was two lengths back in front of Sweet Mystery and Taxpayer.

NARROW WIN Hearth, with a 51b allowance, was sent out a short-priced favourite for the Stewards’ Stakes. She duly won, but only just scraped home. Raceaway had a three lengths lead entering the straight from Hearth, Nightcalm, Skyrena and Kilrobe, and it was not until the last few strides that Hearth made any impression on the leader. Raceaway then weakened and Hearth swooped down on him to gain a halfhead verdict. Rebel Star finished on into third place two lengths in front of Kilrobe, with Skyrena next. STAUNCH FAVOURITE Manawai was installed a staunch favourite for the Winchester Trot and was very unlucky not to have justified his position. At the end of a furlong Oasis broke and fell and Clive Brook fell over him, while Grattanita and Reservist had to be pulled up. Manawai lost several lengths before he escaped from trouble. Silver Grattan rushed into the lead when the mishap occurred and held a big advantage throughout the back stretch. Manawai, who had to give Silver Grattan a furlong break entering upon the last mile, gradually improved his positio'n and had the leader’s advantage considerably reduced when the straight was reached. The task, however, was beyond him, although he was only four lengths away at the post. Karu was a fair third two lengths in front of Lorene Vai.

HALF-CENTURY DIVIDEND The South Canterbury Champion Hack Handicap resulted in the day’s biggest surprise, the winner, Blazealong, paying nearly half a century for a win. He was one of the last over the early stages and was not prominent until near the end. Blue Abbey went to the front at the half mile and led into the home run from Dranoel, Halt, Great Night, Ferriby and Grey Silk. Blue Abbey could not carry on and Dranoel was left in charge and looked to be the winner, but Blazealong appeared from a rear position and, soon overhauling Dranoel, won going away. Halt finished well into third place, beating Grey Silk on the post. Ferriby and Blue Abbey were next.