THE SHREW BEATS NELSON TASKER

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 533, 10 December 1928, Page 11

THE SHREW BEATS NELSON TASKER

STIRRING CLIMAX TO FINE CONTEST FOR MARK MEMORIAL

That there was no loafing on the journey in the Mark Memoria* Cup at Claudelands on Saturday was demonstrated forcibly when the v/atcli registered a tick over 2.18 as Nelson Tasker piloted the field past the mile peg, and The Shrew off 4.33 just got up at the final pinch to take first money and the handsome cup from the Henderson horse in the smart time of 4.29 1-5, With the trcak in good order and the footing speedy, it was anticipated the place-getters in the principal heat of the day would better their times, and in knocking r pproximately four seconds off her handicap, and registering two seconds faster timtf than her Epsom achievement of last Christmas,

The Shrew proved that she has at last reached her best form, and Trainer Bill I-iead is deserving of praise and congratulation for the success attained as the result of careful and untiring attention to his charge. The veteran Hastings reinsman also drove a “heady” race, timing his final effort nicely, the mare just having sufficient in reserve to “take it off” Nelson Tasker. Nelson Tasker’s Gameness The latter, after his good performance recently at Alexandra Park over 10 furlongs, was a quiet tip in many quarters, and capably handled by Fred Gilchrist, the aristocratic Hendersonian put up a gallant fight, and the honours of the contest probably rest with H. C. Nichols’s pacer. After losing ground at the start through tangling, he put in a dash entering the straight that wrested the lead from Daytime, and the Nelson Bingen horse elected to set the pace, remaining in front till within a few yards of the past. Under pressure Nelson Tasker finished gamely, and in recording 4.32 2-5 from a 4.36 mark, he put up the best two mile go of his career, and one that in many instances would have given him victory. Had he gone away in his usual brilliant fa-shion, it may have meant just that little difference at the finish between defeat and victory. Spectacular Contest The contest proved a spectacular one and was productive of keen speculation, the favourites on the adjustment of the machine being The Shrew (£626), Daytime (£593) and Laplander (£513), while there was good support for Gold Dial, and then came Nelson Tasker and The Abbey. Gold Dial stood at the peg, and Stanmoor did not begin correctly and was always well back during the race. As already stated. Nelson Tasker failed to strike a gait and lost several lengths, Daytime flying out with a good lead from All Bell and Nelson Tasker, but as the stands were approached the latter took command from Daytime and All Bell, after whom came Florent, Uncle Bert, Lady Dunmore, Dick Dillon and The Shrew, with The Abbey doing best of the others. There was little or no alteration during the circuit, except that The Abbey improved his position, getting a good run across the top on the rails, but before the straight was reached he received a check, and dropped back. In the straight Daytime moved up behind Nelson Tasker, and as they turned the top bend, the leading pair were followed by The Shrew, who had obtained a good position, Florent, Lady Dunmore and The Abbey, the latter again putting in good work along the back. Thrilling Duel Nelson Tasker was nrst round the final corner, The Shrew and Daytime being his closest attendants. At the distance Daytime cried enough, and the favourite moved up after the leader, who hung o:» gamely, but Head’s mare got her neck in front as the wire was crossed, gaining the supremacy after a thrilling struggle. Lady Dunmore finished best of the others, and secured third money, being almost three lengths away. Flor-

ent, who went a solid race, was half a length away fourth, and then came The Abbey, who, while making a splendid effort, found die task beyond his powers. Gold Dial's disinclination to start robbed the contest of a further thrill, as the Wellsford mare was in great heart for the struggle, and later in the day ran a great race in the mile handicap, being just topped o'? at the post by the dead-heaters, Uncle Bert and Anselm. The greatest disappointment was Laplander, whose form was far below that displayed recently. He never seemed to get going *n the early stages, and while with a mile covered he moved fast along the back, was again done with before the straight was reached. Cup Presentation After the race, Mr. G. Baildon, Mayor of Auckland, made the presentation of the handsome cup accompanying the stake, congratulating Owner J. H. Lloyd and die trainerdriver, W. Head, on the success of The Shrew. Mr. C. A. Capaniagian, the well-known Hamilton light-harness enthusiast and prominent member of the Waikato Club, accepted the trophy on behalf of Mr. Lloyd, who was not present to see his mare win.