SPORTING NOTES

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 71, Issue 6137, 17 September 1945, Page 3

SPORTING NOTES

ON RACING AND TROTTING BRIEF ITEMS FROM THE TRACK (By “Old Rowley”) Pardon Me Too! On the strength of glimpses of very promising displays in the past coupled with recent winning form at the matinee meeting, Pardon Me was evidently consider “the” certainty of the day at Epsom when he contested the Introductory Handicap, but he was in no apologetic mood even for his mentor, F. J. Smith, and far from returning to the birdcage in a humble mood after his inglorious display he looked as though he could win a race any time. There is not doubt about him looking the part and he should be capable of some very smart efforts if he can be made to settle down. Favouritism Justified Despite the promising talent engaged in the September Handicap, coupled with strong coupling support for Nightbeam and Highland Scott, the public would not be put off supporting Medical Student and his stablemate Volo Senwod and their solid following which this bracket had was fully justified in the light of the fine race they both turned on. It was a particularly fine effort on the part of Medical Student and places him in a very favourable light in the coming season. Not at Home

There was certainly every reason for thinking that War Guard would be very difficult to dispose of in the Takanini Handicap and from the limit he looked to be in an almost unassailable position. But a glance at past records would have revealed that he has not fared too well at Alexandra Park in the past and has seldom been seen there to best advantage. He did not appear at home in his race on Saturday last and although his third was quite a good effort, it was nowhere near as attractive as his racing in the South Island.

Very Smart Brilliant in patches last season, Belhall was solidly supported but with trepidation on the part of many supporters. However, he soon set their minds at rest and his win was brilliant. It looks as though Belhall will go places in a big way this season. Fillies Predominate

The John Grigg Stakes, which always attracts a deal of interest, was decided at Ashburton on Saturday last and being the first classic of the season, a large field was engaged, including some very smart and promising colts, but an untried filly, Swingalong, prevailed from Essay and Loyal Lady with the colts and geldings also rans. It was an upset indeed and raises the question as to whether it is to be fillies’ year in the South Island classics.

Nicely Formed Filly When brought out late last season, the Defaulter-Cyrillian filly, Sanskirt, took the eye as being a likely looking youngster. She has developed into a solid-looking three-year-old and her victory in the first division of the Novice Stakes at Ashburton was impressive. Watch this filly, more is likely to be heard of her in a big way. Should Make the Grade

Defaulter was pushed another step forward on the sires’ list when Rahiri won the second division of the Penscroft Hack Handicap, one mile, at Ashburton. Rahiri should make the grade in open company and looks the type to be a very handy middledistance performer. Rahiri’s dam is Old Loyalty and he is owned and trained by F. Christie.

Classic Winner for Royal Chief As I mentioned last week, Royal Raider proved quite a competent juvenile last season, but although he was given a fair chance, it was not confidently expected that he would .trounce the Wanganui Guineas field, even with the scratching of Master Robin and the fact that Gigli and AlSirat were having their first outing of the season. But he proved good enough to win, thus giving the colonial-bred sire a classic winner this season. If pedigrees count for anything, the Dominion is very rich in high class bloodstock to-day and unless breeders have failed in their efforts to provide the best lines available, Defaulter and Royal Chief must be up to the standard of most of the Dominion’s importations, whicli should give ardent supporters of New Zealand-bred sires great pleasure. I

And So The Story Goes! And I don’t mean the radio one. Not that Old Rowley has heard any hard luck tales from Wanganui, but it certainly was a complete reversal of form when Black Plato, Duality and Tideless filled the places in the li miles Higgie Handicap and Lord Thieo, Royal Breek and Berryogue finished in that order in the open sprint. Oh me, oh my, and to think of the scramble to take a few more bobs worth before the book was filled.