VINTAGE IN FORM.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20503, 3 January 1935, Page 12

VINTAGE IN FORM.

Galilee Wins the Royal Stakes. (Special to the “ Star.*’) AUCKLAND, January 2. Racing opened with the Goodwood Handicap, for which Silver Jubilee was at odds on. He had every chance, being one of the leaders two furlongs from home, but failed to run on. Sea Fox, the winner, was always handy, finishing on gamely under pressure. Lady Spy ran an honest race and was staying on at the finish. Golden Wings looked a winner a hundred yards from home, but his weight told on him though he ran a great race. The Sylvia Handicap was a good thing for Bun Fight. She was never further back than third, and won going away. Symcony showed brilliant speed early, though she weakened over the final furlong. Kotou and Lady Ruler both ran good races, and should win when the company is not too select. Prince Colossus led practically all the way in the Grandstand Handicap, scoring comfortably by a length. This horse is in great order, and more money should come his way. Red Manfred finished on well for second place, and Gay Marigold ran her usual honest race. Great Star was always in the picture, putting up a creditable performance. Solarium tailed the field throughout. The Steeplechase. Valpeen beat the opposition easily, in the Sussex Steeplechase, giving an attractive display of jumping. This horse is as well as ever. Copev ran a great race, being in front coming down the hill the last time. Wee Pat also put up a fine effort after being a long way back earl}'. Jayson failed badly, as did Callamart and Ruby Meteor. Galilee, first out in the Royal Stakes, led all the way, but had to be ridden hard to beat Variant. The latter ran a splendid race, finishing very gamely. Haut Monde looked dangerous half-way down the straight, but Legatee, who was favourite, was never in a winning position. Vintage had an easy win in the Clifford Plate. He was lying second to Lady Kyra to the home turn, and then went on to score with the greatest ease. King’s March, who was last most of the way, beat the rest of the field easily to get second place. An Unlucky Horse. In the Bowen Handicap Mother Superior took charge at the end of the first furlong and, hard ridden, got the verdict by half a length. Rereatu was an unlucky horse, as he was almost down after going two furlongs and then finished strongly in second place Scotland came home fast to get third. Cranford and Imamint went good races, but Gay Seton, the favourite, failed after having every chance. The meeting concluded with the Grey Handicap, which proved a good thing for Scotch Nation. He was well back early, but over the last three furlongs was always a winner. Hunting Bag came fast over the last stages to get second. On Parade came from the ruck for third. Lionheart had every chance, being one of the leaders at the half-mile post, but tired badly. Elvo scored, her seventh win for the season when she led the field home in the Mason Stakes Handicap at Addington. She is a brilliant pacer, and, what is more, she can begin very quickly. She was in front all the way in the Mason Stakes. She pulled hand for six furlongs, and then travelled smoothly for the remainder of the journey. Her driver had to hit her a furlong from home, and the manner in which she responded was a pleasing feature of her performance.