FORM AT ELLERSLIE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 134, 8 June 1937, Page 4

FORM AT ELLERSLIE

FIRST DAY’S “DOUBLE” HURDLES AND CORNWALL With the second day of the Auckland Racing Club’s winter meeting set down to be held at Ellerslie tomorrow, interest will attach to first day’s form. Notes on the Great Northern Hurdles and Cornwall Handicap may give a pointer for followers of form. How Northern Was Won Sandy Dix outstayed the Great Northern Hurdles field. He was always prominent. Setting out on the final round, he and Huskie were carting the field along. Modern Maid, the early pacemaker, having retired at this juncture. However, coming into the straight prior to straightening up for the run to the last fence, Sandy Dix had only a slight advantage over Jolly Beggar (rails). Lord Vai, and Huskie (outside). Shaking off this trio, he ran on for a, decisive victory, giving C. Thomson some rompensation for his fall on Clarion Call at the last obstacle 12 months ago. Sandy Dix has raced fairly consistently, but this was easily his most important victory. He will probably be taken to Trentham, and must be considered a Winter Hurdles prospect Huskie went a solid race throughout, and he might, have got closer to the winner had he taken the final fence better. His jumping was smooth all the way. Jolly Beggar had a run always being handy, but once again the weight told the tale and he could not concede the necessary poundage to the pair that finished in front of him. The southerner went a fine race, and he is outstanding among present-day hurdlers. Lord Vai ran almost up to his best form, and was rot quite good enough. Six furlongs from home, he and Jolly Beggar appeared to be going the best of the leading division. Just after landing over the next hurdle Erination swung into the rails and checked Lord Vai, who was immediately behind. However, at the best, he could not have beaten the winner, although he might have been second. Master Musk, who finished fifth, about four lengths behind Lord Vai, will be considerably improved by the race. He is one to remember later at the fixture. Erination went well for two miles, and Pahu was staying on a long way back, but Modern Maid failed to stay. Valpeen was prominent most of the way, and Royal Limond plodded along in the rear, both pulling up in good shape. Disaster came early in -.he race Roxy, Tout le Monde, and Lap Up falling in that order as the big field charged down on the first hurdle. Killadar went out at the second fence, and the only other mishap was when High Quality fell two fences from home when well back. Impressive Performance Boomerang, last in the first furlong, proved himself brilliant enough to win the Cornwall Handicap in a very tight finish. It was a really brilliant performance. The race was run in pair and visability was poor. Boomerang first came into the picture when he was going down the field passing the half-mile. At the home turn he was handy, lying behind Royal Dance, Te Hai, De Friend, Valmint, Enge, and King Rey. Just behind him were Horowhenua and Tooley Street. Over the last half-furlong, De Friend, Boomerang (centre), and Valmint were locked together. In the last couple of strides Boomerang just got his head in front of Valmint and De Friend. There was daylight back to King Rey, who ran a fine race under his impost. Enge was right up fifth in advance of Te Hai, Knight of Australia, Royal Dance, Jewelled Girdle, and Horowhenua.

The winner's effort was outstanding. De Friend and Valmint also went nicely, and of the others Knight of Australia probably went the best, as he was cut back at the start. Royal Appellant and Gay Rose, badly drawn, never managed to get out of the ruck. The bracketed pair, Tooley Street and Horowhenua, drew small marbles and were in difficulties all the way.