BEST FOR YEARS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 245, 15 October 1937, Page 4

BEST FOR YEARS

CLASSIC AT RANDWICK A.J.C. DERBY RUNNERS SYDNEY, Oct. 5. The early anticipation that the A.J.C. Derby would be one of the best races of the year and show that the eolts engaged were the best for years was amply • borne out by the result. The winner, Avenger, pul up a remarkable performance, for he gave the leaders anything up to ten lengths’ start and caught them about a lurlong from home. At the last furlong, Ajax, who had led from the start, had been joined by Hau. The two Heroic colts were fighting hard, when Avenger loomed up on the outside. Under pressure the challenger swerved in on top of the other pair, but his rider, E. Bartie, pulled him off. This cost him a little ground, but he went on again and won gallantly. The success of Avenger achieved an ambition of his owner. Mr. P. Miller, who bred the Pantheon—Chatterbox colt. The performance was that of a superlative stayer, and the first thoughts is what a great Melbourne Cup horse he would be. He is not engaged in this year's two-miler, however, for his owner does not believe in racing three-year-olds in such a hard race.

Ajax, although beaten, was far from disgraced. It was expected that he would have to go out and make his own pace. This he did to good purpose, running his first half-mile in 51L>sec. and the mile in lmin. 45isec. These figures give some idea of how fast Avenger travelled over his last half-mile on a track that was a little holding after heavy rain overnight. Ajax resisted strenuously when challenged by Hua in the straight and was able to beat him off by half a head. Hua had the run of the race, following Ajaz all through and having the opportunity of issuing a challenge at the right moment. Mr. W. H. Gaisford was unlucky striking such a high-class trio with his good Limond colt Courtcraft. In any ordinary Derby Courtcraft would have been a real force, but at Randwick he was completely outclassed. It is in his favour, however, that he will improve more than the local colts, and should certainly pay his way in Melbourne.

P. Atkins handled Courtcraft well, for the colt raced in company with Hua in second place practically throughout the race. His stablemate, Francis Drake, was a starter in the Epsom Handicap, but did not last much further than the half-mile post, up to which point he was going well. He is another horse who will be better in Melbourne.

Mr. J. S. McLeod insisted that Only One should start in the Derby, but the chestnut was inconspicuous all through and finished at the tail end of the field.