QUICK MARCH LUCKY 10 WIN ALISON CUP BEFORE DOWNPOUR

Wanganui Chronicle, 9 November 1949, Page 3

QUICK MARCH LUCKY 10 WIN ALISON CUP BEFORE DOWNPOUR

AUCKLAND. Last Night (Special). —Quick March won the Alison Cup by five minutes. Tnat appears a substantial margin, and probably there have been steeplechases which have been won by that margin. However, the observation is made from another angle. Quick March does not like a wet track; in fact, lie is no good unless the going is firm. That’s how it was when the Alison Cup was run, but five minutes after that race rain fell in torrents, and the downpour continued without respite for the remainder of the afternoon.

Actually it was not only in the matter of weather conditions that Quick March was lucky. He won in handsome fashion in a photo-for-all-places finish, but it really appeared as if Vice-Chancellor was the horse that ought to hav? won. Knocked sideways at the start, Vice-Chancellor lost several lengths, yet at the post he was beaten into fotuih place and only half a length from the winner. Quick March was ii. the centre of the field on the rails to the five furlongs, after which he made a forward move and went on the outside. Fifth Note, who tried to win all the way, showed the way into the home stretch to Mountain Glory, Wonder Boy, Bramble Leighon, Huntore and Quick March. Quick March then joined issue at the distance with Fifth Note, and Mountain Glory was also hanging on. With the post very near ViceChancellor appeared and joined in the finish. Fifth Note, who was at double figures, failed to stall off Quick March and she was only a nose in front of Mountain Glory and Vice-Chancellor, with Bramble Leighon, Wonder Boy and Huntore right up, clear of Ruling Master. It was a very line effort on the part of all these horses. The winner may score again shortly. Fifth Note, 81b overweight, revealed her best form for a long time and staying may be her forte. Mountain Glory ran right up to peak form, but the really unlucky galloper was the solidly-supported Vice-Chancellor, who appeared a “good thing” beaten. Paul was badly left at the post and he interfered with Vice-Chancellor. The latter was never in the call until the end, when he threaded his way through near the fence. Wonder Boy went a good race, but Swanee and Maricrana were disappointing. General Menteilh, appreciating the easy track, scored very decisively from Rizzio in the Cheltenham Handicap. Rizzio in turn was well clear of Parawera and Regality, the latter losing third money on the picture. Akbar was chopped back to last soon after the despatch. It did not take General Menteith long to hit the front from Super Vaals, and he just stayed there. Rizzio will be improved by the race, and Regality was seen to advantage under adverse conditions. Sleepy Fox was never prominent from wide out, and Coonbridge was sent back early. A likely improver is Gold Pal, who was making his first appearance of the season and went a promising race.