PRINCE RANA MAKES GOOD IN PRINCIPAL EVENT AT TEAROHA

Wanganui Chronicle, 5 May 1950, Page 2

PRINCE RANA MAKES GOOD IN PRINCIPAL EVENT AT TEAROHA

AUCKLAND, Last Night, (Special). —Twelve months ago Prince Rana finished second to the useful Artificer in the Te Aroha Handicap. Last Saturday he went one better, winning the 'Te Aroha Handicap and returning a dividend of just under a score. Regarded last season as an up-and-coming handicapper. Prince Rana registered several disappointing performances, and after his first race in the current season he was put aside for a lengthy spell. He resumed at Rotorua on Easter Saturday after an absence of eight months, and evidence of the fact that he had done well on the track in the Interim was provided by the support which brought his dividend down to below 20 to 1. His display on Saturday indicated that he is a better horse than when he temporary retired. Incidentally, his success added one more to the growing list of successful outsiders In the principal handicap races in the northern province this season.

Supporters of Prince Rana did not have undue cause for optimism during the running. He was nicely placed on the rails early and then began to go back and back until he was in the ruck at the five furlongs, but not so far back as to be in a hopeless position. Actually slightly behind him at this point was the favourite, Vigilantla, with Barfleur and The Gent, and Frontier Mac whipping In. Vigilantia started his run shortly after and was four horses out making for the straight, where Mountain Glory held command. He was still in the van below the distance, but already weakening. Vigilantia was fighting it out with Sir Vite when Prince Rana came through on the rails, with The Gent moving up on the outside. Prince Rana held too many guns at the weights and Just shaded Vigilantia. The consistent The Gent came on for a good third in front of Happy Issue, Mountain Glory, Earldale, Sir Vite and Gwen Vaals.

With an outsider coming home in the first “leg” of the double, the wellbacked Chatrill did the right thing for the majority of doubles Investors in the open sprint. He and imported Duccio led right to the turn, where the latter had if anything, a slight call, with Akbar, Formata and Level Best (last to leave the barrier) chasing them into the stretch. It was a good duel between the two leaders, but Chatrill had the measure of Duccio half a furlong from home. Akbar held on for second, but only a head in front of Master Orelio and Duccio, with Formata, Kilfenora, Ututere, Eurolie, Chatscourt and Level Best following. Chatrill won well and Akbar showed that he is going to do well in important handicaps ahead. Master Orelio and Kilfenora made a promising debut in the open sprint ranks. Duccio proved possessed of a lot of pace and he will be all the better for the run. Chatscourt raced much below expectations.