THE V.R.C. DERBY.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVII, Issue 974, 5 November 1908, Page 5

THE V.R.C. DERBY.

On Saturday the Blue Ribbon of the Victorian turf was contested, and as the reports from Flemington pointed out it really resolved itself into a dual between the Victorian crack Alawa and the A.J.C. Derby winner Parsee, although there were nine starters. Parsee’s victory in the Randwick

classic race was not held as a decisive test as to his staying abilities, as it was not a true run race, but a brush over the last six furlongs. Parsee, however, met Alawa in the Caulfield Guineas and won comfortably, but the latter, who had done little of account in private up to that time, was running on at the end, and was so much improved by the race that a few days later he easily won the Eclipse Stakes, in which he shaped like a stayer. He certainly had an allowance, but he scored very decisively at the end. On actual form Parsee had the pull over Alawa, but as the race was run at Flemington no doubt there was plenty of money forthcoming for Alawa, who represented Victoria. From the account of the race to hand it would .seem that Clayton rode by no means his best race on Parsee, who was asked to make up too much ground. Alawa was in a good position throughout with Parsee a long way back, beinglast but one until nearing the home bend. Once in the straight he was sent in pursuit of the leader, but failed to reach him, Alawa winning by two and a half lengths. That the pace was a cracker was shown by the time hoisted, viz., 2m. which is the fastest time the race has ever been run in since it was founded in 1564. Lord Nolan finished in third place eight lengths behind Parsee. Alawa is a big colt who runs in the name of “M. Gordon,” which is said to be the racing title of a well-known Victorian lady. The colt was sired by the Bill of Portland horse Malster, his dam being that fine mare Crossfire, by Goldsborough from Powder, by Biinkhoolie. Crossfire, it may be remembered, was the dam of LongTom, as well as sister to the Melbourne Cup winner Arsenal. Malster. the sire of Alawa, won the A.J.C. and V.R.C. Derbies of 190 u. R. Lewis, who had the mount on Alawa. has on three occasions ridden the winner of the V.R.C. Derby.