DECISIVE WIN FOR ALTRUIST

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24903, 17 June 1946, Page 7

DECISIVE WIN FOR ALTRUIST

A PROMISING STAYING HACK Although he travelled on the outside of two horses for a few furlongs. Ist had the opposition in the Burnside Hack Handicap at Oamaru well beaten over a furlong from the post. Denary and Trueway began best, but they were soon joined by Altruist, and these three led to the straight entrance from Velvet Slipper, Depth Charge, Joy Rosa, Finalist, and Gold JLance, At the straight entrance, Altruist soon worked clear of the rest and went on to win by a length and a half from Finalist, which came wide at the turn and from a good way back in the field. He finished well, although he got his tongue over the bit, and beat Gold Lance, which came from just as far back as Finalist, by two lengths Trueway was fourth, just ahead of Depth Charge. Denary. Joy ftosa, and Velvet Slipper, which were all practically together. Altruist is a brother to Authentic, but is a much better type than his relative. Some months ago he was sold by Mr W. Payne to Messrs D. A. Blackie and N. H. Barlow at a substantial figure and this was his first return for his new owners. Altruist has previously shown ability, but has been unlucky enough to have been involved in two falls in his few races to date. Like most of the stock of Night Raid, Altruist should improve considerably with age, and his breeding and the manner in which he won on Saturday, suggest that he will be seen to advantage in longer races. Frances Never Extended

Frances finally showed the form of which she was reputed to be capable when she made an exhibition of the field in the Trial Stakes. Kyron, Frances, and Lady Coolbane were the first to show out, but at the end of a furlong Frances went to the front, and led Kyron, Lady Coolbane, Baracha, Great Chum, Beechwood, Ara Chief, and Foreign Ways. Round the top, Great Chum ran up to Frances and the pair led to the straight from Baracha, Kyron, Lady Coolbane, and Foreign Ways. Frances was never extended in the run home and won by two lengths from Foreign Ways, which soon worked his way into second place in the straight, byt never looked like catching the winner. Kyron was a further two lengths back, then came Baracha, Great Chum, Lady Coolbane, Beechwood, and Boon Companion, with Ara Chief last. A Desperate Finish

Knight Crusader and Gold Lance provided a splendid contest in the Farewell Hack Handicap, when they disputed the lead practically throughout. Knight Crusader drew the rails position at the start and began smartly, but was very quickly joined by Gold Lance. The pair raced clear of Silver Stream, Velvet Slipper, All Quality, and Douglas Haig, with Royal Vestments and Burnbrae, which were slow away, in the rear. The two leaders staged a battle royal down the straight, and just as it looked as if Gold Lance would outstay his younger rival, Knight Crusader responded to vigorous riding and noticeably gained the upper hand in the last 30 yards. Douglas Haig, which ran wide entering the straight, also finished in good style and was only a length away at the post. Burnbrae, which made up -a lot of ground in the last two furlongs, was only another head away, fourth. Then came Velvet Slipper and Silver Stream. Knight Crusader, which took a long time to win a maiden race, generally tunning up against a horse above the average, showed himself to be a resolute finisher, and the way he held on under pressure, augurs well for his future. Raced More Solidly

Although his activities for'the remaflnder of the winter may be confined to jumping, Sphere ran his best race on the flat for some time when he finished second in the Oamaru Winter Cup on Saturday. Had not both the saddle girth and surcingle broken about a furlong from the post, preventing his rider, W. F. Ellis, from being, of any assistance to him, he might have finished much closer to the winner and possibly have challenged him for first place. Sphere was in second or third place in the running throughout the race and, as when he won over hurdles at Dunedin, was kept up to his work from the jump-out. A season over hurdles may make him race more solidly on the flat.

Favourite Fails Badly Denary was a pronounced favourite in the Burnside Hack Handicap, carrying nearly three times as much money as any other runner on the place machine, but once the business end of the race began she did not flatter her supporters. She drew No. 1 at the barrier and made a great beginning. With Altruist and Trueway she disputed the lead until the straight was reached, but at that point she faded out. She seemed to be struggling to keep her position after four furlongs had been covered, and altogether hers was a most disappointing display. Application Refused . The application of the Westport Jockey Club for extra permits to conduct a twoday meeting next month has been refused by the New Zealand Racing Conference. Rider Suspended After the running of the Rongotea Handicap at the Manawatu Racing Club’s meeting on Saturday, A. C. Messervy, rider of Ganges, was charged with crossing over too quickly and interfering with The Grand. After hearing evidence, the judicial committee decided to suspend Messervy for one month.—(P.A.). Answer to Correspondent Wager, “Haki "—(1) £2 ss, £1 8e; (2) Yes. "Blanket.”—The horse did not start on either. day.