KEEN INTEREST IN HAWKE'S BAY GUINEAS

Chronicle (Levin), 3 October 1946, Page 6

KEEN INTEREST IN HAWKE'S BAY GUINEAS

\ " More than usual .interest is being in-; vested in the Hawke 's Bay 'Guineas to be run at Hastings on Saturday in view of the fact that it is'expected to reveal an outstanding contender for the Wellington GuinQas a fortuight later ^ at Awapuni. Several of' the candidates ineluded in the field this week showed up in a very faVourable light on the first day at Hastings and the raqe is expected to be most keenly eontested. As definite arrangements have been made for Majesty. (Avondale Guineas), Howe (Wanganui Guineas) and Privi.lege (John Grigg Stajces) to grace the Wellington Guineas field, the winner's performance Avill need to be good if he is to prove a worthy challenger. The most impressive performers last week were undoubtedly Opulent, Morocco and Desert Fox. Opulent eontested the Flyipg Handicap, and it took a class sprinter in Da Yinci to lower his colours. After forcing the pace all the way; the Legatee three-year-old impressed by the determined manner in which he fought on at the finish and there is little doubt that the mile wiil not trouble him. He has been placed in his three races since coinmeneing the season and appearanees suggest that he will lack nothing on the score of hardened condition. Judging by the effortless manner in which he defeated a particularly smart field of haclcs last Saturday, Morocco is undoubtedly as good as his admirers claim. The grey son of Theio had none of the luck in the early running, but once he put in his claim in the straighl he settled the opposition in a few strides. His appearance suggested thal the race would do him a world of good and he is likely to have a host of followers. Big things have been expected of the handsome Foxbridge gelding Desert Fox ever since he commenced raeing ii. June and, although he has failed to win. his efi'orts have suggested that he wib eventually come into his own. Inabilit} to begin smartly has handicapped him in his races and this was evident last week when, after losing grougd early, he came home brilliantly to suffer ari unluclcy defeat in the Epsom Haek Handicap. In a smaller field and over more ground, Desert Fox may be quiti capable of earning the classic honours. Early favourites for the Hawke 's Bay Guineas, Rosswood and Flying Robin failed ingloriously last week Both have the appearance of real class colts and it may be unwise to condemn thcm on that showing in view of theii previous good form at Wanganui. OI the two, Rosswood appcals as the one who may make the expected improve ment this week. Karachi has lost caste by his showings this terni, and a tendency to hang badly in his races does not improve his chances. Of the fillies engaged, Dancing Girl has the strongest claims and her efi'ort in finishing a closc' fourth in the Epsom Handicap rvith 8.10 Avas a very uieritorious performance. On latest form those most favoured may be Opulent, Morocco, Desert Fox and Rosswood.