BACK TO HIS BEST

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 137, 11 June 1937, Page 13

BACK TO HIS BEST

GRAHAM DIRECT IN FORM

(Special from "Irvlngton.")

CHRISTCHURCH, June 10.

Graham Direct made a welcome return to form to win the King George Handicap at the Ashburton Trotting Club's Meeting on Wednesday, and the manner in which he came away from his field in the last furlong was another reminder that when he is at his peak he is one of the most brilliant pacers in commission at the present time. In the early stages he was well back in his field, but he put in an appearance with two furlongs to go, and although he wf.s under pressure to reach the front, he was running on better than any of his opposition, winning with something in hand.

Bonny Azure was also responsible > for a good effort, as she came from • well back and was forced to cover a > deal of extra ground. Her finishing run was particularly strong. ; His" best performance for some time 1 found Llewellyn's Pride in third place just clear of Tempest and Gallant ; Knight. The last-named was dis- ■ appointing. He had every chance, being well placed throughput, but he 1 failed to finish on after being one of the first turning for home. Tempest, however, was bringing up the rear with a mile to go, and he did well to Ibe fourth. Key Spec and Rocks Ahead ran fairly, but Lucky Jack again failed 1 to show any of the dash wßich marked his early performances. WYNAN'S OVHUOUE WIN. Wynan's win in the Trial Handicap was not out of turn. To date he has been handicapped by bad barrier manners, but he has made steady improvement with racing, and as he has more speed anc' stamina than the average impuover his prospects are bright. Chieftainess was at a long price and her second was her best effort to date. She has not been greatly impressive, however, and while she has a fair turn of speed she does not stay on at all well. On the other hand, Twenty Grand, third, caught the eye as a .pacer of possibilities. He has not done a great deal of racing, but he is a good type with a nice style of moving. Scottish Bardic, having his first race, did well to be close up, and he may prove the best of the remainder. BEST PRICE OF DAY. When the field passed the stands the first time in toe Winter Handicap Stirling Lady was the leader, and she still occupied that position when she reached the judge. She ran on solidly, and won easily to pay the best price of the day. , Nervie's Last was always well placed, • but he could not make any impression on the leader over the final half-mile. Double Great was finishing on in third place, just clear of Encounter. p ; ■

Parisienne, the favourite, 'appeared to have every chance, but she failed to finish on in her usual manner. ■