DEFAULTER BEATEN

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 85, 7 October 1938, Page 13

DEFAULTER BEATEN

DUNEDIN MEETING

WIMNING RIVAL'S STAKES

(By Telegraph.) (Special to the "Evening Post.")

DUNEDIN, October 6.

Features of the opening day of the Dunedin Jockey Club's Spring Meeting were the surprise defeat of the Guineas favourite, Defaulter, in the Electric Handicap, and the manner in which Winning Rival scored in the McLean Stakes. In his contest Defaulter appeared to have the race won, but on hitting the front he commenced to loaf and Silver Streak got up to beat him. Winning Rival, on the other hand, had to come from well back to annex the honours. A HOT FAVOURITE. Mount Val started an odds-on chance for the Spring Hurdles. His rider was content to stay in the rear over the first mile, but then he moved forward to take charge. Once over the second to last fence, which brought down Delrain heavily, his task was an easy one. Grand Finale was in the picture over the last seven furlongs, but displayed no dash in the run home. Song Boy and Night Scout, who put in great jumps, fought outthird place, the former's extra speed on the flat giving him that position. Vantoon failed to show up again after striking the second fence. IN THE VAN THROUGHOUT. Withdrawal, a well-backed fancy for the Trial Handicap, gave trouble at the start, but she was first out and was a winner all the way. This was pnly her second start as a three-year-61d. As a two-year-old she showed she had speed, but needed time. Her breeder and owner is Mr. L. C. Hazlett, president of the club. Attractive Note, a half-sister to Lord Nuffield, ran a good race and can be expected to improve. Chirp and Vallock both finished well, the former just getting third place. Colonel Rouge dropped out in the last 50 yards after being handy to that stage. POSSESSOR OF STAMINA. Passatform was always prominent in the Mungatua Handicap, and although he had to bridge a gap of about four lengths to Cihtilla from the halfmile, he was alongside the leader inside the last furlong, and after a short tussle the Washdyke colt obtained the upper hand. Passaform is possessed of more than ordinary stamina. Cintilla led from practically the start to the finish and might have succeeded if more patiently handled. Ardchoille was only a moderate third. Sparkle was a poor fifth, and her form was too bad to be true. A SURPRISE RESULT. Silver Streak revealed all his old brilliancy to win the Electric Handicap. He was fifth after half the journey, but then moved up handy to a bunch headed by Viking. At his first attempt to make a run he was chopped back, but he quickly got going again to head off Defaulter about 50 yards from the post, Silver Streak ran in at the finish and had to be pulled out twice, apparently through breaking down as he was lame afterwards, but his usual gameness pulled him through. Defaulter was taken a little too confidently once he hit the front, and he was perhaps unlucky. Moneyless struggled on gamely for third, but the others were outclassed. A NARROW CALL. The Mosgiel Handicap resolved itself over the concluding stages into a duel between Last Refrain and Milford, and the former, with the advantage of a more vigorous rider, won narrowly. Last Refrain, however, would have been unlucky to lose, as he suffered interference in the back stretch. On his previous visit to Wingatui, in June, Last Refrain won the Birthday Handicap. Milford went a sound race and will be improved. Pink Robe just headed Balmenter, who lost two to three lengths when the field closed in pn him approaching the half-mile. Alma was well beaten three furlongs from home. The time for the race beat Galleon's track record of 2min 14sec, registered at the Dunedin Cup Meeting, by a second. Valantua had every chance, finishing a bad fifth. A MERITORIOUS WIN. Winning Rival put up a meritorious effort to win the McLean Stakes, for although the Riccarton filly hopped out well, she was sent back after a furlong. Settling down to her work in good style in the straight, she unwound a great burst of speed to head off on the post Dark Flight, who had looked all over a winner at the distance, and King Gustavo. This was her first start in a race, and her effort speaks well for her future prospects. King Gustavo, who races in the same colours as Top Row, got the best of the start, but was soon passed by Dark Flight. Both should improve. Gold Salute was unlucky, coming from well back to finish a close fourth. ! AT A "CRAMPED PRICE. Petersham, who was at a short price, scored an easy win in the October Handicap, making three consecutive victories. Osculate made the running to the straight, where Sword-Shck went on from Petersham, and these two singled themselves out at the finish. High Glee, last over the early stages, came home well, but had no chance of getting nearer the winner. Silver Slipper never flattered, but Night Wings should do better. OUT OF HACK RANKS. Making his first appearance this season Lord Nuffield scored very comfortably in the Taioma Hack Handicap. He was in the middle of the field for most of the journey and was fairly well back from the leader, Density, when they turned for home. Straightdell was the first to measure oft Density, but he had no sooner accomplished this than Lord Nuffield swept up on the outside. Kilrobe, who. missed the jump-out, had no difficulty m heading off Density for the barren honour, and the former's effort was a. good one under the circumstances. Lord Nuffield, who showed useful form last season, has now run himself out of hack company, but he can still run out his nominations.