A.J.C. LEGER

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 73, 13 April 1937, Page 8

A.J.C. LEGER

Gold Rod's Success Soinething more than sprinting auility carried Gold Rod to victory in the A.J.C. St. Leger at Randwick, says a Sydney exchange. The race was run to suit him, but the paec was not actually slow, as the time, 3.1|, has been beaten only three times in the autumn classic. Few racegoers, however, thought that Gold Rod would give hjs opponents half a- dozen lengths start from the five furlongs and then win comfortably. At least thoy expected him to stay among the leaders early, everi if he did not lead all the way but Gold Rod's trainer, George Price, had other ideas. McCarten was told to restrain Gold , Rod as much as possible. The doubt of the colt's stamina was still there, and so Gold Rod was pulled back second last at the start. For about 50 yards Gold Rod started to fight for his head and baekers were fearing, but he quickly settled down and he was going well within himself all the way. McCarten commenced his forward inove at the hadf mile, and Gold Rod quickly had .the drop on the leader Barramul. From the home turn, however, Barramul was not easily beaten, and a furlong from the post it was still a fight. Gold Rod's giant strides then told their tale and right at the end he was running awa y from his opponents. Prince Quex, another New, Zealander, dashed into second place in the last 2v* yards and, although he would not have beaten Gold Rod, he would have finished much closer had he been ridden with more judgment.