ROMFORD'S GORDON HANDICAP

NZ Truth, Issue 1141, 13 October 1927, Page 9

ROMFORD'S GORDON HANDICAP

Second Boom From Cambridge Backed With Confidence

(From "N.Z. Truth's" Special Auckland Representative.)

It is really wonderful the boom which surrounded Romford for his Gordon Handicap engagement last Saturday.

THE whispers heard regarding his prowess prior to the day were such as to make the evil-minded section of the racegoingr public prepared to witness a "ringer" taking the field. But there is not even a suspicion I that Romford was a "ringer." I The facts simply told are that Romford is a four-year-old maiden by Nassau — Fallwin, that he had never started m a race, but that his deeds at Cambridge m training efforts had been such as to make it clear that he was next door to a "moral" for any hack event -he took on. It was even stated that he had never seen a starting-gate prior to being taken on to the Ellerslie track before breakfast on the morning of the race, when he was shown the barrier on the | centre of the track and marched out from it. All these circumstances might have been treated suspiciously m . the old days, but things are different under our present-day supervision. This was the second boom which bailed from Cambridge m a couple of months, the previous one concerning Pukerimu, which ran second m the Bracelet at the Pakuranga Hunt meeting m August. But m Romford's case, he had <his number hoisted on top. The rush of money which came m support was simply marvellous for a four-year-old maiden, but he looked tho goods and gave evidence of having been m work for some time. In the race itself he had to be urged the last bit to get there by a head from a non -stayer m Baby Bun. But Romford stuck to his task m such fashion that it would be a game man who would say that he will not win again. However, it did not seem good play to take on an Ellerslie hack event as a. maiden and have to go right out into the open class for the mere winning of 250 soys. "first barrel."

Had Romford not had Star God m to make a price, those who wagered bo confidently on the son of Nassau would have had to accept a much shorter price. The wonder is that they were brave enough to bet against Star God after his work with Star Stranger. But the Cambridge "heads" evidently knew their horse well. They dig up some great maidens up Waikato way occasionally, but none which they punted on s with more confidence than Pukerimu and Romford.