DOWNFALL OF AGRION

NZ Truth, Issue 1153, 5 January 1928, Page 9

DOWNFALL OF AGRION

No Fluke About Martarma's Derby Victory

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

The Great Northern Derby served to introduce a horse which is likely to make a great name for himself as a stayer— one that is more than a likely Melbourne Cup winner.

THAT horse is Martarma, which is more solidly put together than any

three -year- old seen out for years in th.is country.

There was not a semblance of a fluke about his victory, which was accomplished in great style over the business end after the pace had been on throughout.

Laughing Prince made a gallant fight , in the run home, but was no match for the son of Martian— Per Arma, which is destined to contribute his quota to racing history and raise his connections to the -heights which every ambitious owner and trainer desire.

The northern blue riband classic

witnessed the downfall of a very

hot favorite in Agrion.

If there is any excuse to be offered for his defeat into third place, it can only be that Martarma and Laughing Prince ,were better served by consistent racing than Mason's charge.

Agrion had got through a good share

of work up north prior to the day, but was still found wanting in staying: ability when the real call came from the distance.

In fact, he was being tackled seriously at the home turn, up to which stage he had been trailing Great Charter.

Three furlongs from home It looked as If he still had a bit in reserve, but the reserve power was no use when the superior racing condition of both, Martarma and Laughing Prince assert-* ed itself.

Martarma is every Inch a racehorse and seems the greatest find New Zealand has located for some years.

Great Charter hung on for fourth position at the close; In the Shade was fifth; Cimabue sixth and Satrap last;

The pace was on throughout the twelve furlongs, which were completed in 2.33 2-5, sectional' times being?; 26 2-5, 39, 513-5, 1.5 4-5, 1.18 3-5, 1.30 4-5, 1.441-5 and 1.57 3-5.