HE IS CLASS HORSE

NZ Truth, Issue 1212, 21 February 1929, Page 13

HE IS CLASS HORSE

Derby Victor, Nightmarch, Wins Dunedin Cup Very Easily a goodWmp home

(From "N.Z. Truth s Special Dunedin Representative) . When Nightmarch romped home m the Dunedin Cup he proved* that Riccarton shelters the two best three-year-olds m the country.

T TNFORTUNATELT, ' he was not U nominated for either of the St. Legers which makes Red Heckle's task comparatively easy, and it illustrates the futility of breeders trying to assess thoroughbreds', futures on their juvenile appearances. Nightmarch was a firm second favorite to Pink Note and he never gave his supporters any cause for alarm. -> •Charlie Emerson kept him m a handy .position behind Royal Saxon and Circulation, but across the top Pink Note, Papatu and Rotor moved up on the outer and Charlie found himself pocketed. With only two furlongs to go Emerson Wooked his horse out to the back and came on the outer. Once he gave the Derby winner his head it was all over bar presenting the Cup. Pink Note drew out from the bunch and ran one of his game races, but could maJse no impression on the three-year-old, which won by two and a-half lengths. i Papatu, which was not suited by the hard track, „ finished on well a similar

distance behind Pink Note and three lengths clear of Rotor. Count Cavour could never go with them, while Prickles and Beau Geste ran poorly and finished last. Though the Derby field was a poor recommendation for this season's three-year-olds, Nightmarch, by winning ' the Marton and Dunedin Cups, has established his claim to be regarded as the best of his age and his absence from the St. Legers is a matter for regret. He was ridden at Wingatui with perfect judgment and the time, 2.32 .1/5, was good for the course. . Since the beginning of the season Nightmarch has furnished well under the supervision of Alec. McAulay, and he will give further indication before long that he is a genuine stayer of good class. His exploits during the season have drawn marked attention — especially m the North Island — to his sire, Night Raid. The imported horse transmits to his stock, as Nightmarch evidences, staying ability and that Is what the country needs badly at the present juncture; : •■