“FLYING GIBLETS"

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 22, 18 April 1927, Page 8

“FLYING GIBLETS"

THE OAKS WINNER FAVOURITE CAUGHT OFF COLOUR There is little doubt that the Lady Desmond seen in action at Ellerslie on Saturday was, literally speaking, not the same filly that won the Rangitikei and Nelson Cups. As announced in these columns last Thursday the filly had sustained a fall on the road at Hawera the day before leaving for Auckland, and when she was observed limping in the birdcage on Saturday it was plain that she had not quite recovered from the accident. In her preliminary the daughter of Limond hit out all right, and it was then thought that when warmed up she would go well. However, in the race itself she was never going too freely, and a long way from home it was seen that her task was hopeless, failing a miracle, and that did not come to pass. Miracles are not of frequent occurrence on racecourses. HANDY ALL THE WAY In winning the Oaks the Romeo filly Flying Juliet put up a good performance, although a big share of the credit of it must go to her jockey. She was kept handy to the leaders all the way, and when asked to go up and win she did so in fine style. Lady Desmond put in a good finishing effort, but there was no great sting in it, and she had to be content with second place, and her large army of backers faced a pecuniary loss. Lady Desmond covered more ground than anything else, but even so she was a long way below her best. It is tqo much to say as yet that Flying Juliet is above the ordinary, but later on one may be able to judge just how good the Oaks winner is over a journey. Prior to Saturday’s race she had failed to show signs of stamina. STOPPED QUICKLY The disappointment, outside of the favourite’s showing, was Phaola. The Catmint filly was always in a good position, and when she ran up to the leader nearly half a mile from home it was thought she would do the trick. In the straight Phaola failed to go on, and first Flying Juliet, more commonly known to racecourse wags as “Flying Giblets,” and then the favourite ran past her, so that at the finish she must have been a good five lengths behind the winner. Prior to the race Phaola had been galloping well. Of the others, little needs to be said. Acushla made the pace, but not too warm, and was fourth, while Tinoiti was further back and Mervette a long way off. The last-named will be a useful four-year-old, if looks count for anything, because she appeared a long way from being ready. COMING EVENTS ' FIXTURES FOR THE SEASON April 16, IS—Wairarapa R.C. April 16, 18—Feilding J.C. April 16, 18, 19—Riverton R.C. April 16. 18—Auckland R.C. April 18—Beaumont R.C. April 18—VVaipukurau J.C. April 18—Kumara R.C. April 18, 19—Canterbury J.C. April 20—Westland R.C. April 23, 27—Avondale J.C. April 23—Greymouth J.C. April 27—Reefton J.C. April 28 and 30— Manawatu R.C. April 29. 30—South Canterbury J.C. April 30, May 4—Waikato R.C. May 6, 7.—Hawke’s Bay J.C. May 6, 7 —Marlborough R.C. May 7.—Amberley R-C. May 12, 14—Egmont R.C. May 19. 21—Wanganui J.C. June 1,3, 4—Dunedin J.C. June 3, 4—Otaki-Maorl R.C. June 3,4, B—Auckland R.C. June 18 —Napier Park R.C.