EASY ST. LEGER

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 29, 27 April 1927, Page 6

EASY ST. LEGER

SOFT FOR LIMERICK PRAISE FOR LIMOND GELDING AUSTRALIANS ENTHUSIASTIC Limerick’s form at Rosehill and Warwick Farm made him appear a certainty for the St. Leger. Some followers of racing were doubtful whether he would be suited by the distance on such a heavy track, writes the Sydney critic, “Pilot.” The result demonstrated that Limerick is a better stayer than any other horse of his age at present racing in Australia. He and his stable companion, Battlement, decisively beat the other runners, the V.R.C. St. Leger winner, Epilogue, cutting up badly. MANY OPTIMISTS Nine runners for the St. Leger made a larger field than seemed possible at fortnight ago, but most of the competitors were started more with a view to second or third money than any particular hope of winning. Some of those which ran would be weighted between two and three stone below Limerick in a three-year-old handicap. Of course?*Limerick was always at a cramped price, next in order in the betting coming Battlement and Thracian. Before the race I heard doubt expressed as to Limerick being a stayer, but the result suggested that no distance is too far for him when opposing the best of his own age now racing in Australia. SOFT FOR THE FAVOURITE King Val and Cattaro did the early pacemaking. but Battlement had charge five furlongs from home and at the half-mile was doing well enough to suggest that Limerick, who was fourth, might be troubled to run him down. A little further on Limerick moved up rapidly, and, passing Thracian and Gegla before reaching the bend, caught Battlement at the leger. Over the concluding furlong Limerick had matters all his own way, beating Battlement a length and a-ahlf, Thracian being a dozen lengths further off. Valhalla was fourth, and the remainder arrived at intervals. Cattaro was over a furlong and a-half behind Limerick, and the V.R.C. St. Leger winner, Epilogue, must have been beaten nearly a furlong. However, his track form since he came from Melbourne did not point to his having a chance, and, though not as good as when racing at Flemington, he is a poor horse to have a St. Leger to his credit. BREED GOOD HORSES The going had Thracian very tired at the finish, and half a furlong from the judge’s box there seemed a possibility of Valhalla cutting him out of third money. The latter was not quite good enough, but his last two runs indicate that he may yet make a useful handicap horse, at least. Lanson, though a V.R.C. Oaks winner, is only ordinary, and with its two representatives equal to losing the best we can muster, New Zealand can truly claim that, though it does not breed as many, the quality, of its thoroughbreds loses nothing by comparison with ours. The principal thing to be regretted is that Rampion was not one of the field. A NICE STAKE Battlement, though not the equal of Limerick, is useful, and the £ 500 for second place will more than cover the cost of his trip to Sydney. Limerick’s win was worth £2,609, inclusive of £125 breeder’s premium, to Mr. H. A. Knight, whose trips to Sydney have been profitable. New Zealanders will now be looking forward to the meeting of Commendation and Limerick, but, unless the former comes to Australia, as is quite likely next spring, that may not take place for a long time. Present indications are that we shall be weak in weight-for-age horses next spring, and the chances are Limerick will again visit Sydney, and then go on to Melbourne in preference to returning to New Zealand for the big meeting at Christchurch. Limerick is a half-brother, by Limond (Desmond—Lindal) to the A.J.C. Derby winner, Ballymena, their dam being Medley, who is by Varco from Shindy, by Singlestick 11. from Nenuphar, by Apremont. It is almost unnecessary for me ~to add that F. D. Jones, who has charge of Limerick, also trained Ballymena.