SO FAR-AND NO FURTHER

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 52, 24 May 1927, Page 6

SO FAR-AND NO FURTHER

JUMPER RANGATAHI HAS HIS OWN IDEA OF RACING In the Century Hurdles at Wanganui on Thursday, Rangitahi finished a bad last. On Saturday, in the May Hurdles the aWikato representative won easing up. There was no demonstration on the second occasion, and in holding their peace the spectators proved themselves very observant. In the Century Hurdles Rangatahi went a good race for a mile and threequaters, after which he stopped to a walk, and he was last, many lengths behind the placed horses at the end. NO FURTHER Apparently Rangatahi is a peculiarly tempered horse, and has to be caught in the right mood. He was in a good position in the Century Hurdles with half the journey covered, and half a mile from home, when lying third just behind the pacemakers, he was a distinct possibility. Then he faded right out, and two furlongs on he had but one horse behind him, the unlucky Day Bell. Finally Rangatahi finished , last, with a lot of daylight between him and the second to last horse. On Saturday Rangatahi was ridden an exactly similar race in the" May Hurdles, a mile and threequarters as against the two miles and a quarter of the Century Hurdles. WON PULLING UP The Waikato representative was last with six furlongs gone, and then he was asked to get into a position, and half a mile further on he was lying third. Continuing his effort he was in the van as they ran past the three furlongs post, and then it was all over, for nothing else had the remotest chance of heading him. Rangatahi drew further away in the run to the judge, and eventually won, with his mouth open, by three lengths, conveying the impression that he was a Gloaming among those opposed to him. It was an attractive performance, and just showed what Rangatahi can do when in the mood. In the Century Hurdles Rangatahi was the winner at a mile and threequarters this was the distance the second day, therefore it was not surprising that the gleding won. But it was illuminating to see how easily he completed his task. LIGHT ON THE NORTHERN? ordinary. The fact that Rangatahi should score so comfortably at Wanganui points to the fact that Kawini is above the ordinary. It will be remembered that the latter easily accounted for Rangatahi at Te Rapa over a mile and threequarters, and when it is remembered that Kawini is a fine stayer and a proved horse at Ellerslie, then it certainly makes the latter out to be what everybody thinks he is. Therefore it is not to be wondered at that’ Kawini is the Great Northern Hurdles favourite. Rangatahi is in the Great Northern Hurdles with a pound above the minimum, but one cannot with confidence recommend him for the long journey. In the mood, however, he may very well upset calculations.