UNUSUAL DOUBLE AT ROSEHILL

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 161, 28 September 1927, Page 10

UNUSUAL DOUBLE AT ROSEHILL

VALAIS HORSE WINS BIG SUMS FOR HIS OWNER Mr. Ned Moss, one of the most popular owners in Sydney, had a welcome change of fortune when Vaals defeated a field of Epsom aspirants in the Camellia Stakes, and then went on to complete a double by winning a division of Highweight Handicap at the Rosehill (Sydney) meeting last Saturday'' week. Great expectations centred around Vaals when Mr. Moss purchased him for 2,000 guineas as a yearling at the beginning of the Valais boom, but it was not until he was four years old that those expectations were partially realised. He won a two-year-old race at Rosehill and was successful in the A.J.C. Clibborn Stakes the following season, but although nice prize-money went with the latter race liis heavy betting owner did not benefit from the ring. He fancied Triplex in that race, and backed up his opinion to his subsequent sorrow THE TIDE TURNS Early last season, however, Vaals returned all his losses by winning three races in succession, and although he has been something of a disappointment since, his winning form capped all his previous efforts. Mr. Moss has experienced bad luck with his horses in important races, particularly when he owned Stony, and few people would begrudge him success with Vaals in the Epsom. On the strength of his first-class track form, Vaals was considered by his connections to have a great chance in the Camellia Stakes, and he was backed to win a big stake. A little at double figures was laid against him early, but shorter prices were taken for big money. Among the best against him to win were £1,200. £I,OOO, and £9OO. OTHERS BACKED Several other large commissions were worked in the same race, as Mrs. Otway Falkiner’s gelding, Killarney, who had run second to the Epsom favourite Gothic at the Farm, had backers to win them £2,500, and Mr. E. A. Connolly again displayed confidence in Cimon. Among the best written against, the latter were £2,400 and £1,200. Calmest and Aorangi were others to find favour with backers, and the former tried to lead all the way. However, she could never get far away from Vaals, who was almost level with her at the half-mile, and the chestnut had her beaten at the beginning of the last, furlong. Momentarily it appeared as if he would have an easy victory, but he was all out at the finish to beat Aorangi by a neck. Calmest is nothing if not consistent, and hung on well to add another notch to her long list of minor placings. Cimon again left the money invested on him with the bookmakers, and Killarney, who was about sixth most of the journey, displayed no dash in the straight. However, lie lost a little ground through interference near the half mile. MORE LARGE BETS After the race, Mr. Moss signified his intention of sadding Vaals up again in the first division of the Highweight Handicap, in which his penalty of 71b. was discounted by the weaker field. Backers determined to grasp what looked like a great opportunity, and nice bets laid against the son of Valais were to win £1,300, £7OO, £350, and £3OO. Vaals duly acted up to expectations. He lay in behind Ariedon for the greater part of the trip, with Persuasion third, but although Mak Siccar made a charge after Vaals had settled Ariedon passing the Leger stand the favourite ran home an easy winner amid ringing applause, which indicated riot only a favourite’s success, but recognition of a popular owner’s change of luck. Vaals has now won £4.570 10s in stakes and as he has won some nice bets, even though he has lost some, lie must show his owner a good profit.