ONEHUNGA HANDICAP

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 207, 21 November 1927, Page 6

ONEHUNGA HANDICAP

ONE OF THE GEMS SPECTACULAR CONTEST FLORENT BEATS HIS TIME As anticipated in THE SUN the Onehunga Handicap on Saturday w** one of the gems of the card, providing both a fine speculative and spectacular contest. Uncle Bert. Gold Jacket, Amaris, Lady Dunraore, Dick Dillon and Eockburn were backed spiritedly in that order, but there was also even support for the next bunch, Wallroon, Florent and Reliance. THE PACE ON Hypo went away smartly and was soon leading the field at a merry clip with Wallroon, who had made up his leeway quickly, in close attendance and this pair piloted the field over the first circuit. At the end of a mile Woodvale took charge and led from Wallroon, Amaris, Gold Jacket and Florent. Woodvale was first to turn for home and his victory was acclaimed at the distance, where Amaris, however, had his measure. STIRRING FINISH The latter was heralded as the successful aspirant for the stake, but along came Florent with a late run to win by a short head, with Gold Jacket not a length away third, followed by Woodvale, Rockburn, Wallroon and Dick Dillon. It was a stirring finish, and C. G. Lee, driver of the winner! gave a fine exhibition of judicious driving. Florent is owned by Mr. C. E. Sampson and is a son of that good horse Florizel from a Mandarine mare. LAST SEASON S FORM Last season the gelding started 11 times, and after several outs, showed promise at the Otahuhu summer fixture by running second to Maggie Pronto in a 12-furlong event. He was on a 3.32 peg and registered 3.28 2-5. Next time out was at Alexandra Park on the occasion of the Waikato meeting last March, when from a 4.44 mark Florent led home a good field in 4.35 2-5, with Van Rich and Gold Jacket in the places. HAN DICAPPE R’S OPINION JUSTIFIED Florent failed in his next few outings, and when handicapped at 4.37 last month did not start, his connections expressing disapproval with the adjustment, taking a line througu those who finished behind him. Placed on a similar mark for Saturday, it was still contended Florent was not .receiving his dues in this direction Several shrewd followers of the game, however, recognising that the Florizel gelding was a good one, would not be put oft*, and although the connections reaped a remunerative figure, others, wide awake, participated in the return. Handicapper Gooseman put Florent on 4.37, and the gelding acknowledged the compliment by tramping 4.34 2-5 on Saturday.