Holdfast is Best N.S.W. Youngster

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 542, 20 December 1928, Page 14

Holdfast is Best N.S.W. Youngster

UNBEATEN TWO-YEAR-OLD r OWNER SUPER-PESSIMIST The most pessimistic owner of a good horse the writer has struck is F. Gahan, the bookmaker who runs Holdfast, New South Wales’s unbeaten two-year-old, writes C. J. Graves. He upbraided “The Guardian" for “writing his horse up,” presumably referring to “The Guardian’s” prophecy that Holdfast would win the Kirkham Stakes, decided last Saturday .week. “Your paper would be better employed,” he declared, “writing up some of the dead-’uns.” Apparently he looked forward with no joy to the prospect of a fine performance by the youngster carrying his colours. Perhaps he was_only joking when he made these remarks, and after the race, on spying the writer in the crowd, he called, “You were right. He’s a good ’un, all right,” referring, of course, to Holdfast. Perhaps it was the owner’s pessimism, reflected all through the bookmaking ring, that led to Holdfast easing in the market until most books offered at times as much as five to two. Yet many of the keenest bettors had gone to the course thoroughly expecting that Holdfast would start at even money or a shade of odds on. Bookmakers Rushed A more experienced, thoroughly proved and consistently good track galloper above all his rivals, his prospects certainly looked excellent, and punters rushed the opening price with which a few of the more venturesome bookmakers opened the betting. The set against him was partially explained by the heavy backing of his rivals, Malvina, Twinkle Star, Urangarra, Malayan and Claredo. But, in addition, the books were gambling against both first and -second favourites. In winning, Holdfast proved himself a thorough champion. Beginning slower than most of his rivals, he nevertheless made up ground rapidly, once he got into his stride. Sitting in behind Twinkle Star, Ileen Cello and Cloister, it was apparent that McCarten simply awaited a chance to go through. It didn’t offer at the home turn, so he took what for him was the unusual course of gointr rouhd. Outstanding Effort l’n the straight there remained only Cloister to beat, and she had a useful advantage. But Holdfast, once straightened up for the run home, made short work of his rival and went on to win by three lengths. To reduce by a quarter-second the course record of 1.1 was a striking performance, considering the circumstances, and it is obvious that the high opinions of Holdfast and his form have not been exaggerated. The race was worth approximately <£l,loo, and now Holdfast goes on to the December Stakes, in which he seems certain to pick up the winner’s share of the £2,000 prize. Owner Frank Gahan is certainly getting a good return for the 160gns, he paid for Holdfast as a yearling. Outside of Holdfast, the best performance in the Kirkham Stakes was He was always behind Holdfast and was never near enough to strike a blow. In running second he did exceptionally well. “‘f " ,wne v r ; W' TlndaJl - would have profited richly from the double-figure ?ng e if e h!°?, k H ab K OUt him in the be «ing . bad been good enough. Holdfast is by Wedge from Lystrim.