REONUI IMPRESSES

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 738, 10 August 1929, Page 16

REONUI IMPRESSES

A BAD MARBLE SHANKARA’S GREAT PRICE When Shankara streaked away with the lead to win the Auburn Handicap at Rosehill on Saturday week last, many spectators thought he had come home unbacked. His price had drifted to double figures, and he had few backers. But a well-known owner-punter had taken £1,500 to £l2O from bookmaker Reg. Catton and £I,OOO to £BO from Jim Hackett, and these bets totalling £2,500 were for the owner. Shankara had won twice and run second three times in his last five starts. The form augured well for his chance, especially as he had been unlucky at Canterbury where a bit of soft going in the last 100 yards spoiled his chance, and enabled Lorient 11. to beat him by a head. But he drew No. 13 at the barrier this time, and backers thought that would beat him. However, owner Bill Tindall didn’t lose confidence, and the bets mentioned above were made at the last moment on his behalf. Shankara was first out, and never headed. .. _ . Reonui s Game Effort Ticino, High Disdain and Reonui issued challenges in the last two and half furlongs. Reonui’s effort was stoutest of the three, and he gradually overhauled Shankara in the last 100 vards. But the post was too near at hand, and Shankara got therewith three-quarters of a length to spare. Reonui’s form was excellent considering that he drew the extreme outside berth at the barrier. . It cost him a lot of ground, and it was obvious from his good second under such disadvantages that a more favourable draw would. have given him victory. . Burjay finished well to get third, and Royal Duke put up a good performance. He was fourth last halfway through the race, but was beaten only a head for third. But better fancied candidates in Ticino and I-ligli Diwdain were disappointments, and finished weakly after possessing good chances at the home turn. Ticino, however, is likely to improve. He apparently needs racng experience to bring him on.