Even Field In Hastings Classic

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 779, 27 September 1929, Page 14

Even Field In Hastings Classic

ONLY TWO WINNERS HUNTING CRY HAS BEST FORM One of the most interesting contests ever witnessed in the long series of the Hawke’s Bay Guineas is that scheduled for tomorrow on the roomy Hastings course. Admiral Brake, by virtue ol his second to Eaglet in the Wanganui classic. and filling a similar position behind Laughing Prince in the Eclipse Stakes two days later, appears to be the best performer. But, .on the other hand, there was not a, great deal of merit in either of those runs, for those behind him were poor. Nevertheless, there is nothing to cavil at in those two placed efforts, and on* them the Admiral is entitled to be favourite. He is a good colt,

and later on perhaps will be footing * it with the best of his age. Tahoma’s Prospects In the principal Avondale sprint, Tahoma ran poorly, getting lost in the early shuffle for positions, but it was a different * tale in last Monday’s Guineas. He was made to cover a bit of extra ground, being outside two horses crossing the top, and that is what tells when the good ones are in opposition. In the straight, Tahoma made a nice effort, and at the post was goings almost as fast as the winner, right up fourth. That was a good showing, and with a bit more luck in the running at Hastings he may spring a surprise on the more fancied candidates. King Hal has done nothing- to warrant his keeping such company. Not so long ago he ran a nail into a knee and this appears to have hampered his activities considerably. Roundelay’s only placed performance to date was a second to Last Mark at Trentham a couple of months ago. On that occasion the big-striding Limond gelding was only going three-quarter pace to hold off Air Laddie from getting second money. That he did so quite easily, and that at Riccarton a little later Air Laddie should be heavily backed, suggests that both Last Mark and Roundelay are good. Finished Fast Roundelay’s next appearance was in the Maiden at Wanganui, the last place in the world where his owner should have thought of starting such a long strider, for that track is small and very much on the turn. Perhaps it was more with the object of giving the chestnut an outing rather than with the hope of capturing an easy stake that persuaded the Wanganui trip to be undertaken. In that race Roundelay missed the jump-out, and then was flying in fourth place at the post. The Hastings course should be ideal for him, and he will have a strong horseman aboard to drive him home. Impressive Performances Hunting Cry was a promising two-year-old, and his brilliant performance in the Wanganui Trial suggests that he will be well up among the three-year-olds this term. When at Wanganui it is said that the Hunting Song gelding registered a sprint over a short journey probably never done before on that course. In the Trial Handicap, run over seven and aquarter furlongs, he cleared out from the opposition. There is only 165 yards further to go. Hunting Cry has therefore won over almost the Guineas distance. It was Air Laddie that chased the Hunting Song gelding home at Wanganui, and he was in receipt of Sib. Tomorrow they meet at level weights. Air Laddie the first dnv at Wanganui ran a fine race in the Marangai Handicap, the big event, being handy to the leaders at the home turn. That contest was run over eight and a-half furlongs. Six In It Bon Quixote ran a second in a divided maiden race at Dannevirke, and as he must have improved since then he will need to be respected, and coming from a such a strong stable. Sunny Mint does not impress, but My Own went a very fair race in the anganui classic, and she should be much benefited as a result of that run. "With this filly and her younger halfbrother, Simba, Mr. J. S. McLeod has a nice pair to carry his colours at Hastings. It is a very open race, with Admiral Brake, Tahoma, Roundelay, Hunting i Gvy, Air Laddie and My Own all hold- : mg winning chances.