GOOD HORSES

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 780, 28 September 1929, Page 14

GOOD HORSES

CHELMSFORD STAKES TUSSLE PHAR LAPS FINE RUN In view of the big classic, weight-for-age and handicap events to be staged at the A.J.C. carnival at Randwick on October 5,7, 10 and 12, the following review in the Sydney "Guardian” of September 16 will interest Dominion sportsmen: Limerick’s withdrawal from the Chelmsford Stakes was a disappointment. His trainer stated that the swelling in the horse's leg was uo worse, but the heel was discharging freely, and in consequence he deemed it inadvisable to do anything that might prejudice his chance of success at the A.J.C. meeting. In the absence of Limerick it was thought Mollison’s backers would have to put up with a very short price, but though at slight odds against early, he wound up at a reasonable price. This was mainly the result of the heavy support accorded Winalot. while there was also money for Phar Lap, Comanche and Valparaiso. The lastnamed won at w.f.a. in Brisbane, but it seemed too much to expect him to succeed in this company. Mollison commenced with his customary smartness, but Cook quickly got hold of him in order to allow something else to carry on the running. Nedda first, and then Valparaiso obliged, and nearing the half-mile the latter was about a length in front of Mollison. Woodgera and Crucis, who were bunched. On the Rails Valparaiso and Crucis led into the straight, but then Mollison shot through on the rails. At first an easy win for him seemed certain, but then Winalot made such a fast run that he got very close to Mollison, and Cook got to work on Mollison again in earnest. Mollison responded, but though he shook off Winalot he was not out of danger, as Phar Lap then challenged him. Mollison raised another effort, but though he momentarily got away again, Phar Lap kept coming. It was a fine finish, with Phar Lap beaten only half a length, and doing so well that Mollison’s backers were pleased when he was safely past the winning post. The last half-mile was run in 484. Where Winalot Failed When Winalot’s backers saw him almost on terms with Mollison a furlong from home, they naturally expected him to outstay the Victorian, but Cook’s early tactics left Mollison with a little more in reserve than usual at the finish of his races. As Phar Lap was last starting the back stretch, and then had to go fairly wide from the rails in making up ground before reaching the turn, liis form was excellent, and was testimony to J. Pike’s good judgment in deciding to ride him in the Derby, notwithstanding he will have to waste strenuously in order to get down to 8.10. As Phar Lap is a well-grown three-year-old, the higher scale will not seriously affect him, but though he finished some lengths ahead of Comanche on Saturday it must not be overlooked he was in receipt of 101 b. In the Derby they meet on level terms. At the half-mile Comanche was one of the last two. owing to being unable to keep out of the way of another runner that dropped back when the pace was cracked on. The position was made worse for Comanche owing to a horse being outside him. Crucis showed the dash that has recently marked his track efforts, but is still below weight-for-age class. Nine furlongs at w.f.a. and a two miles handicap with 8.5 are very different, but though Crucis has received stable support. Comanche may prove D. Lewis’s best Melbourne Cup horse. They met on Cup terms on Saturday. Below the Standard There seems little hope for Nedda, Woodgera, Dreamdale. or Violin Solo in the Derby. J. Scully was confident

Violin Solo would run a great race in the Chelmsford, and it was an unpleasant shock for him when that colt finished last. Before he finished strongly in the race won by Ticino at Rosehill, the opinion was general that Violin Solo would not stay, and going on his latest run that estimate would appear correct. A alparaiso tired, but his failure does not dispose of him for the Metropolitan, in which his weight drops to 8.4 against Saturday’s 9.1. Warwick Stakes form worked out so correctly between Mollison. Phar Lap and Winalot as to suggest that Limerick would have again beaten that trio if F. Jones had considered him sound enough to be one of the field. FIVE-FIGURE OFFER PHAR LAP’S VALUE | (United P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright) SYDNEY, Friday. • An offer of 10,000gns has been made •bv a syndicate for the A.J.C. Derbv and Melbourne Cup candidate. Phar !i L cY > ' T he ° wncr - TJ - Davis, paid only , ISOg-ns for P, )a r Lap as a yearling in New Zealand. 1 contrary to expectations, is i again in work. His trainer. Jones. I hopes to state definitely on Tuesday whether Limerick tv ill take part in : the spring carnival.