WILL GESTO STAY?

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 871, 15 January 1930, Page 12

WILL GESTO STAY?

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES IMPROVING NEW ZEALANDER Though he did not win one of the bigger events, Gesto was by far the outstanding performer of the summer racing at Randwick. He won three consecutive races and that they brought his owner £1,344 in one week is an indication of what the possession of even a fair racehorse can sometimes mean. There is now the question of Gesto's future, and his trainer, G. Brice, may not be able to decide very easily what to do with this greatly improved horse. Always present is the weight aspect. Gesto’s last win was with 10.3 on a 7.0 limit, and Sydney handicappers are unlikely to take further risks with him in view of his excellent form. His future tasks in similar company to that in which he raced during the last fortnight would be very difficult, for he only scrambled home by half a head on the last occasion. His extra poundage would surely bring him back to his field. Brice is now faced with the problem of keeping him going while he is at the top of his form, even though he be, heavily weighted or of putting him aside until the autumn. Staying Better In the event of his taking the latter course, Gesto will probably be kept to middle distance racing, for his form during the Christmas meeting Avas a revelation to those who had regarded him as a non-stayer. He failed at a mile in the Villiers after being in the first three approaching the bend. Xet the races he won wgre over nine furlongs (twice) and a mile apd a-quarter, and in each he showed> gameness that was not credited him. If Brice does keep Gesto until the autumn, the fact of his racing against really good horses will not induce handicappers to treat him lightly. But further improvement on Gesto’s part is possible, and he would need little to make him a really first-class horse. His great turn of speed is a fine asset in middle distance events, for it enables him to keep near the leaders throughout, and as in the Denman Handicap, possibly establish a break that cannot be wiped off. For a horse of Gesto’s calibre, the Doncaster might be selected in the autumn. It is a tempting, bait, but Gesto’s Villiers failure suggests that he is better suited when given time to settle down, and keen racegoers contend that Price will be acting wisely if he ignores the hope of such a win and tackles the less important middle distance handicaps. RACING FIXTURES JANUARY 15, 16—Foxtori R.C. IS—Bay of Islands R.C. 18, 20, 22—Wellington R.C. 22—Aslihurst-Pohangina R.C. 25—Wairio J.C. 25 Waipapakaurl J.C. 28. 30—Wairoa R.C. 29, 30—Bahiatua R.C. 29, Feb. I—Takapuna J.C. FEBRUARY s—Tapanui R.C. 6, B—Gisborne R.C. 6, B—Taranaki J.C. 8— Matainata R.C. 13, 15—Dunedin J.C. 13, 15—Poverty Bay Turf C. 13, 15—Wanganui J.C. 15, 17—Rotorua R.C. 19— Clifden R.C. 19, 20—Woodville Dist. J.C. 20— Tologa Bay J.C. 22, 24—Dargaville R.C. 26, 27—Gore R.C. 26, 27—Dannevirke R.C. 27 —Waiapu R.C. 28, March I—Marlborough R.C. MARCH I—Banks Peninsula R.C. I, C—Te Aroha J.C. 5, 6—Rangitikei R.C. 7, B—Napier Bark R.C. 7, B—Cromwell J.C. S—Franklin R.C. 15, 17—Wellington R.C. 15, 17—Ohinemuri J.C. 17—Opunake R.C. 20— Waimate R.C. 22—Bay of Plenty J.C. 22, 24—Oamaru J.C. 26 Opotiki J.C. 26, 27 Manawatu R.C. APRIL 3, s—Whangarel R.C. 3, s —South Canterbury J.C. 4, s—Masterton R.C. 9 Plawke's Bay J.C. 11, 12—Otautau R.C. 12—Hororata R.C. 12, 14—Westport J.C. 12, 14—Waikato R.C. 19—Tuapeka County J.C. 19, 21—Wairarapa R.C. 19, 21—Feilding J.C. 19. 21—Auckland R.C 19, 21. 22—Riverton R.C. 21— Beaumont R.C. 21—Waipukurau J.C. 21 —Kurnara R.C. 21, 22—Canterbury J.C. 23, 24—Westland R.C. 26, 2S—Greymouth J.C. 26, 30—Avondale J.C. 30—Reefton J.C.