THE DERBY SURPRISE.”

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3378, 6 January 1920, Page 5

THE DERBY SURPRISE.”

“Pha.eton,’{ in the NZ. Herald; says:——With a victory down to the’ credit of‘ Rossini in the New Zealand Derby, and the son of Martian landed at the post for the Great Northern’ Derby With all the polish that usually; c-haracterises a horse trained by R. .14 Mason, the popular View entertained with regard to the blue riband at ElKlerslie was that Mr G. D. Greenwood ‘held the key’ to the situation. Those‘ Who 80 a~r-acing, however, were once’ liaguin to have a striking illustration.-' of the glorious uncertainty that over-. hangs “the sport of Kings.” Royal‘ Stag 11aVi11g S-ufiered defeat in the Christmas Handicap, decided on "the oP9'llillg"da3',“ few embraced the Opinn, ion that he could win the Derby insigq nia, and there is reason to believe that" Sir George Clifiord was himse-11: !very- dubious of his colt’s prospects_ ‘Royal Stag, however, answered all de«. " mand-s in a solidly run race. Just as victory for the favourite seemed as~. sured, Royal Stag swooped down on‘ his rival with a magnificent run, and finishing as straight as a gunbarrel, he beathim half-a-length in the good time of 2min.- 24 2—ssec. There are‘ some who think that had Rossini nofi’ swerved at the critical stage he would have landed the odds set on his abila ity to win. lam not amongst the“ number that embrace that view. Royal Stag had the favourite beaten when: the latter swerved, and he must be’ {accorded the full. fruits of victory. Royal Stag is a Worthy colt tc rank as 21. Derby Winner, and he will only require to train on properly to earn‘ further distinction under the popular “yellow and blue chequers. »