CURRENT TOPICS FROM STABLE AND COURSE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 November 1940, Page 3

CURRENT TOPICS FROM STABLE AND COURSE

Not a Real Stayer (BY "THE GRAFTER.") Royal Chiefs great success under a record winning weight in the C.J.C. Metropolitan Handicap was apparent corroboration of the view that he is a champion at distances just short of two miles. In four starts in two-mile handicaps he has finished respectively fifth (Melbourne Cup), fourth (New Zealand Cup), second (Sydney Cup) and fifth' (New Zealand Cup). At weight-for-age he has won once at the distance, in the A.J.C. Randwick Plate, in which the two miles took 3.431 to run. At 11 furlongs to a mile and three-quarters, however, Royal Chief has won the New Zealand Derby, New Zealand St Leger, A.J.C. Colin Stephen Stakes (twice), A.J.C. Metropolitan, Canterbury Cup (twice), Wellington Handicap and C.J.C. Metropolitan Handicap. He has failed four times at 11 miles —in the Dunedin Cup, his second attempt in the A.J.C. Metropolitan, and the Great Autumn Handicap, each time under a big weight, and in the Great Northern Derby, in which his victor was Courtcraft. Royal Chief's full record to date comprises 23 wins and 23 minor placings in 63 starts for £13,427 10s in stakes. It is worth recalling that Mr A. K. Firth, his Christchurch owner, bought him as a yearling for 160 guineas, which is the same price as was given for Phar Lap as b yearling.