 | RACING HISTORY |
YEAR: 1934
FEATURE RACE COMMENT
1934 NEW ZEALAND DERBY
500 sovs: 3 Year-Olds: One mile & a half
The New Zealand Derby attracted the best field of pacers that has ever contested the three-year-old classic, and each one of the 13 horses was turned out well. As it was only to be expected in a field of baby pacers, there was some delay at the start, Donalda and Graham Direst breaking their overchecks, while Red Ranger also proved fractious. The majority were slow to begin, and even Red Ranger, Subsidy, and Gamble, who were first away, did not show much dash in leaving the barrier.
Gamble always appeared likely to take a hand in the finish, and while Subsidy and Red Ranger were in front of him over the early part, only three furlongs had been covered when M B Edwards shot the favourite to the front and held a lead of two lengths until half a mile from home, when with a great burst of speed he went right away from the field to establish a break of six lengths. With Subsidy in pursuit Gamble easily held his own and won by six lengths, with three lengths to Drag Harlan, who finished very fast. Then followed Ironside, Lord Axworthy, Graham Direct, Grace McElwyn, and Moana Tama.
Gamble won like a true racehorse, and was plainly better class than the rest. On this occasion he paced straight and true, and never appeared in danger of defeat. He is a quality looking colt, a good chestnut in colour, and though in some of his races he has performed in a coltish manner, it seems he only needs racing experience to make him into the ideal racehorse. His driver, Edwards, took no risks, and wisely got out of all trouble early in the race. Another race or two and Gamble may proceed to emulate the deeds of War Buoy, who won the race for Edwards last year.
Subsidy went a very good race, and though outclassed by the winner, he is likely to win good races before he is much older. He is well-mannered and honest. Drag Harlan was not among the leaders at the start, but his finishing run was one that should not be forgotten. He came with a great rattle of the last furlong, and showed the greatest promise. Lord Axworthy displayed a lot of speed, and is bound to be even more successful before the season is far advanced. Grace McElwyn, only a pony, showed a burst of speed half a mile from home, and her turn will come later. Donalda went away fairly well and showed speed, while the erratic Graham Direct exhibited all his well-known pace and bad-manners. Moana Tama disappointed his supporters; he tangled soon after the start and, losing ground, did not get near the leaders.
It was a race full of interest, and showed Gamble to be the outstanding colt of his age.
Credit: THE PRESS 9 Nov 1934