 | RACING HISTORY |
YEAR: 1965
FEATURE RACE COMMENT
1965 NZ DERBY STAKES
Always well positioned in the NZ Derby Stakes, Bass Strait showed determination in wearing down Inky Boy in the race to the post. These two capable three-year-olds practically had the finish to themselves, the third horse, Scotch Cherie being three and a half lengths back.
Inky Boy was only just caught and beaten in the last stride or two. It was disclosed later that Inky Boy was inclined to run out in the straight and could not be driven to the best advantage. Inky Boy had been suffering from a cold before the meeting and at one stage he came close to being scratched. Phillmark failed to justify the solid support to come for her in the Derby but she could be excused to some extent. She had been suffering from a cold and she choked during the running. There was some merit in her fourth placing in the circumstances. From the second line, Courtier, a hot favourite carrying one-fifth of the total pool in the race, broke badly at the start and lost far too much ground to be a real threat. Maluka, Atanui, Athenian and Goldmount were others to break at the start.
Bass Strait, a bay gelding by Hal Tryax from Laura Ann showed fine promise last season as a two-year-old but he has taken time this season to return to his best. His win on Saturday night gave trainer C C Devine his second training success in the Derby and his first driving success. Devine trained Bellajily to win in 1963 when driven by D J Townley. Bass Strait is the third NZ Derby Stakes winner sired by Hal Tryax in the last six years, the other two being Student Prince and Tactile.
Credit: 'Irvington' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar