 | RACING HISTORY |
YEAR: 1962
FEATURE RACE COMMENT
1962 NZ OAKS
Following her fourth placing in the NZ Derby Stakes in record time, Wendy Dawn was sent out a warm favourite for the NZ Oaks at New Brighton on Saturday. She had only a head to spare over Solemn at the post, but displayed rare gameness to wear down that pacer in the run home.
Wendy Dawn started from the second line and did not appear to be really at ease on the track. Solemn, winner of a non-totalisator race at Addington, stuck to her work in grim fashion in the run home and was far from disgraced in being beaten into second place. Her stablemate, Maggie Spangler, was always in the picture, and finished three lengths behind Solemn. A length further back came Filet Mignon, who was followed in by Free Land, Mile End, Rose Adios, Sirretta, Stella Globe and Aufleem.
Jilaire, Rose Adios, Joan Vale, Morissa, Solemn, Stella Globe, Filet Mignon, Megaton, Aufleem and Loch Katrine all lost ground at the start. Free Land made the best beginning, but at the end of two furlongs, Maggie Spangler was the leader, and was followed a little later by Solemn. At this stage Jilaire had improved to be up with Solemn. Wendy Dawn raced in about fifth place most of the way but improved to be on the outside of Jilaire and Solemn at the straight entrance. She gradually worked up to Solemn, and these two fillies staged a keen duel.
Several substantial offers have been made for Wendy Dawn, but J G Hampton said on Saturday she was not for sale at present. Wendy Dawn is a bay filly by Johnny Globe from Meadowbrook, and ranks as a half sister to Knightsbridge. Meadowbrook was got by Bonny Bridge from the Logan Pointer Mare, Rose Logan. Wendy Dawn was bred by her owner-trainer, J G Hampton, who drove her on Saturday.
Credit: 'Irvington' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 5Dec62