 | RACING HISTORY |
YEAR: 1935
FEATURE RACE COMMENT
1935 NEW ZEALAND FREE-FOR-ALL
Excitement was at fever heat when the horses paraded for the Free-For-All but the public appeared to be well satisfied that the mighty Indianapolis, who was bracketed with Tempest, was next to unbeatable.
There was a little delay at the start through horses backing out, and when the barriers were released all went off smartly except Indianapolis, who lost several lengths through tangling. While Harold Logan hit the front and set a merry pace for the first furlong, J Fraser, jun, did not allow Indianapolis to waste any time once he had stuck his hopples, and when a quarter of a mile had been covered he was just behind Tempest, who was a length in the rear of Harold Logan.
As the stands were passed Indianapolis was running closer to the leader, and the margin was still further reduced going down the back. By the time the quarter mile post was reached Harold Logan was only half a length in front, and at the straight entrance his driver drew the whip. Harold Logan made a valiant fight, but the long-striding Wrack pacer wore him down, and 100 yards from home he held him safely.
Harold Logan, apparently beaten, also succumbed to the fast-finishing Tempest, who had all the best of the running, and Roi l'Or, who got up in time to deprive him of third money. Red Shadow was beaten for speed in the final stages, and Evicus tailed the field.
Indianapolis showed the speed and racing qualities of a champion, and possibly his lead at the finish might have been increased had his driver desired. Tempest is a brilliant pacer when conditions suit, and in this race he was admirably driven by D C Watts, a young driver, who does not receive all the chances his ability deserves. Roi l'Or, who tailed the field for the greater part of the journey, put in a characteristic burst over the final stages, and while Harold Logan was well beaten, Red Shadow had also had enough, and Evicus disappointed by her failure to run on at the end.
The first half mile was covered in 1min 6 4/5sec, six furlongs in 1min 39sec, a mile in 2min 8sec, and the full journey in 2min 39 2/5sec, the last half mile in 60 2/5sec.
Credit: THE PRESS 16 Nov 1935