 | RACING HISTORY |
YEAR: 1950
FEATURE RACE COMMENT
1950 NEW ZEALAND FREE-FOR-ALL
Parawa Derby, who had won impressively on the first day of the meeting, was at surprisingly good odds when he won the NZ Free-For-All with a last-second dab that gave him a head victory over Congo Song. Parawa Derby received a lucky opening on the rails over the last 50yds or he could not have been in the money. It was a wonderful finish in which less than half a length would have covered the first four horses.
Parawa Derby's performance was outstanding, as he was drawn in the second line at the barrier and looked effectively snowed in when the leaders, Gantree, Gay Knight, Captain Sandy, Globe Direct, Single Direct, Nebula and Congo Song wheeled for home.
Parawa Derby, now on 4:22 for two miles, looks sure to become the early favourite for the £5000 Auckland Cup. Since he began racing as a four-year-old in the 1947-48 season, Parawa Derby has won 12 races and £9613 in stakes.
Parawa Derby was bred by his owner, Mr L T Padget, of Invercargill, and is by Dillon Hall from War Betty, a useful Southland winner by Man o' War from Betty Martin, by Prince Imperial from Peri, by Imperious (imp) from Fairy, whose descendants include such good ones as Todd Lonzia, Great Venture, Belmont Hall, Bulldozer and Talent.
Credit: 'Ribbonwood' writing in NZ Trotting Calendar 15Nov50