THE DUNEDIN CUP HANDICAP.

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 4193, 24 November 1883, Page 9 (Supplement)

THE DUNEDIN CUP HANDICAP.

(By HirroNA.]

With commendable punctuality, the weights for the Dunedin Cup, which is to be run on the 21st of February, wore issued on the afternoon of Tuesday last, and with one or two exceptions the work seems to have been pretty well done. Welcome Jack, of course, heads the list with 9st. 71b., and after him comes Tasman with 21b. less, but the first name to strike the eye is that of Mata (Sst 121b.) What a show he would have if it was only possible to get him back to something like his old form; but he may be passed over, for I doubt his standing another preparation. Lady Emma and Salvago, with Sst. 51b. each, read well, and if either of the pair see the post, they will be very dangerous ; while Turquoise (Sst. 31b.) may be reckoned among the "possibles." The handicappers have been particularly harsh with Oudeis, for granted that ho is a firstclass colt, he is not entitled to Sst. 21b. If the Australiau-bred five-year-old Theuge is worthy of his breeding, 7st. 131b. should not stop him, and Tim Whifller at the same weight, may show up prominently if one of the starters. The three-year-old colt Sir Bcdevere has been allotted 7st. 71b., and in the Auckland Cup he gets off with 6st. 91b., so that it is very evident someone has erred. His previous performances do not justify him getting this impost, but it may be mentioned that two of the gontleraen who allotted the Dunedin weights were present at the recent Christchurch Meetine, while our handicappers were not. There is no reason why Emir Bey should not be thought decidedly well in with 7st. 71b., and I must confess to a sneaking regard for Sir Modred's brother July(7st, 41b.). With tho Auckland and Wellington Cupa and Christchurch Midsummer Handicap yet to bo decidod, it would be useless for me to Bay anything further regarding tho chances of tho 49 candidates engaged, for it is more than likely some of them will have incurred penalties before tho time for tho decision of the race arrives.