TROTTING CUP.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 236, 5 October 1937, Page 16

TROTTING CUP.

CONTEST NEXT MONTH.

TASK OF INDIANAPOLIS.

KING'S WARRIOR TS FAVOUR. The appearance of the handicaps for the Now Zealand Trotting Cup, to be run at Aldington on November 9, will help to .stimulate interest in the fixture, ae this race is recognised ae one of the greatest trotting races in the southern hemisphere. It has attracted a field of twenty-two, which in most quarters is thought to be a trifle unwieldy to allow every horse a fair run throughout the full- journey, ami disappointment is expressed that the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club did not gee fit to fix the claw at 4.2j, which would have still attracted the beet pacers in commission. Aβ it is now several of them will not experience the best and naturally their chances will be affected. The field includes the elite of the Dominion's lioivcs and competition ie well distributed. Auckland will have King's' Warrior and Bonny Azure to carry her colours, Glenrotiriiu will represent Wellington, while Kvicus is owned by an Australian. Addington has more than ite share of entries and the competition ie sure to be of the keenest.

Kind's Warrior and Bonny Azure, two members of F. J. Smith's team at Takanini, have been training on in great style and judging by their appearance they will not lack for condition next month. King's Warrior is one of the best stayers raced in Auckland and his excellent performances at Aldington in August have given southerners a taete.of his quality. The black horse can both eprint and etay and lie will probably prove one of the hardest to beat. Bonny Azure is a brilliant little pacer with a fine burst of speed and she hae previously, given proof of her β-taniina. At present there are no definite arrangements as to which pacer Smith will drive in the cup. A great deal of interest will centre in the performance of the backmarker Indianapolis, one of the greatest pacers ever raced in the Dominion. He has already won three New Zealand Cups, but there is no gainsaying that he has none the best of the handicaps. A victory for Indianapolis would ho the forerunner of a wonderful demonstration, but it must be admitted the eon of Wrack will have to be truly great to win the coveted trophy. Mr. G. J. Barton, has three other representatives in the race in Grand Mogul, Tempest and Cloudy Range. Grand Mogul is a splendid pacer who hae some great performances to hie credit. Should a fine track prevail his chancee will be en ha need. Cloudy Range failed to race up to expectations at Addington in August and may hnd the class a shade beyond him. Form Not Impressive. Bingen Palm, Glenroseie and Gamble have not raced with any outstanding dash for Home time now and would have to make a big improvement to take part in the finish. Tempest is another who has no particular appeal over two miles. There is no doubt that he is a brilliant sprinter, but has to be reserved for one final run, which cannot always be rated to a nicety against the class he ie now meeting.

Pot Luck and Lucky Jack are -useful ■newcomer* to New Zealand Cup elase, the latter in particular being a very promising pacer. He won brilliantly over two miles at Addington in August after being one of the leaders all the way and according to reports from the south he has gone on the right way of late. Lucky Jack will prove a useful contender for cup honours. Pot Luck is a most consistent eort, but may find the class a shade beyond him. Reporter is not a real dyed-in-the-wool stayer, while the form of Evicus during the past few months has been far from convincing. A great etayer is Graham Direct, who has received a special preparation for this race. He hue been responsible for some really fine efforts and there ie no doubt he is destined to gain the highest honours. However, Graham Direct is a trifle unreliable at the barrier and does not always leave the mark as quickly as could be desired. He will probably be driven by Free Holmes, and there are few more capable reinemen in the land. Graham Direct may prove a difficult horse to beat.

Key Spec, Rollo and War Buoy are more than useful, but more appeal i* ™~, I>y w > llow Wave, who, although "iffy at the start, is a rare pacer when onto on the journey. Worthy Light wae placed over sprint distances at Addinfiton in August, but may find the opposition a triHe too <rood for him, although hie brilliant epeed up to a mile and a half may enable him to gain one of the ap prizes. Blue Mountain appears to be past his best, even though he showed a glimpse of form recently. One of the most brilliant paceiv? in the land. De Soto has been troubled by eoreneee ami this necessitated hie withdrawal from the cup last year. He had a race each day at Addington in August and stood up to the outings in fine style It IK to be hoped that he etands up to the required amount of work, ae he will add u S ,''°%\ , ei,l of i,lteri *t to the contest. Ke,l Shadow finixheri second last year when he was assisted l, y the soft conditions, but dors not appear to have anything the best of it off 48yde.