Trotting Cup Carnival

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 303, 23 December 1941, Page 7

Trotting Cup Carnival

OPENS SATURDAY

Strong South Island Contingent WALTER MOORE FIGHTING FIT The Auckland Trotting Club win open its three days Cup carnival at Alexandra Park on Saturday, and keen contests are expected. A goodly number of horses from outside the province are acceptors, and among: the early arrivals are Walter Moore, Southland, Tall Timber, Courier, Herico, Conflagrate, Distributor and Macs Jimmy. The well-performed Te Roto and the trotter Short Wave are expected to-day. Walter Moore, winner of a double at gthe recent Forbury Park meeting, is favourite for the Auckland Cup, with Max Stewart's bracket of three—Betty Boop, Neutrality and Toceetie—second fancy, but there is reason to believe that Clockwork will be in strong demand on the day. The last-named, a five-year-old Jack Potts gelding, has come through a sound preparation and he can be expected to be running on strongly at the end, as he Is one of the best stayers in the race. Wanted to Gallop There was a fair amount of activity at Epsom this morning, when training was carried out on the grass track, 42 feet from the rails. The course was in good order and except where otherwise stated the tasks were over a mile and a half. Om> of the first to step out was Walter Moore, who was to have been taken over two miles without the hopples. However this horse had other ideas and he went off at a gallop, which he kept for two rounds before D. C. Watts got him into the pacing gait. The favourite then wanted to dash away and reveal his best paces but he was restrained to sprint six furlongs in 1.15. Walter Moore }s a very sound pacer with the hopples ttn and he has shown in races that lie can develop speed with great celerity. The smartest effort of the morning went to the credit of Cavalryman (X. Morrison) and Munga Tangi (C. M. Morrison), who recorded 3.39, the last halfmile in 1.8, finishing on terms. Cavalryman is on the limit in the Akarana Handicap and he should give a good account of himself. Southland, who finished second to Sabu in the Suburban Handicap at Wellington last month and recorded 2.46 from 2.56, was restricted to take 4.20. This horse is in capital condition and although his task in the Akarana Handicap on Saturday is a severe one from 24yds behind he will have better opportunities in the Tramway and New Year Handicaps later at the meeting. These races are 3.31 class. There was nothing between Magic Task (J. E. Mcßrlde) «and Forest Jewel (W. Fleming) after they had run the final sprint in 1.10, the full distance taking 3.40. Magic Task has not been racing with luck in her favour, but the Nelson Tasker mare is better now than ever before. FORM OF CtIP VISITORS Of the South Island candidates, Walter Moore and Clockwork, the former has been the most discussed since the appearance of the handicaps, in spite of the absence of any form at two miles. Late last season Walter Moore won four races in succession, including the New Zealand Futurity Stakes at Ashburton, in which he ran a mile and five furlongs In 3.35 3-5 or 2.12 3-5 to the mile. He also won the Ashburton All-Aged Stakes, one mile and a half. In 3.15 4-5 and at Addington made a three-year-old record of 2.41 for one mile and a quarter to win the Metropolitan All-Aged Stakes. This term Walter Moore has recorded two firsts and two placings in four starts. At Hutt Park he ran 2.39 3-5 for second to Haughty in the Electric Handicap. His successes were over a mile and three furlongs at Forbury Park, when he defeated some fine pacers, including Springfield Globe. If he can run out two miles Walter Moore should take beating. HAS RECORDED 4.18 2-S While the performances of Clockwork may not appear as dazzling, it is in his favour that he has been successful at two miles. At Ashburton last December Clock-" work won the Mid-summer Handicap off 4.43 in the remarkably good time of 4.18 2-5. After finishing third to Walter Moore and Springfield Globe at Forbury Park, Clockwork won the Members' Handicap at New Brighton in 3.17, off 3.24. The staying credentials of Clockwotk entitle him to the'greatest respect. A PROVED STAYER The third visitor, Te Roto, one of the most Improved pacers in the North Island, has recorded three firsts, a second and third in five consecutive starts, his successes, two of which were gained at Epsom, being at two miles. Te Roto was very impressive in winning the Stewards' Handicap at the Auckland October meeting, in which he conceded 48 yards to such as Davey Day and Neutrality and 24 yards to Stargum and Munga Tangi. Te Roto was unlucky to be beaten into third in the Remuera Handicap. At Hutt Park he suffered a narrow defeat by Lady Carol In the Royal Handicap, going 3.16 1-5. His form suggests good possibilities.