CUP DAY AT ADDINGTON

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 25021, 1 November 1946, Page 4

CUP DAY AT ADDINGTON

Knave of Diamonds Should Be Prominent INTEGRITY’S THIRD ATTEMPT The absence of Gold Bar from the field for the New Zealand Trotting Cup, which will be decided at Addington to-morrow, robs the race of some interest, as his presence in the field has resulted in fast times being recorded in each of the races he has contested. Capitalising the ability of his horse to begin quickly, his owner-trainer, A. Holmes, always adopted tearaway tactics in an endeavour to demoralise his fields; and when, after four unsuccessful attempts, he won the big race last year he received an unprecedented ovation. With Gold Bar missing, the pace will probably be set by fast beginners in Happy Man and Clockwork, and the Cup should again be a true test of stamina this year. Most interest in the race centres on the chances of Knave of Diamonds, Integrity, Josedale Grattan, and Haughty. Knave of Diamonds is having his first race in the Cup and, as his record includes some fine performances over all distances, he should be seen to advantage whichever way the race is run. With two second placings to his credit in his two previous attempts at the Cup, Integrity must be respected. His chance depends on how he leaves the mark at the start, and if he goes away correctly for D. C. Watts he should be prominent all the way. The field includes Cup winners in Haughty, Bronze Eagle, and Josedale Grattan.

Josedale Grattan gave F. J. Smith his first success in the Cup when he won in 4min 15sec in 1941. The Grattan McKinney horse will start off the scratch mark to-morrow. He is bracketed with Volo Senwod, and the combination should be popular with investors. Josedale Grattan has not had the benefit of recent racing to fit him for his task; but Smith knows what is required to win this race, and it can be taken for granted that his horse will lack nothing on the score of condition. Haughty, a grand staying daughter of Nelson Derby and Regal Voyage, lowered the record to 4min 13 4-ssec when she Won her first cup for Mr B. Grice in 1942, and in 1943 she clipped a fifth of a second off that time to establish a world's winning race record for two miles of 4min 13 3-ssec, when she won again. Haughty showed that she is at the top of her form when she was privately timed to cover the last mile and a half of her heat in slightly better than 3min lOsec at the recent trials of the Canterbury Owners’ and Breeders’ Association at Addington; and a third cup win for her is quite possible. She is obviously very well, and she is better placed in the handicaps than she has been for some time. Haughty conceded 36 yards’ start to a good field when she won in 1943, and from the same mark to-morrow she is capable of springing a surprise. Driven by G. B. Noble, Bronze Eagle finished a length and a half in front of Integrity on a dead track in 1944. Now in C. C. Devine’s stable at Prebbleton, - Bronze Eagle looks well, and he appeals as a place prospect from the 24 yards mark to-morrow. The race, which had its beginning as the New Zealand Handicap, of £l5O, for horses that could do five minutes or better, is now a 4min 20sec class event, and with its stake of £7500 it is the richest race in the Dominion. The prize-money given is the largest for any straight-out trotting event in the world. , With its modern appointments, wellkept grounds, and a six-furlong dirt track, which is roomy enough* to give every contestant a fair chance, Addingtonis the ideal setting for the staging of the premier event on the trotting calendar. Well-banked turns and two straights of approximately a furlong and a half allow horses to attain higher speeds than those recorded on any other course in New Zealand The Australian pacer. Lawn Derby, established his mile record of Imin 59 2-ssec at Addington in November, 1938; and the trotter, Worthy Queen, established her record of 2min 3 3-ssec on this course in 1934. Photo-Finish Camera The installation of the photo-finish camera, which will be used for the first time at a trotting meeting in New Zealand to-morrow, marks another milestonein the history of the sport. Spectators will notice two changes. The familiar board at the finishing post has disappeared, and in its place is a drum surmounted by a long strip of mirror. The judge’s box has been moved down to a corner of the stewards’ stand, and in its place has been built a camera room, which contains the photo-finish equipment. For safety measures, the finish of the race is recorded with two cameras; and if the judge calls for a photo finish the shutters are closed and the camera room becomes a dark-room. The film from one camera is rapidly processed, and in about two minutes a print is dropped down a chute to the judge’s box below. With the aid of the mirror attachment, the print shows the position of horses which may have been obscured by horses on the outside of the track, and the revolving drum shows the date and name of the meeting, together with the number of the race. The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club originated from the Lancaster Park Amateur Trotting Club, which raced on a small track at Lancaster Park before the turn of the century. Trotting gradually became popular, and the Lancaster Park Club made arrangements to lease part of the Twigger Estate from the North Canterbury Charitable Aid Board. When the new course was completed, it changed its name to the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club. History of the Race The first meeting of. the club was held at Addington during Carnival Week in 1899. The main event at the meetings in 1901 and 1902 was named the New Zealand Handicap, and in 1903 it was changed to the Champion Handicap, which was a 4min 48sec class race with a stake of £3OO. In 1904 it was renamed the New Zealand Cup Handicap, and since that time it has not been changed. The class for the first cup was 4min sCsec and the stake £3lO. Monte Carlo, which was described as “the hero of 100 stubbornly-contested races,” won in 4min 44 3-ssec from Norice, which later left her mark as a brood mare, in second place, and .Durbar third. Birchmark, which was generally admitted to be above the average, won the £3lO stake in 1905. In 1906 the stake was raised to £4OO, and the class was tightened to 4min 50sec. This was Exhibition Year in Christchurch, and what was described as a “truly representative gathering” watched the Australian pacer, Belmont M, win from Euchre and Marian. The stake gradually rose, and *in 1909 “Spectator” wrote in the "Referee” (from which most of these facts were taken): “Who in their wildest flights of fancy could have dreamed of the sport becoming so popular in such a comparatively few years. . . . The chief race, the New Zealand Cup, carries a stake of £700.” The class in 1909 was for horses which could do better than 4min 45sec, and the race was won by Wildwood Junr., which won again in 1910 when the stake v/as increased to £ 1000. The march of progress was maintained, and by 1913 the stake was £2OOO, and the class tightened up to 4min 38sec< This race was won by Ravenschild, -«nd in 1914 the £2500 Cup was won by Win Soon with Country Belle in second place. The latter improved and was successful in 1915.

Spectators got their money’s worth of thrills in 1916. The stewards’ stand was burnt down during the meeting and the cup, which was timed to start at 1.50 p.m., did not start until 3.15 p.m. In the race Eccentric fell, when leading at the end of six furlongs, and brought down Succeed, Browne Belle, and Erin’s King. Cathedral Chimes was well back when the mishap occurred, and J. Bryce was able to take him wide out and avoid trouble. He finished on well-to win from Evelyn, with Admiral Wood in third place. Adelaide Direct won in 1917 from Cathedral Chimes, and in 1918 Author Dillon established a record of 4min 26 2-ssec when he won from Matchlight and Moneymaker. Driven by F. Holmes, who imported him from America in 1916. Trix Pointer gave Holmes his only success in the race when she won in 1919 from Moneymaker. After being retired from the race track, Trix Pointer was mated with Wrack, and the resultant foal, Wrackler, won the big race in 1930 for Mr H. F. Nicoll, who had been, successful in 1908 with Durbar. A grand trotter in. Reta Peter was successful in 1920 and 1921. A. Butterfield, who still trains a team at Addington, was successful in 1922 with Agathos, and J. Bryce recorded his second cup success in 1923 with Great Hope. In 1924 the Aus, tralian-bred Sheik lowered the record to 4min 25 4-ssec when hs. won from Great Hope and Taraire. Mr R. M. Morten’s Ahuriri, which was trained and driven by J. Bryce, was the winner in 1926 and 1927, and the following year Bryce trained Kohara to win for Mr J. L. Webb. Peter Bingen won in 1928 and 1929. and Miss E. Hinds’s Harold Logan, one of the most popular horses ever to race in New Zealand, was successful in 5931 and 1932. Aided by a heavy track, ted Shadow won for Mrs Harrall in 1933. Won Three New Zealand Cups The flying Indianapolis, the only horse with three New Zealand Cups to his credit, won in 1934, 1935, and 1936 for Mr G. J. Barton. Lucky Jack won in 1937 for Mr W. T. Lowe, and Morello in 1938 for Mr A. J. Lawrence. Trained and driven by R. B. Berry, Lucky Jack, returned to his best form in 1939 to win tn 4min 16 l-ssec. Marlene, which was • doubtful starter a day before the race. 4 ,t>

gave one of the gamest performances ever seen at Addington when she fought out a hard finish with Dusky Sound in the 1940 Cup. Marlene deserved her win, but Dusky Sound also recorded a fine performance to finish in second place as his preparation had been interrupted when he met with an accident a few weeks before the big race. To-morrow’s Programme This year’s Cup is exciting great interest. Heavy rain fell yesterday morning, and the track at Addington received a thorough soaking. About 11 o’clock last night heavy rain again fell.

Globe Direct, which showed splendid form as a three-year-old last season to record three wins and three minor placings. started this season with a second placing to Minmi Boy on a sloppy track at the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club’s meeting on August 24; and as he followed up with a sterling effort to win .the Metropolitan Stakes from Sir Michael the following week, he will probably be sent out favourite for the Victoria Handicap. Stimulant has registered three wins and two minor placings and, although he is now meeting a better class of horse, he should continue to pay his way for Mr H. W. Drewery. Minmi Boy has img roved considerably since being trained y R. Townley at Tinwald and, whatever the state of the track,* he is capable of finishing in a place. Plunder Bar is a likely improver and, together with Gamble King, the winner of the Methven Trotting Cup, he should be handy to Globe Direct, Stimulant, and Minmi Boy at the finish. 11.32 a.m.—•

With a field of 24 horses engaged, luck in the running will play an important part in the Spring Handicap. Of the four horses on scratch, Betty Maxegin and Mamanuas make most appeal. The latter has been working well, and if he races up to>his best form he is capable of winning. Rerewaka looks the pick of the 12 yards division. He disappointed when he broke in the Freyberg Handicap at the Forbury Park Trotting Club’s meeting, but he was placed in JO of his 13 races last season, and he should be near his best when he parades to-morrow. Maximum is a speedy type on the 24 yards mark. Royal Dale’s second placing to Castigate in the Freyberg Handicap at the Forbury Park meeting was a solid effort, and that form entitles her to consideration. Of those further back in the handicaps, Lee Berry, Teddy Gregg, and Endowed all’ have good performances to their credit, but they should be extended by Rerewaka, Maximum, and Royal Dale.

Snowflake’s game finishing effort in the Canterbury Three-year-old Stakes at the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club’s meeting in August stamps her as a highclass filly, and she will probably be sent I out favourite for the Riccarton Stakes. County Antrim also gave a fine performance in the Three-year-old Stakes after striking trouble early, and with better luck to-mdrrow he may be the hardest to beat. Coral Princess has been showing up in her recent races, and Gay Piper, a brother to the speedy Dunmore, looks like developing into a smart pacer. The fillies, Likely and Palette, both look the part and they «may fight out the finish with Snowflake, County Antrim, and Gay Piper.

The New Zealand Cup field includes several horses which have had strenuous racing careers, and Knave of Diamonds; a newcomer to- this class, can be expected to show more improvement than most of- his opoonents. This, son of Jack Potts and Nan .tte raced, consistently last season to be placed in nine of his 14 races, one of his best performances being an easy win over Shadow Maid and Burt Scott in the J. H. Williams Handicap at the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's meeting on April 13. His ownertrainer, O. E. Hooper, said during the #eek.that, although he has not been able to give his horse as much fast work as he would "have liked to give him, Knave of Diamonds has done a lot of solid work and he expects him to race well.

Double Peter’s chance will depend to a large extent on the track conditions, but unless it is heavy he will not be one of the favourites: Sea Born would also have an advantage if the track is soft. Integrity showed that he can handle all kinds of going when he finished second to Bronze Eagle in the 1944 Cup in 4min 30 l-ssec. on a track which had been affected by rain. In that race he lost so much ground at the start that his chance appeared hopeless, but he finished very fast to earn the second prize of £lOOO. Integrity finished in second place to Gold Bar last year, and if he tops off his record with a win to-morrow his success will be popular. F. J Smith’s pair, Josedale Grattan and Volo Senwod, looked well when seen at Addington during the week, and they should - race well. Bulldozer, which will be bracketed with Burt Scott, has done well in training, and . with the race run to suit him he would be a possibility.

Happy Man, Clockwork, and Countless j all looked well when they paraded for. the Hannon Memorial at Oamaru; and, of these. Clockwork’s placing in the sprint attracts attention to his prospects. Bronze Eagle, the 1944 Cup winner, will start from the 24 yards mark, but he appears to be safely held by Haughty from the 36 yards mark. Haughty is a brilliant mare, and as she appears to be approaching her best form again, she may trouble Knave of Diamonds. Integrity, and Josedale Grattan at the finish.

Dunmore is, nicely placed on the 12 yards mark in the Canterbury Handicap, and if he can reproduce the form he showed to record six wins and three minor placings last season, he should keep this field busy all the way. Dunmore’s only placing in three starts this season was a third to Catalpa and Aberhall in the Speedway Handicap at the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club’s meeting on August 24, and he would need to- show little improvement on that performance to win to-morrow. Pre-Emi-nence, the sole occupant of the scratch mark, has been racing consistently, and he should finish in the money. Scottish Lady and Sir Michael must also be conceded a chance. Sir Michael has shown his best form over shorter distances, but he is a powerfully-built horse and should be capable of travelling a fast two miles. Navigate, which is on the 24 yards mark, recorded 4min 20 l-ssec when he won the Freyberg Handicap at the New Brighton Trotting Club’s meeting on September 7, and, together with Dunmore, Sir Michael, and Scottish Lady, he may divide the 2.37 p.m.— AVON HANDICAP, of £I2OO. Trotters. 2min 52sec class. One mile and a

Casablanca returned to the winning list with a find display to win the Wishful Handicap at the Oamaru Trotting Club’s meeting, and he should race well from the 12 yards mark in the Avon Handicap. Forewarned was unlucky at OamarU. Hidden Note should be improved by her r acc Mae Wynne showed form to be placed when racing against the pacers in the Domain Handicap at Forbury Park on October 19 and to finish in second place to Mistydale in the Churchill Handicap, after conceding starts of up to 72 yards to most of the field. Sea Max gave a good display at Oamaru on Monday, but she appears to be set a hard task to give starts successfully to ' high-class trotters in Casablanca, Hidden Note, and Forewarned.

Catalp a showed a return to form when, at his first start this season, he won the Speedway Handicap from Aberhall on the first day of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club’s National meeting, and he followed up with another fine performance to finish in second place to Battle Colours'in the National Handicap on the second day of the meeting. is not set an impossible task from the 24 yards mark in the Empire Handicap, and what beats him should win. Turco has been racing vtftthout luck, and a win for him would be popular. , The best of the remainder appear to be In the Mood and Trusty Scott.

The Metropolitan Club's innovation of providing what is virtually a free-for-all for 2min 43sec class pacers has met with a good response from owners, and the 14 horses carded for the Final Handicap include some smart pacers. Great Belwin. which is trained by F. J. Smith, showed good form as a four-year-old. last season to win five races, and he should race well against the local horses. Galvena finished in second place to Characteristic at the Auckland Trotting Club’s meeting on September 21 at his last start, and if he has improved since then he should earn some of the money. Cameronian won a heat at the recent trials at Addington, and, if he begins smartly, he should beat more than beats him. Scottish Lady finished brilliantly in second place to Sir Michael in the Electric Handicap at the New Brighton Trotting Club’s meeting on September 7. and she may dispute the finish with Cameronian, Gamble King, and «Great Belwin.

The following is the programme:— 10.47 a.m.— VICTORIA HANDICAP. Of £1000. 4min 31sec class. Two miles. Globe Direct scr Radical 12 Lou Hall scr Scottish Miami Boy .. scr Emperor 12 Nola Scott Stimulant scr scr Tenpennybit .. Dillon dale 12 24 Elvo’s Pride .. 12 Fancy Goods 24 Plunder Bar .. Prince Grattan 12 12 Gamble King Worthy 'Gold 24 24

SPRING HANDICAP of £650. Trotters. 3min 52sec class. One mile and five furlongs. Bel Esprit .. scr Royal Dale .. 36 Betty Maxegin scr Tall Timber .. 36 Flying Scott .. scr Lee Berry .. 48 Mamanuas .. scr Teddy Gregg 48 Freckles .. 12 Toushay .. 48 Quartermaster 12 Castigate .. 60 Rerewaka .. 12 Endowed .. 60 Royal Stone .. 12 Willie Winkle 60 Strummer .. 12 Believe Me .. 72 Cleeve Hill .. 24 Benghazi .. 72 Maximum .. 24 Frank Scott .. 72 Paul Parrish .. 36 Firewater .. 84

12.17 p.m.— RICCARTON STAKES, of £750. Three-year-olds. One mile and a quarter. Antrim Hall .. scr High Command scr Baadin .. scr His Excellency scr Coral Princess scr Ikaroa .. scr County Antrim scr Likely .. scr Double ‘ Milford Lad .. scr Endowment scr Palette .. scr Fillmore .. scr Snowflake .. scr Gay Piper .. scr Trixie Hall .. scr Henry of _ War Glory .. scr Navarre scr

1.7 p.m.— NEW ZEALAND CUP, of £7500. 4min 20sec class. Two miles. Bulldozer scr Burt Scott 12 Double Peter scr Clockwork 12 Happy Man .. scr Countless 12 Josedale Integrity 12 Grattan scr Sea Born 12 Knave of Bronze Eagle 24 Diamonds Haughty 36 Volo Senwod scr

1.52 p.m.— CANTERBURY HANDICAP, of £1250 4min 28sec class. Two miles. Pre-Eminence scr Sir Michael .. 12 Dunmore 12 Acropolis .. 24 Loyal Peter .. 12 Dundee Sandy 24 Liberty Bond 12 Elation .. 24 Scotch Music. ' Scottish Lady 12 12 Navigate . .. 24

quarter. Douglas Mae Wynne .. scr McElwyn scr Royal Worthy scr Fantom .. scr Steel King .. scr Forewarned .. scr Casablanca .. 12 Hidden Note .. scr Will Cary .. 12 Ordnance .. scr Sea Max .. 38 Rangefinder .. scr

3.22 p.m. EMPIRE HANDICAP, of £1500. 4min 25sec class. Two miles. In the Mood .. scr Trusty Scott .. 12 Loyal King .. scr War Form . 12 Loyal Nurse .. scr Catalpa . 24 Medical Student scr Parshall , 36 Watcher scr Turco . 36 Highland Scott 12 Indian Clipper 48 Safety Pin .. 12

4.7 p.m.— FINAL HANDICAP, of £850. 2min 43sec class. One mile and a quarter. Aberhall scr Gamble King scr Cameronian .. scr Great Belwin scr Captain Morant scr Jack’s Son scr Dillondale scr Liberty Bond scr Dundee Sandy scr Loyal Peter .. scr Fancy Goods Galvena scr scr Scottish Lady Lucky Loyal .. scr scr