NEW ZEALAND CUP

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25638, 29 October 1948, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND CUP

I TROTTING

Single Direct May Be Prominent

HIGHLAND FLING SET HARD TASK

“Everything is in tip-top order,” said the Te Awamutu trainer, Edgar Kennerley, when discussing the prospects of his candidate, Single Direct, in the New Zealand Cup Handicap, the main event on the opening day of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club’s Cup meeting at Addington to-morrow. “My horse is well, he has done everything I have asked him to do and I expect that he will prove hard to beat,” said Kennerley. who appeared quietly confident of winning the cup for Mrs N. R. and Mr G. B. Elliott, who bred Single Direct. Single Direct, which was worked free-legged at Addington on Tuesday, pulled up well after covering two miles in 4min 35sec at New Brighton yesterday morning. A lean son of Bill B and Loyal Direct, Single Direct does not carry an ounce of superfluous condition. “Anyone seeing the horse for the first time would think that he is too light, but he races better that way,” remarked Kennerley. With horses of the calibre of Highland Fling, Emulous, Navigate, Knave of Diamonds. Sprayman, Plunder Bar, In the Mood, and Aberhall included in the field, Single Direct will not have an easy task, but if he can repeat his remarkable effort to record 4min 11 2-ssec when he finished third to Ingle Belmer and Worthy Gold in the President’s Handicap at the Auckland Trotting Club’s meeting on December 31, he should have most of the field struggling to keep up with him at the finish.

A 4min 21sec class race, the cup has attracted a field of 14 for the best pacers in training in New Zealand. Most of these have good recent form to their credit, and betting will be widespread. Integrity, the winner of the 1946 New Zealand Cup T r andicap, is a notable absentee from the field. One of Integrity’s legs caused his owner-trai-ner, V. Leeming, some worry after the Easter meeting at Addington, and he had to be spelled. Since being brought back into work, Integrity has improved quickly and he showed that he is still a force to be reckoned with by finishing third to Navigate and Aberhall in the Hannon Memorial Handicap at Oamaru on Monday. He should be seen to advantage in the free-forall events on the other days of the meeting. A High-class Pacer Highland Fling has the doubtful honour of being the back-marker. A splendid specimen of the standard-bred pacer, Highland Fling has some brilliant performances to his credit, but he will need to be at the peak of his form to concede starts of up to 60 yards to this field. However, there is no denying the class of Highland Fling; just what he is capable of doing only his trainer, L. F. Berkett, can tell. On the form he has shown in public he is entitled to be rated one of the fastest pacers ever to race in New Zealand. Now a six-year-old, Highland Fling was bred in Christchurch by Mrs K. Bare, who sold him as a yearling for less than £2OO to Mr A. T. Kemble, who gave him to his son to train. Highland Fling showed early speed to be placed in his four starts as a two-year-old, his wins including the Great Northern Trotting Stakes and the Timaru Nursery Stakes. Highland Fling distinguished himself by winning two handicap events as a three-year-old, but his barrier manners deteriorated, and after S .securing one win in his first 11 races in E '‘he next season, he was sent to Christ- ■ church to be trained by L. F. Berkett. Berkett soon found the key to success with Highland Fling, which began his meteoric rise to cup company with seven wins, two second placings, and a third placing in his other 14 starts for the season. Last season. Highland Fling added £15,835 to his stake earnings when he gained another nine wins and two minor placings in 19 starts, his record including a comfortable win in the 1947 New Zealand Cup Handicap. At his first appearance this season. Highland Fling outclassed the field when he won the Speedway Handicap in 2min 37 l-ssec at the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club’s meeting at Addington on September 4. Highland Fling’s only start since winning at Addington was in the Hannon Memorial Handicap at the Oamaru Trotting Club’s meeting on Monday. Beginning smoothly from the 48 yards mark. Highland Fling showed a glimpse of his best form when, after having nine horses in front of him with four furlongs to go, he made a fast run to be close up in fifth place at the entrance to the straight. He did not sustain his run over the last furlong, and he was actually tenth to finish. It was later reported that a punctured tyre hampered him for part of, the journey. Highland’s Fling's record is a testimonial to his ability. At his best, he should be prominent at the finish of the big race to-morrow. Emulous’s Prospects Emulous, the winner of £B2IO in stakes last season, overshadowed the opposition at the Inter-Dominion Championships at Auckland in February, when he won the Grand Final in the world's race-winning record time of 4min 12 2-ssec. A staying son of Jack Potts and Light Wings, Emulous attracted attention to his cup prospects when he won the Flying Handicap jn the record time of 2min 53sec at “he Forbury Park Trotting Club’s meeting on October 9. Unfortunately he has caused his admirers a lot of worry since then by failing to begin correctly in his last two races. Emulous may not possess the smooth action of some of his opponents, but he is a courageous pacer, and in a fast-run race he would have the edge on most of his rivals to-morrow. Much of the success of the race as a spectacle will depend on the tactics of the drivers, and with a field of 14 engaged, luck in the running will play an important part. Aberhall, Dundee Sandy, Loyal Peter, and Sprayman, which are on the scratch mark, can all begin quickly, and they may set a fast pace all the way. In what should prove an exciting race. Single Direct, Highland Fling, and Emulous should be in the*picture at the finish. Although the cup is the mpin race, the fields throughout the programme are good, and some excellent racing should be seen. Horses in form include:— Victoria Handicap: Novelda-Notus bracket, Indemnity, Starshell. Spring Handicap: Bellisima, Jimmy Scott, Java. Riccarton Stakes: Merrymaker, Bronze Gold, Scottish Nurse. New Zealand Cup Handicap: Single Direct, Highland Fling, Emulous. Canterbury Handicap: Captain Sandy, Make Believe, County Antrim. Avon Handicap: Acclamation-Aerial Scott bracket. Fantom, Bellisima. Empire Handicap: Grattan Drive, Monagh Leagh, Ingle Belmer. Final Handicap: Worthy Dick, Sir Vivian, Duncraig. The following is the programme:— 10.45 a m VICTORIA HANDICAP, Of £IOOO. 4min 33sec class. Two miles. Bay Machine Tam o’ (1) scr Shanter (6) 12 Loyal Nelson Water Ranger (3) scr (1) 12 Pimpernel (2) scr Bonny Scott Indemnity (3) 12 (1) 24 Notus (2) 12 Democrat (3) 24 Novelda (5) 12 Mountmellick Starshell (4) 12 (4) 24 Proprietor (2) 24 Notus and Novelda, which have both been placed this season, form an attractive bracket, and they may dispute favouritism in the Victoria Handicap with Indemnity, Starshell, and Proprietor. One of L. F. Berkett’s team at Springston, Indemnity has been placed in his last three races, his record including a win over Belle Potts and Attack in the Oneroa Handicap at the Auckland Trotting Club’s meeting on September 25. A well-bred gelding by Dillon Hall from First Water, Indemnity should take a tight mark for Mr J. X. Ferguson. Starshell’s second to County Antrim in the J. R. D Johns’ Handicap at New Brighton on September 11 was a good effort, and, on that form, she must be respected. Proprietor, a consistent pacer, with a record of three placings in his four races this season, must always be conceded a chance whenever he starts.

11.28 a.m.— SPRING HANDICAP. Of £750. Trotters. 3min 46sec class. One mile and five furlongs. Belle Header Jimmy Dillon (1) scr (4) 24 Blackdale (2) scr Nationalist (1) 24 Gold Weed (3) scr Paul Parrish Teddy Gregg (2) 24 (4) scr Vindictive Excalibur (1) 12 Lady (3) 24 Heir Apparent Bancor (3) 36 (4) 12 Bellisima (1) 36 Jimmy Scott Frank Scott (3) 12 (5) 36 Kildonnin (2) 12 Jason’s Quest Java (5) 24 (2) 36 Keen Blade (4) 36 Bellisima, the winner of two races at the Auckland Trotting Club’s September meeting, is one of the most promising mares in commission and she may not be extended to give away starts of up to 36 yards in the Spring Handicap. She may strike most opposition from Gold Weed, Jimmy Scott, Java, and Jason’s Quest. Jimmy Scott showed fine form at his only appearance for the season for W. R. Butt to beat Jimmy Dillon by a nose in the Intermediate Handicap at Addington on August 28. A quick beginner, he should prove capable of leading for most of the way to-morrow. Jason's Quest and Java, may not be suited by a hard track, but with conditions to suit them they should be handy to Bellisima and Jimmy Scott at the finish of the Spring Handicap. 12.8 p.m RICCARTON STAKES, Of £750. For three-year-olds. One mile and a quarter. Star Rosa (15) scr Sphere (2) scr Merrymaker Spring Fancy (11) scr (10) scr Aerogard (16) scr Helen Sir Leonard (5) scr Grattan (7) scr Croughton (6) scr Monty Frisco Bright (1) scr Horizon (3) scr Bronze Gold Night Raider (12) scr (8) scr Direct Chief Scottish Nurse » (9) Scr (13) scr Sailor’s Globe Rayon (14) scr (4) scr Merrymaker’s prospects dominate discussions on the Ricqarton Stakes, but with likely types including Bronze Gold, Bright Sphere~U£UHK ffolfl; JiiKiask will not be easy, y -* •'** Bronze Gold, a son of Gold Bar, Js a nuggety type, and, if he avoids trouble in the early stages, he appears certain to finish in the money. Rayon, a filly by Übakim from Myrtle de Oro: Scottish Nurse, a filly by U. Scott from Sister Polly; and Sphere, a colt by. Black Globe from Stirling Lady, are all trained at Russley by M. Holmes. They have all shown some ability in their races and the combination should be popular with place investors. 12.58 p.m.— NEW ZEALAND CUP HANDICAP, Of £7500. 4min 21sec class. Two miles. Aberhall (5) scr Navigate (1) 12 Dundee Sandy Single Direct (4) scr (3) 12 Loyal Peter Countless (1) 24 (2) scr Knave of DiaNyallo Scott monds (2) 24 (6) scr Loyal Nurse Plunder Bar (1) 36 (1) scr Emulous (1) 48 Sprayman (3) scr Highland In the Mood Fling (1) 60 (2> 12

Loyal Peter, which finished third to Highland Fling and Knave of Diamonds in the 1947 New Zealand Cup Handicap, is one of the problem horses in this year's field. A good track worker for J. Young, who trains him at Addington, Loyal Peter has the ability to lead all the way if he leaves the mark correctly. However, like Nyallo Scott, which is also on scratch, he has lost several chances by failing to begin correctly, and his admirers will not be happy until he is safely on the journey. On the form shown in the Hannon Memorial Handicap at Oamaru on Monday, Aberhall and Sprayman appear to have the best prospects of the horses starting from scratch. . The winner of the Louisson Handicap at the New, Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club’s meeting on August 28, Sprayman might have finished closer but for being hampered when another runner broke in front of him at a critical stage of the race. Plunder Bar. which did not race at Oamaru, has some fast times to his credit and, if M. C. McTigue can persuade him to accelerate quickly, he should be close at the finish. In the Mood, which will start from the 12 yards mark with Single Direct and Navigate, indicated that she is'well forward by her dashing display to finish second to Grattan Drive in the 2min 42sec class pace at the trials at Addington on October 19. A nippy daughter of U. Scott and Princess Napoleon, In the Mood, which is trained at Leeston by W. J. Doyle, who has had years of experience in handling high-class horses, may not be a true stayer, but with the race run to suit her, she can produce a phenomenal burst of speed which may carry her to victory. Navigate’s win at Oamaru on Monday has brought him into favour, and he should carry solid support. A gelding by Sandydale from Rocks Ahead, he has never looked in better order than he does at present. . Countless, which will start from the 24 yards mark with Knave of Diamonds,

makes little appeal, but Knave of Diamonds, which finished second in the big event last year, must be respected. Loyal Nurse, the runner-up to Emulous in the Pacers' Interdominion Championship Grand Final at Auckland in February, looked particularly well when she paraded at Oamaru. on Monday. A moody individual, she may finish close to Single Direct, Highland Fling and Emulous if she is on her best behaviour. 1.43 p.m.— CANTERBURY HANDICAP, Of £1175. 4min 30sec class. Two miles. Lady Averil (1) scr Commander Lyndale (2) scr Scott (6) 24 Quite Happy County Antrim (3) scr (4) 24 Bonny Clare Gold Sheik (3) 24 (5) 12 Johnnie Lawn Captain Sandy (1) 24 (1) 12 Make Believe Golden (7) 24 Shadow (2) 12 Right Royal (2) 24 Indigo (3) 12 Dillondale (2) 36 Sand Piper (4) 12 Minoru (3) 36 Caledonian Free Fight (1) 36 Gold (5) 24 Captain Sandy has raced consistently for two wins and a second in his last three starts. With his stable-mate. Sand Piper, he should be prominent all the way in the Canterbury Handicap. Of the others. Lyndale, which finished second to Good Review in the Methven Cup on October 2; County Antrim, the winner of two races this season; Make Believe, a consistent performer for T. H. Gunning; and Minoru, which has been successful in his last two races, appear to have the best prospects of fighting out the finish with Captain Sandy and Sand Piper. 2.28 pm.— AVON HANDICAP, Of £1250. 2min 51sec class. One mile and a quarter. Bellisima (2) scr Toushay (11) scr Belmoral (10) scr Willie Winkie Castigate (9) scr (6) scr Flying Scott (7) scr Acclamation (4) 12 Great Venture Aerial Scott (3) scr (3) 12 Margin (12) scr Casabianca (1) 12 Mine Host (8) scr Fantom (2) 12 Misty dale (4) scr Betty Maxegin Pardon Me (5) scr (1) 24 Rerewaka (1) scr Acclamation has been penalised 12 yards for her win in the Wishful Handicap at the Oamaru Trotting Club’s meeting on Monday, but this may not prevent her from leading the field home in the Avon Handicap, in which she is bracketed with another fine trotter in Aerial Scott. The winner of £6365 in stakes last season, Aerial Scott, which has been working well at Addington, begins quickly and he should make light of his 12 yards handicap. Most opposition to Acclamation and Aerial Scott may come from Fantom,

which finished third in the Wishful Handicap at Oamaru, and from Bellisima, which has won at her last two starts. 3.13 p.m.— EMPIRE HANDICAP, Of £ISOO. 4min 26sec class. Two miles. Final Count (2) scr Logan Rey (1) 24 Gamble King Monagh Leagh (3) scr (4) 24 Jackie Guy (4) scr Grattan Drive Pre-eminence (2) 38 (1) scr Lucky Loyal Bel Hamed (1) 12 (1) 36 Medical Student Cameronian (1) 48 (2) 12 Ingle Belmer Checkmate (5) 24 (2) 48 Gold Peg (2) 24 Trusty Scott Jack’s Son (3) 24 (3) 48 Local Gold (6) 24 Grattan Drive, a good performer for G. S. Smith, who trains her at Addington, indicated that she is at the top of her form by beating a strong field in the 2min 42sec pace at the trials at Addington on October 19. Grattan Drive, which is bracketed with Jackie Guy, stays on well and she should prove capable of recording fast time from the 36 yards mark in the Empire Handicap. Ingle Belmer also raced well at the trials at Addington, and she may prove capable of giving away starts of up to 48 yards. Other smart performers in the field include Final Count, Gold Peg,

Monagh Leagh, and Trusty Scott, and they should all be handy to Grattan Drive and Ingle Belmer at the finish. 3.58 p.m.— FINAL HANDICAP, Of £750. 2min 48sec class. One mile and a quarter. Carisbrook (8) scr Trustee (4) scr Worthy Dick Battle On (7) 12 (6) scr Bay Machine Doonholme (9) scr (4) 12 Duncraig (7) scr Indemnity (5) 12 Likely (10) scr Loyal Nelson Loyal Chief (5) scr (3) 12 National Velvet Notus (1) 12 (3) scr Remlap (6) 12 Premier Royal Tam o’ Shanter „ (1) scr (2) 12 Scottish Brogue Democrat (3) 24 (2) scr Sea Craft (1> 24 Silverlight (11) scr Marshall Ney Sir Vivian (12) scr (2) 24 Worthy Dick, a consistent performer last season, gained his first win this season when he beat Mac’s Ace in the fast time of‘3min 14 2-ssec in the Royal Handicap at the Forbury Park Trotting Club's meeting on October 16. A repetition of that form should find Worthy Dick a comfortable winner in the Final Handicap. Likely improvers in the field include National Velvet, Sir Vivian, Premier Royal, Duncraig, and Battle On. A recent addition to V. Alborn's team at Addington, Duncraig gave two encouraging displays at the Forbury Park Trotting Club’s meeting. A fiveryear-old gelding by Dillon Hall from Etta Bingen, he should add to his record at the Cup meeting.