MELBOURNE CUP BETTING

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28050, 18 August 1956, Page 5

MELBOURNE CUP BETTING

ARK ROYAL NOW FAVOURITE (N.Z Press Association—Copy right) (Rec. 9.30 p.m.) MELBOURNE. Aug. 17. Ark Royal today displaced his fellow New Zealander Syntax from favouritism Melbourne Cup, to be run at Flemington on November 6. This is the biggest move in the betting order for the Melbourne and Caulfield the first chart was issued early in June, when Syntax ruled as favourite for both cups. In the last two weeks there has been a rush to back Ark Royal in doubles with fancied Caulfield Cup horses. Those with whom he has been supported include Syntax, Arlunya, Fair Chance, Magic Nib, Ray Ribbon, Sir William, and Nuclear. The odds now about the two favour-ites—Syntax-Ark Royal—have been lopped considerably from treble-figure odds. Syntax is now on his own on the second line of Melbourne Cup favouritism. Sailor’s Guide is on the third line and Redcraze next. There has been further reshuffling in the Caulfield Cup betting, in which Arlunya is now a clear second favourite to Syntax, having moved away from the New Zealander, Fair Chance, winner of his last three races in Brisbane. Magic Nib has now moved up a rung to be equal third favourite with Fair Chance. Ark Roval shares fourth-line favouritism with Emphatic, Ray Ribbon, Sir William, and Caranna. New Zealanders on the fifth line are Dalstar, Gentle Lu, Gulliver, Nuclear, Redcraze, and Rising Fast.

SCRATCHINGS The following scratchings have been issued for meetings today:— Matamata Peria Hack Steeples: Great Acre, Royal Measure, Ray’s Hope. Johnston Memorial Handicap: Lochgair. Tui Hack Hurdles: Blue Pot, Merrywynn. Stewards’ Handicap: Gretchen, Starfire, Innes Lass, Gabrielle. County Hack Handicap: Beaumine, TremOre, Fly Past. Taranaki Hunt Cup Steeples: French Echo.

Opunake Maiden Stakes; Tarqui, Alan Ladd. Carterton Racing Club Handicap: Lord Valna. Hack Stayers’ Plate: Vai’s Hope. Electric Hack Handicap: Queen Belle, Singalong.