FRANKLIN CUP

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28216, 2 March 1957, Page 7

FRANKLIN CUP

Passive Firm Favourite "The Press” Special Service AUCKLAND, March 1. Since the acceptances last Monday, the three-year-old filly. Passive, has dominated discussion on the Franklin Cup, the first leg of the double at the Franklin Racing Club's meeting at tomorrow, and indications are that she will be the (favourite at very cramped odds. Passive is handily weighted with 8-3, which is 21b more than weight-for-age, and she has strengthened the confidence of her admirers with training gallops during the If Passive is tested it may be by the up and coming gelding. Bali Ha’i, and the four-year-old Drowsing. Bali Ha’i is a three-year-old with 7-6. On occasions he has shown signs of developing top-class middle distance form, but when they last met he was beaten by three lengths and a half by Passive in the Great Northern Derby. The second leg. the Fulton Memorial Handicap, for distance hacks, looks very open. Most of the betting may be for Harp of Erin, Summer Girl, Miss Moree, and Runada. It seems likely that they will dispute the finish. Harp of Erin and Summer Girl are four-year-olds which may develop useful form over distances before the season is through. Harp of Erin won at his last start, and Summer Girl was a creditable second behind St. Vincent over a mile and three furlongs at Te Aroha. The fields are big generally, and provision has been made to run the Bombav Plate in two divisions. Unless there is heavy rain the ground will be hard. Selections:— 11 a.m.—Puni Hack Hurdles: Royal Heritage, Recount, White 'Ensign. 11.45 a.m.—Bombay Plate: First Division—Peter Quex, Airfield, Ricco. Second Division—Mathinna, Wood Opal, Red Seal. 12.30 p.m.—Waiuku Hack Handicap: Beaujolais, Complimentary, Royetta. 1.25 p.m.—Franklin Cup: Passive. Bali Ha’i, Pretty Chance. 2.25 p.m.—Winnie Stakes Handicap: Nonda, Miss Able, Count Oman. 3.10 p.m.—Pukekohe Handicap: Millock, Arran Chief, Thomastown. 3.55 p.m.—Fulton Memorial Handicap: Harp of Erin, Summer Girl, Runada. 4.40 p.m.—Buckland Hack Handicap: Ghiberti, Gay Sailor, First Bid.