FINAL TEST TONIGHT FOR CADUCEUS

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

FINAL TEST TONIGHT FOR CADUCEUS

(Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.)

PERTH, March 1. Inter-state and inter-Dominion rivalry is at its height as trotting enthusiasts in Perth wait for the championship final at - Gloucester Park track tomorrow night. The first prize is the cup and £6650, second prize is £l9OO. and third £950. For fastest time there will be £5OO. Caduceus is the glamour horse of the carnival. As the backmarker. on 36 yards, he will have to overcome difficulties which have proved insurmountable to most of his predecessors. He faces a mighty task. 1 and only a mighty horse could hope to succeed, but the little New Zealand horse has natural speed, courage, stamina, and tractability—and Frank Kersley. His driver gives him a tremendous advantage, as was indicated in the heats on Wednesday, when Kersley sent Caduceus around the field in one brilliant burst and the horse coasted home. ■The skill and judgment which have helped Kersley to drive more than 500 winners oh the track where the final will be run is believed to be the biggest factor in Caduceus’s favour. Radiant Venture’s chance rests on F. Connor, and as the race will be a tactical battle, he may be outsmarted. Mineral Spring is one of the fast- ( est horses in Australia, and he looks' certain to finish in the first three. West Australian hopes rest mainly on the reliable Frosty Nelson. Bernie Cushing, who will drive Robert Sheen, holds firmly to the opinion Caduceus will not win the final. Strongest Opponent “I regard Radiant Venture and Mineral Spring as the greatest dangers,” he said, "but I think Robert Sheen will be placed.”

Because of his slowness at the barrier Jack Oro must be dismissed as a likely winner, and Magic Flute may not be solid enough to win. Oron’s Image, Modulation, Greek Brigade; and Precipitation complete the field. Selections for the final are: Caduceus 1, Frosty Nelson 2, Mineral Spring 3, Radiant Venture 4. The latest market is: 6 to 4 Radiant Venture; 7 to 4 Caduceus; 7 Mineral Spring, Jack Oro; 12 Magic Flute, Robert Sheen; 16 Frosty Nelson: 25 Beau Don; 33 Oro’s image; 100 Greek Brigade. Precipitation. Modulation.