BIG TEST FOR CADUCEUS

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29221, 3 June 1960, Page 4

BIG TEST FOR CADUCEUS

Rich Prize At Stake (N.Z. Press Association —Copyright) NEW YORK. June 2. The New Zealand pacer. Caduceus. in possibly the best condition of his Jong career, tonight sets out after his richest prize—the 150,000 dollars International Pace at Yonkers Raceway. The nine-year-old New Zealand champion's 125th start puts him against a crack field from the United States and Canada. By taking the 12-furlong first leg of the international event he would notch his 47th win—and he has one big advantage in tonight’s race. Caduceus is the only horse in the field of seven which has proven himself over the distance. Even the hot favourite. Bye Bye Bird, is suspect beyond 10 furlongs. Caduceus. rated the third favourite at 7 to 2 in pre-post betting, has done ■everything right in training. He showed his stamina at Yonkers by working out over two miles, clocking 30 seconds for the first quarter, and coming home in the last querter in the same time. Gaduceus also went over 12 furlongs in 3min 12sec, clocking 30sec (or fheHast quarter-mile. and earning the description of a “real powerhouse”' from the American jockey. Eddie Cobb, who drove him in that run. The New Zealander's regular driver. Jack Litten. expects Caduceus to at least run it close, but he has been cautious with his forecasts. “After all. the Americans have the best horses in the world, and we have to face up to that.” Litten said when asked how he thought Caduceus would go. Litten said he thought he would “feel a bit lonely out there” following the scratching of Australia’s Fettle from tonight’s race. Fettle was withdrawn when he suffered a strained ligament in his right hind leg. Fettle is reported to be recovering well, however, and there is hope for him taking his place in the second leg of the international event, over 10 furlongs, on Thursday. June 9. The third and final race of the series—over eight furlongs—will be run on Thursday. June 23. Tonight, however. Caduceus goes it alone for “the down under” contingent against the UJS. foursome of Bye Bye Bird, Widower Creed. Brian Hanover and Speedy Pick, and two from Canada, Champ Volo and Mighty Dudley.