KUMAI NEAR PEAK

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30269, 23 October 1963, Page 5

KUMAI NEAR PEAK

Smart Run At Wingatui "The Press" Special Service DUNEDIN, Oct. 22. Kumai showed that he was well forward for the Members’ Handicap, the feature event at Gore on Saturday, and for his tilt art. the New Zealand Cup next month, wheij he galloped most impressively at Wingatui this morning. Myfilou, The Toff, Now or Never, Royal Estate, Modern Imp and Royal News also showed up in their work. Although the trestles were well out the course proper was in lightning state and overhead conditions were perfect. Ridden by B. J. Anderton, Kumai ran a mile and a quarter. He was joined by Myfilou (J. Carvalho) at the seven furlongs and they came from there in 1.34. It was only over the last ha lf-mite that the pace was really on, with Kumai beating his stablemate by a short length in 51 2-ssec. Kumai is likely to race at Gore on the first day of the meeting only. He will complete his New Zealand Cup preparation with a race at Wyndham on November 2. The Toff (W. Gye) and Now Or Never (M. J. Turnbull) covered seven furlongs in 1:33 4-5, the opening halfmile in 52sec. With a first and a second in his last two races, The Toff will be one of the favourites for the Kaiwera Hack Handicap. Royal News (M. Turnbull) was half a length behind Grand Prix (R. Wilder) and Captain Morgan (H. F. Dowling) over the same ground in 1:38 3-5, the first halfmile in 54 3-ssec, but he appeared to have plenty in hand. He has done well since running Birthright to a close decision at Wingatui this month when making has first appearance for the season. Warfare (R. J. Pledger) was not out tor time over five furlongs in 1:7, the first two furlongs in 25sec. She is to make a fresh start in the Flying Handicap, the second teg of the Gore TAB. double.

Royal Estate (E. J. Didham), and Modem Imp (M. F.' Dowling) completed half a mite on terms in 52s>ec, the opening furlong in 12 3-ssec.

G. Edge To Ride Straight Irish

(N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright) MELBOURNE. October 22.

The New Zealand jockey. Garry Edge, is to ride Straight Irish in the Melbourne Cup on November 5. after having come from New Zealand to ride another New Zealand stayer, the early Cups’ favourite, Tatua.

Edge will ride Straight Irish and Tartua at the Moonee Valley race meeting on Saturday. Straight Irish is in the Moonee Valley Cup and Tatua in the W. S Cox Plate. Edge came to Australia to ride Tatua in all his spring engagements. but when that horse lost form and was scratched from the Caulfield Cup, Edge switched to Straight Irish.