WINTER CUP TRIAL TO SIR JUVANTE

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31120, 25 July 1966, Page 4

WINTER CUP TRIAL TO SIR JUVANTE

"The Press’’ Special Service

PALMERSTON NORTH.

One of the interesting clashes at the forthcoming winter carnival at Riccarton will be the further meeting of Sir Juvante and Mukupai in the Winter Cup.

Although Sir Juvante finished ahead of Mukupai on Saturday at Awapuni, the Levin horse could turn the tables in their next encounter.

Sir Juvante has 7-11 In the Winter Cup. He carried 7-12 in the Winter Cup Trial at the annual. meeting of the Manawatu Hunt Club. Mukupai, which had 8-12 on Saturday, will drop to 8-8 at Riccarton and thus will meet his rival on better terms.

An important consideration may be the manner in which the two horses were ridden at Awapuni. Sir Juvante had the trail and was never troubled to be there. Mukupai. on the other hand, was kicked out 6f the gates and asked to lead all the way. He could not quite manage it, but better horses have failed in similar assignments at Awapuni. It is a testing course at the distance.

Mukupai does not have to be in front as he showed in the Whyte Handicap, coming from the bunch for a close third. His latest race will improve his condition and he could be in race-winning order at the C.J.C. meeting. Handling the ground better than most, the bracketed pair, Bijali and Monty’s Gold, finished in the minor places. Yet neither could be regarded as imminent prospects in better company. LIKELY IMPROVERS

Two Improvers were next behind them. Mossburn, racing inside her best distance, was a creditable fifth.

Cantus fought on well for sixth after swinging wide on the turn and fading. He is a good galloper fast approaching peak. Summer Flight, Beira and Corina were the next to finish and the only others to appeal in forthcoming engagements.

The favourite, Le Plus, was found to have trouble in a ligament when examined after finishing eleventh. This may

interrupt his winter pro gramme.

Fleeting Moment, although last mostly, could show better form at a longer distance at his next start He will travel north for the Avondale Cup. The W. McEwan stable, of Hawera, continued its pun of success when Mystery Man improved on his Levin third to win the Tararua Hack Plate.

He paid £69 17s in the double with Sir juvante.

McEwan’s horses are in great order just now. He won at Hastings recently with Hatari which may turn out a top stayer. Royal Polo nearly won him another handicap at Wanganui a week or two ago. Now Mystery Man seems set to maintain form through his remaining hack engagements.

Mystery Man outfinished the pacemaker, Identification, with little apparent effort. He was the stable’s second string, L. Gestro rode him only because he was not able to make the required weight on Lenoman, which ran fourth.

The third place went to Major Luca which finished faster than anything else. Persian Sea was fifth. The hot favourite, Recharge, gave a poor showing for sixth. His bracket-mate, Regal Keya, was two places further back and alongside Janeen. which seems to be closer to a win every day. Lady Wild, which began well enough, was done with three furlongs out. She finished a distant ninth. Avelyn was another which raced without dash. She was tenth. The others were outclassed.