CUP COMMENT

Evening Post, Volume XCII, Issue 108, 3 November 1926, Page 9

CUP COMMENT

SPEABFELT'S GAME EFFOBT.

(United Press Association.—Copyright.), (Received 3rd November, 10 p.m.) ' SYDNEY, This Day. Tho " Sydney Morning Herald," commenting on the Melbourne Cup, says that while the horses were doing their preliminary gallop it was noticed that . The Banker w;as stepping a little gingerly. The horses got away from the barrier practically on' terms, and it was some time before the line was broken. Going past the stand Comus shot to the front and ensured a fast run race by having a lead of about fifteen' lengths when the mile x'ost was reached. Spearfelt was then a long way back. Coming to tho five furlongs tho field commenced to close on Comus, but he still had five lorigths advantage, although stopping^ badly. Pantheon here was in second place, while The Banker was keeping in his wake as much as possible, and was followed by -Limerick, Spearor, and Boyal Charter, Spearfelt, and Naos, the last two coming -round quickly. Bounding the turn Pantheon had pulled, his Way to tho'front and appeared to be. holding the Banker safely, but Spear-: felt was also going kindly. Limerick was still in the picture, and Naos was on the outside of a bunch of struggling horses. - Approaching the post, Spearfelt, pulled round from behind those in front of him, and then followed an interesting and. exciting finish. Spearfelt forged ahead and flashed past the post half a length in front of Naos, who showed considerable improvement on Saturday's display, and- on. this occasion put in. a wpnderful run up the long straight, and beat Pantheon by a neck for second place. The "TelgraphV says that it was a thrilling struggle and a remarkable pace in many ways. Comus, who was a runner so that a solid pace would be assured in the interests' of The Banker, ran to the front, and so fast did he travel that his load, was soon fifteen lengths. As none of the other riders displayed an inclination to go after the runaway, J. Pike set Pantheon the task, and responding marvellously Pantheon, in whose wake camo The Banker, Bampipn, Spearfelt, and-Boyal Charter, was within five lengths of Comus at the five furlongs and on terms with "him just after passing the half-mile. With three furlongs to: go Pantheon, was clear and swung into the straight two lengths ahead of The Banker, who had Boyal Charter at his girths.- Just behind this trio was a big bunch, which included Bampion, Spearfelt, and Naps. Even though the last two were going particularly well 'their chance of overhauling the leaders did not appear bright. Even a furlong-from home'victory appeared to rest between The Banker, Pantheon, and Boyal Charter. With their riders working at top pressure Spearfelt and Pantheon gave of their very best, and it was Pantheon who first.felt the pressure. Spearfelt came on splendidly to stall off the faster-finishing Naos.