FROM ABSURD MARE

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 62, 15 March 1933, Page 6

FROM ABSURD MARE

BREEDING OF TOPICAL

There was more than usual interest for New Zealanders in the result of the Australian .Cup at Flemington last Saturday .Lne winner. Topical, is by Windbag, a horse whose dam was "bred in the Dominion, where Topical's dam, Parody, was also bred, and did -most of her racing. The runner-up, Flail, is owned and trained by D. J. Price, at one time a leading trainer in Christchurph. Windbag, the sire' of Topical, is having a great season as a sire. His stock can win over any distance, evidence under this heading being provided on.Saturday, when, in addition to the success of Topical in the Australian Cup, Winooka carried off the Leonard Handicap; carrying a big weight against a strong field of sprinters. Topical, who fetched 240 guineas at the Sydney yearling sales, is the first foal of Parody, an Absurd mare who won good races in the colours of the late Mr. G. D. Greenwood. Like most of Absurds progeny, Parody was a brilliant sprinter, her successes including the Auckland Railway and Newmarket Handicaps and the Wellington Telegraph Handicap. She could do more than sprint, however, as she won the Great Northern Oaks, running a mile and a half in 2min 36 2-ssec. Although Absurd made his stud reputation almost entirely as a sire of speed, some of his daughters have distinguished themselves as the dams of stayers. Agridn and Honour, two Derby winners, were by Limond from Absurd mares. .Now Topical1, from an Absurd maTe, has earned distinction by winning the longest handicap in Australia. - -~.-.