ELLERSLIE "DOUBLE"

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 140, 10 December 1935, Page 6

ELLERSLIE "DOUBLE"

CUDDLE SOUTHERN FANCY

Very little comment has yet been made on the handicaps for the Auckland Cup and the A.R.C. Railway Handicap and the prospects of the candidates in these races, but the Christchurch critic '-'Argus," who is well acquainted with the form of horses who have been racing in the south this season, who include numerous aspirants as well among the North Islanders, believes that Cuddle will be a hard mare again to beat in the Auckland Cup. . . That Jonathan would head the Auckland Cup list was expected, "Argus" writes. He has come back only lately; after a lengthy spell, prior to which he registered a series of very good performances. How he will fare as a two-miler remains to be seen, but he is a proved performer up to a mile and a quarter. Last week he carried 9st 121b into third place over a mile in | the chief event on the second day of the Takapuna Meeting. If he can stay he must have a chance. Cuddle seems to have received a big rise for her recent form. She had 7st 131b when she won the New Zealand Cup, but she carried 9st 41b into second place in the Metropolitan. In the latter race Argentic, Bst lib, was third, and now he has received a concession of 21b more. Apart from her easy Cup win, Cuddle's running in the Metropolitan earned her a substantial burden at Ellerslie. It was well, from the handicapper's point of view, that Vintage did not have to be weighted. Last January, in the Wellington Cup,i he gave Cuddle 271b and a decisive beating, while the margin in the New Zealand Cup was 201b. Sporting Blood has done his racing this season in Australia, but he is not harshly treated, at his best. No one could fancy Kiltowyn, on Riccarton form, but he is. a different horse at Ellerslie. All the "same, two miles may. be too far. King Rey keeps on racing well, and though he has received his full share of weight there is the fact that he is an improving horse.

Argentic meets Cuddle 141b better than in the New Zealand Cup, and he must have a great chance. Vanestep cannot be ignored, but though second in the New Zealand Cup she has disappointed since then.

Kelly is a possibility. Tybalt, Caliente, and Gay Broney are other Auckland prospects.

On the minimum are Fersen and Gay Boy, a pair who may quite easily prove serious contenders.

A big field seems probable, with Cuddle, Argentic, King Rey, and Gay Boy form horses who will be discussed before race day.

The Railway Handicap again finds Jonathan at the head. If this were his mission he would take a power of beating. There are some brilliant gallopers in ttie field. Silver Streak, Bon Tray, and Variant'will appeal, on form, among the horses who raced at Riccarton. Impasto, Star Artist, and Sinking Fund were in the places recently at EUerslie, and they may appeal again. Apart from this lot, it is worth keeping in mind that three-year-olds, have on occasions, gone well in this race.