TWO DUAL WINNERS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 23, 27 July 1944, Page 8

TWO DUAL WINNERS

BRABAZON-WINTER CUP

Although a good deal of importance is attached to the form displayed in the Brabazon Handicap at the Christchurch Hunt Meeting, coming as it does as a dress rehearsal to the Winter Cup, this contest lias been a somewhat indifferent guide to the big mile at the Grand National fixture. Back in 1930 Toxeuma Avon both races, but the only other horse to complete the double has been Bashful Lady, in 1942. Bashful Lady Avon the Winter Cup again last year, but there Avas no hunt fixture. The Paper Money mare has the opportunity this year to again make the double. The weight-carrying record in the Brabazon Handicap is held by Toxeuma. The minimum in 1930 Avas 9.0, Avhich enhancesToxeuma's effort under the welter weight of 11.5. Three Triumphs.—Catalogue, Avho took the honours in the Winter Cup in three successive years, won the Melbourne Cup in between his second and third triumphs at Riccarton. Bashful Lady has the opportunity of equalling Catalogue's record in one respect, but it is doubtful if she Avill ever be capable of'winning over two miles. Sharp Advance.—The Cashmere Plate at the Grand ■ National Meeting is a race for non-Avinners, but with £280 as the winner's portion, the first place-getter will step immediately into the open ranks. The Racing Conference at its annual meeting declined to raise the hack limit. With the big prize-money at present offering the existing limit has its disadvantages. Bold ShOAving.—Erndale, who is re- ■ ported to have been schooling brilliantly since his arrival at Riccarton, has yet to figure in public in the role of 'chaser. A better line to his prospects in the Grand National Steeples Avill be gained by the shOAving he makes in the Homeby Steeples on Saturday. Departed.—W. H. Hume, of Trentham, went south last evening with Tifox, Cramond Bay, Great March, and Golden Kea. Elimination.—lt is very probable that Avhen the final acceptances for the Winter Cup are taken the number of prospective runners Avill have been substantially decreased. If there is an excess over the safety number of 30, a ballot Avill be operated. Elimination Avill start Avith the hacks, next those on the minimum, and then, if necessary, those within 71b of the minimum. This system seems preferable to that of the Wellington Club, Avhere a straight-out ballot endangers the best as Avell as the worst. Doubly Engaged.—Reorapa is engaged in the Maiden Stakes and the Camla Hack Handicap at the Christchurch Hunt Meeting on Saturday, with 8.11 in the former and 8.0 in the latter. A. Jenkins has been announced as his pilot, which rather suggests that Reorapa will contest the maiden event. Reduction.— Royal Fllgnt is reported to have had an easy time since arriving at Riccarton. She is due to run in the Brabazon Handicap on Saturday, in which she has 9.9, as compared with 10.1 in the Winter Cup, and she will be ridden by an apprentice, so that the allowance can be claimed. Injured.— Tlie Trentham horseman R. Havves' Avas unfortunate enough to break a collarbone when Author's Dream crashed through an obstacle while schooling at Riccarton on Tuesday morning. Prolonged.—A sharp frost at Riccarton delayed training operations on Tuesday, and the work continued till approaching midday. The indications are that the track will be easy for the hunt fixture on Saturday. I lii Good Trim.—Although he has not sported silk since the C.J.C. Easter Meeting, Avhen he ran second to John o' London in the.Ktwi Handicap, seven, furlongs, Lord Advocate shoAved that he is Avell forward by registering 1.10 3-5 in a six-furlong trial at Riccarton | on Tuesday. Increased.—The president of the Racing Conference has authorised an in-! crease of ttvo m the safety number: at the mile post at Riccarton. It will now be possible for 32 horses to be started from that barrier. Meantime, there are 36 engaged in the Winter Cup. Topweight. —ln the Mariri Hack and Hunters' Steeples at Trentham Divi-dend-made most of the running, only to weaken over the last three furlongs, being beaten by As Required, Avho ■ went on to add the July Steeples on the second day. Dividend carried 10.8 on that occasion, and he has 11.0 in the Lawford Steeples on Saturday, but on the firmer ground he should again j make a bold showing, despite the increase. Jumping Blood.— Timber Topper, Avho is on the minimum in the Grand National Steeples, Avill have to make a big bid in ttje LaAvford Hack and Hunters' Steeples on Saturday to merit the later engagement being proceeded with. . An eight-year-old by Gustavo, he is from the General Latour mare Pahautanui, who traces through the Grafton mare Aureole to Aurelia (by Musket). Timber Topper did not make his debut tiil he was a six-year-old. and he has still to Avin. He has shown plenty of pace in his outings over country, but has invariably weakened over the all-important pinch. Nevertheless, •he has one second and three thirds to his credit. Useful Quartet. —Awapuni stables supply four of the contestants lot* the Hadlow Hack Hurdles at Riccarton on Saturday, Sandy Cape, Lightfair, Po-H-uka, and Hard Frost. It is a strong hand, and any one of the quartet might well win. To Reappear.—Doaati to have his first outing since running: fourth in the Waikouaitl Cup on New Year's Day, High Play is topweight with 10.3 in the Camla Hack Handicap at Riccarton on Saturday. This Croupier gelding Avas in a bad way for a time with internal trouble, but if he is back to his best he should race prominently in the neatfuture. He figures in the Winter Cup a Aveek later, having been weighted at 8.7 in the open mile.