NEW-ZEALAND CUP

Evening Star, Issue 25634, 7 November 1945, Page 3

NEW-ZEALAND CUP

PROSPECTS DISCUSSED One, of the most evenly balanced fields ever to parade for the New Zealand Cup is expected to be carded for this year's race, which, under the new title of the New Zealand Victory Cup, is to be contested on November 24. It cannot be said that the field will be as strong as some of its predecessors, but it is thoroughly representative of the Dominion's best staying talent as at present available. Longsword has been set a task that has seldom been accomplished, that is, to win with 9.6. Nightmarch won under that impost in 1930, but it is doubtful if Longsword is of the same class as the Riccarton horse. Nevertheless he must be conceded a favourable chance provided the track does not become soft, a very unlikely development at this time of the year. Glenfalloch ran third last year with 9.2, and vitb. 8.8 this year has been given, a good opportunity. Kevin is again an interesting contestant. He won last year's race with 8.0, and has 71b more to carry, not. a substantial rise by any means. He has certainly not earned much, money in the past 12 month, bat has h*d a steady preparation, and his third placing on the second day at Trentham last month was encouraging. Piccolo has had to pay dearly for his recent successes over a middle distance, one of which was taken from him. He has raced only twice beyond a mile, in the Geraldine Cup, a mile and a-quarter, and in the Wellington Handicap, a mile and ahajf. so he must be considered somewhat harshly treated with 8.5. He has certainly been compelled to make a meteoric rise. Representative proved himself a two-miler by his second placing in the race two years ago, when he carried 8.4, the same weight as he has this year. Battledress is not likely to be taken seriously in, the face of his performances in the past two years. Signal Officer has been one of the most discussed since the weights appeared, and his win over six furlongs at "Winton on Saturday indicated he is in the right order to tackle his final preparation for the Cup. He will probably be one of the favourites, if : not the actual first choice on the day. Golden Souvenir won the Dunedin Cup, a mile and a-half, and dead-heated in the Waikouaiti Cup, a mile and a-quarter, and is well in with 8.2, especially when compared with Piccolo's 8.5. Amorlad failed two years when sent out first choice, and his prospects do not appear to have improved. Larice Wing has been brought along steadily for some weeks past, and there is no doubt the Cup has been kept in view for him for some time past. He is just the type to spring a surprise under his comparatively light impost of 7.13. Palfrey had 7.0 when he was unluofcy to get fourth place only in the 1943 race, and now has 7.11. In the meantime he won the Dunedin Cup, and won over a mile and aquarter at Washdyke last month. He is a proved stayer, and must be included in the likely candidates. Sir Bian will he coming from Auckland with a big reputation gained by his victory in the Mitchelson Cup at Ellerslie last month, and he will no doubt dispute favouritism. Of the remainder, Sphere, Miss Medley, United Nations, Authentic, Better-

"man, and Honest Sal have light-weight possibilities, but this season's form to date points'to the higher-weighted candidates being in most evidence. These may include Kevin, Palfrey, Signal Officer. Piccolo, and Glenfalloch. STEWARDS' HANDICAP. Pensaeola heads the list for the Stewards' Handicap with 9.2, not a harsh impost for a sprinter of his calibre, and he is likely to be paid up for this week. Gulf Stream has 'been very consistent on the lticcarton course, and is probably a better horse this season than ever before. John Gay was top of the card last year, with 9.2, and was never prominent. He has been dropped to 8.12 on this occasion, but lack of racing will be against him. Last year's winner, Royal Heir, with 8.1. has been awarded 8.12 this year, but his recent form has not heen very impressive. Whackie has gradually dropped down in the weights, and has 8.8, but he does not make much appeal even under that circumstance. Reorapa is a decided possibility with 8.7. He won the Shorts Handicap at Trentham with 7.13, and is evidently at the top of his form. Master Dash, Bonny Flight, and Grand Forest all are capahle of being dangerous, and Tutere's race at Trentham pointed to his chance at Riccarton. Lord Advocate will have a track to suit him, and on his own ground he may execute one of his occasional surprise efforts. Of the remainder, Irish Note is entitled to serious regard. He is a smart beginner, and has more than the usual supply of stamina. With 7.11 on his back, he will he a very interesting candidate. Whitley and Rahiri are two of the best in the lo- er division, and if Rahiri is paraded he is certain to he in strong demand. The race presents a very open appearance, and it is difficult to suggest the favourite division at this stage, but an early selections include Reorapa, Tutere, Pensacola, and Irish Note.