FAVOURITE FOR MELBOURNE CUP

Evening Star, Issue 25928, 21 October 1946, Page 6

FAVOURITE FOR MELBOURNE CUP

BERNBOROUGH-S REPUTATION UNDIMMED NfT A CERTAIN STARTER (Rec. noon.) SYDNEY, Oct. 20. Though unable to do better than finish fifth in the Caulfield Cup, Bernborough has become the out-right favourite for the Melbourne Cup., It is not certain whether he will run, as his trainer, Harry Plant, opposes starting him in any handicap. The * Sydney Morning Herald’s * turf editor says that the circumstances suggest that Bernborough loafed on his rider, Mulley, during the critical first two furlongß of the race. Neither Plant nor the owner, Mr Romano, expected to see him win after the first six furlongs, when Plant expected to see Jiim well up in the field and away from the rails. A change of riders is advocated by many. The Caulfield winner, Royal Gem, has been only 61b for the Melbourne Cup and seems unaffected by Saturday’s race, but his owner, Mr George Badman, will not make a decision unless he is satisfied that the horse is fit for the gruelling two-mile event. In contrast with Bernborough, who ■was hemmed m all the way and was ten lengths behind the leaders with two furlongs to go, Royal Gem always had a good position. The critics consider that Royal Gem 8 weight of 9.3 for the Melbourne Cup is on the lenient side, but the general view is that the horse is not a true two-miler. With the penalty, he will meet Two Grand on 21b, Careyn on 31b, Bernborough on 41b, and Magnificent on 51b worse terms; The jockey, Heather, says that there is nothing to suggest he will not stay two miles. , Columnist, who finished second, was badly stripped during the Caulfield Cup, and will be spoiled in Sydney until, the autumn preparation commences. First In suffered a deep cut in the near hock,, but liis trainer, Accola, says the injury will not affect his Melbourne Cup chance. "•