Prospects For Melbourne

Northern Advocate, 13 October 1949, Page 5

Prospects For Melbourne

MELBOURNE, Thu. (2 p.m.)— Racing at Caulfield yesterday did not throw much light on prospects for future important i-aces. Vagabond, Melbourne Cup favourite, had his first start in Melbourne in the Caulfield Stakes. He was an -odd3-on favourite, but finished third to the three-year-old Iron Duke and Ellerslie.

Vagabond, however, retains his place as favourite for the Melbourne Cup, as a heavy thunderstorm swept over the course Just before the race, 30 points falling in 15 minutes. Vagabond never runs well on heavy tracks and did well to finish third. Had the rain fallen earlier Vagabond would have been scratched. IRON DUKE Iron Duke, who won in good style has become a very firm favourite for the Victoria Derby, and is strongly fancied for the Melbourne Cup. The New Zealander, Royal Tan, was a starter in the Caulfield Stakes, but finished last. Little notice can be taken of his form as he is certain to show to greater advantage in the handicaps. Another New Zealander, Lord Revel, was an acceptor for the Coongy Handicap, but was scratched. He has been giving his trainer some trouble and recently had a bleeding attack. DUE TO TRACK It was thought likely that his scratching yesterday might have been due to further trouble, but his trainer, J. Fryer, said last night that it was due entirely to the heavy track. He said the gelding would start in the Caulfield Cup on Saturday. Hoyle, winner of the Coongy Handicap, was a costly yearling. Now an aged gelding, this was his first win in Melbourne.