MATAMATA CUP

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22643, 3 February 1937, Page 11

MATAMATA CUP

FIELD REVIEWED SUNNY DOWNS WELL FANCIED chance; for royal nation WAHAROA HANDICAP CONTEST

BY ARCHER

In spite of the fact that the weather was very wet the Matamata Racing Club's Annual Meeting was well attended last year and the indications are that the gathering will receive even better patronage this season. The prospects for a fine day 011 Saturday appear bright and the good acceptances received should ensure interesting racing. The first race is timed to start at 12.10 p.m. and the last at 5.15 p.m. Tho win and place system of betting will be in operation and tho size of the fields suggests that there will bo sufficient runners for three place dividends in each race. A special train will leave Auckland for Matamata racecourse at 6-.55 a.m. and depart on tho return at 6.10 p.m. A well-balanced field of 12 is carded for the Matnnwta Hack Cup, the chief event, and the issue appears open. The topweight Sergia failed to repeat the form she displayed in running second to Essex in the Queen's Plate at Ellerslie in her engagements at the recent Takapuna meeting, although she finished fourth on the second day. She had to be eased in her work between the two meetings owing to a slight injury and the chances aro that she may be all the better for last week's outings. A slightly shorter distance than she has to tackle 011 Saturday would probably suit Sergia better, but the fact that she finished third to Gay Talkie and Horowhenua in the Whangarci Cup, li miles, in November, should not be overlooked. Respectful in Form Huskie has dono his latest racing over hurdles and failed at Thames at his last start. However, he has previously won at a mile and a-quarter on the flat and is a better stayer than most of his opponents, so that he is sure to have a strong following if produced lit. Huskie's last success on the flat was when he scored with 8.10 at a mile and a-quarter at Rotorua in November. Respectful won at a mile with 8.7 at Ellerslie last Saturday and he should not be without prospects, although 9.0 might ssteady him at the end of a solidly-run mile and a-quarter. Sunny Downs has failed in his latest races, but he has probably,derived some benefit from his recent outings. As he likes a little time to 'find his feet, he should be suited by the long straight at Matamata. Although he has not won at a mile and a-quarter, Sunny Downs is capable of running the distance solidly and it should not be forgotten that as a four-year-old two years ago he finished third to First Lap and Sunny Sky in the Tauranga Cup. It should be only a matter of Sunny Downs being produced fit for him to take considerable beating. Sandy Dix and Racette recently registered minor placings at Thames, where Sunny Downs was unplaced in the same events, but they meet him some pounds worse and he appeals as the best prospect over the longer journey. Poxy also ran unplaced on the second day at Thames, where he got away badly, but he stays well and in that respect has stronger claims than some of the others: _ A likely prospect on the minimum is the five-year-old Royal Nation, who displayed promise when he' won tho Haeremai High-weight Handicap, one mile and 130vds, at Rotorua in November. Royal Nation finished very solidly when he ran fourth in the Hack Cup, 8J- furlongs, won bv Quadroon, at Te Awamutu in December and slight improvement upon that effort should make him difficult to beat. Tho breeding of Royal Nation suggests that he is likely to stay better than most in the field, and he may be running on Avhen many of the others are tiring. Shining Spear has won in novice company and Modern Maid has performed well over hurdles, but Red Fox and Strong Spear have nothing to recommend them. It is probable that fancies will take a wide range and the best supported may include Sunny Downs, Royal Nation and Sergia. Smart Sprinters

Some smart sprinters are booked to contest the Waharoa Handicap and it should be a good race. The top-weight Royal Dance recently ran two seconds to Gold Boa at Trentham and, even though he is up to 9.1, should not be without prospects if he repeats tho form. Prince Acre has not started since October and may be in need of a run. Boughal failed in his two races at Thames recently, but he should be all the better for the outings, which were his first after a spell. In spite of his defeats he demonstrated that he has not lost his pace and he may take a lot of beating. The improving Lornacre has not appeared since he finished second to Sweet Rose in the Christmas Handicap at Kllerslie, but will have ir.anv admirers if started. He is also in, the Walton Handicap, and will probably be favoursto in whichever race he starts, as he is a very capable sprinter. Although she failed at Thames recently, Bellkyrian did well enough at her last start to indicate that she is close to form, and ? good effort may be expected from her. Winlona is verj consistent, rarely running a bad race, and she should'be capable of a solid showing with only 21b. above the minimum. Ladv Diana may find the class a little strong, and improvement upon their latest form will bo required from Tin Lap and King Ford if either is to have a chance. Mungacre showed signs of returning to form when 10 ran third to Mata Han and Tyba.t at Kllerslie last week and a sum Jar effort should make him dangero . . Solaria, who is not easy to follow, is in a class that should suit lum, and a repetition of the form he rcvenl ™ in gaining two minor placings a Auckland Summer Meeting would m his chance good. .. • It is a race with many possibilities and the draw for post Pinions ma> be an important factor. ,' , -i ites may include Lornacre, Boughal n.ul Mungacre.

HORSES FOR MATAMATA Raepata and lady ruler The Takanini trainer P. J R. P°P R will be represented at the Matamata Racing Club's meeting on Saturday »v Raepata and Lady Ruler, and he will leave with them by train on I'nday Horning The three-year-old Raepata indicated that he was likely to win early by running a good second to Bon Star in the Moana Handicap at Ellerslie last Saturday, when he ran °n strongh after losing his position ® a rl.v. The race would be to Raepata, who should be worth watching his coming engagements. Lady Ruler registered a first and a second ft t Thames recently and on that form she should be dangerous in the 'lirau Hurdles.