TAKAPUNA CUP

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22948, 28 January 1938, Page 7

TAKAPUNA CUP

BY ARCHER

TO-MORROW'S contest

good performers engaged

king rey solidly fancied

ZEALANDIA HANDICAP FIELD

Good fields are carded for the opening of the Takapuna Jockey Club's meeting at Ellerslio to-morrow, and tb« prospects for a successful gathering arc bright. The course is in splendid order after recent rain, and some smart performances should be registered. The win and place system of betting will be used, and the first race is timed to start at 12 o'clock. .Chief interest will be centred in the Takapuna Cup, the Zealandia Handicap and the Wynyard Plate, and they are likely to attract keen speculation. The well-performed Jonathan and Royal Appellant are equal top-weights in the Held of 12 for the Takapuna Cup. Jonathan has had time to freshen up since his last start, when he finished second to Conrtcraft in the Clifford Plate at Ellerslio, being two lengths behind tho -winner in the good time of 2.5 4-5. With 8.8, Jonathan is capable of running a. mile and a-quartor very lolidlv, and is entitled to respect. Royal Appellant was second with 8.0 to Round Up in tho Grandstand Handicap on January 3. and should make a creditablo showing, although he has 81b. more to 'carry on this occasion. At even weights, the preference may be for Jonathan.

Dark Shadow Well Placed

Tho consistent Knight of Australia is fit and should run his usual honest race. Dark Shadow is nicely placed with 8.5, and" a repetition of his best would make him very difficult to beat. He has 31b. less than when he was unplaced in the Grandstand Handicap and is set to meet Royal Appellant, who was second, on 111b. better terms, bo that tho figures are in his favour compared with the latter. Moreover, ho has -31b. less than when lie finished second in the Summer Cup, which Round Tip won in the course record time of 2.4, and tho chances are that he will be well fancied. With 8.4, Gay Rose has 133b. more than she successfully carried in the Auckland Racing Club Handicap, one "and a-half miles, but she should be equal to a solid performance. The good performer King Rey has been racing consistently, but unluckily, and his turn is due. King Rey finished second in the Manawatu Cup, one and a-half miles, with 8.5 on Boxing Day, and followed up that performance by finishing third in tho Presi-' dent's Handicap with 8.12 and second in the Marton Cup with 8.8. He has previously raced well at a mile and a- ' quarter at Ellerslie, and seems likely to beat more than will defeat him. Grateful is in fine form at present and should make a creditable showing, but at the weights there are several who appeal more. Ihver won at a mile at the summer meeting at Ellerslie and is on the improve. However, ho may not find it easy' in this company.

Light-weight Division

Star Artist also won at a mile at the summer carnival at Ellersie, hut she has yet to show her worth at a mile and a-quarter. Her brilliance should take her a long way, but the journey might trouble her. Day Wind failed in his races at Thames, and ho appears to be held safely by Grateful, who gave him l2lb and a beating in the Goldfields Cup. Nevertheless, he would not be without a chance if he reproduced his best. Cheval de Volee is a recently promoted hack, and ho might find the class a little strong, even though he is on the improve. Gay Broney has no recent form, and will require to show improvement to succeed. It should be a fine betting race, with strong support for King Rey, Dark Shadow and Jonathan. Prospects of Stretto

The brilliant Stretto is set a stiff task with 9.7 in the Zcalandia Handicap. but her latest form has been attractive. She was second at her last start with 9.4 hi the Newmarket Handicap at Ellerslie, and in view of_ the fact that she has trained on nicely in the meantime the weight might not be prohibitive. Rereatu has no recent form, and at his last s-ppearance was unplaced in the Flying Handicap at Te Awamutu. Triune is handily placed with 8.4, but he has not done as well at Ellerslie as elsewhere." Tray Bit is .a very consistent sprinter, and was successful •on the final day of the Summer Meeting at Ellerslie with 7.11. A similar effort shonld make him very dangerous with 8.2. Trilliarch is capable of a sound performance, while Palustre and Tosh were victorious recently at Thames. Palustre? and Tosh should both run good races. Marie's Acre ran two closo 'thirds at the Auckland summer oarnival, and he is an improver who might be difficult to beat, especially if the track happens to be easy. Suleiman was fourth at his last start_ in the Rouen Handicap, and slight improvement from him is not unlikely, as he is doing better from meeting to' meeting. Rollicker is smart when fit, but has not raced just lately. Bachelor King was injured while eontesting the Railway Handicap, and might be all the better for a race. However, he is a speedy sprinter, > xhose turn may come at any time. Anion has ,a chance if started, but is also engaged in the Wvnyard Plate, in which lie has excellent prospects. The favourites may include Stretto, Tray Bit avid Suleiman. V The Wynyard Plate \,The class in, the Wynyard Plate is Hot as strong as usual, and the issue " appears (/pen. If reserved Anion should take considerable beating, as his brilliance should stand to him in the class. Surelhi is well and should perform ,* creditably, while Torch should not he without prospects, in spite of his de- - feats at Thames. Du Manner is an improver liltelv to make his presence felt, and Play On should have a chance to make amends for his defeat at * Trentham, where he was cut back at ;! the start, and did not appear altogether at home the left-handed way found. Others who may add interest to the contest are Romani. who is on V; ;j;- : tho up-grade, High Sea and Royal aals. The last-named has plenty ot ji\l speed, "and the best has yet to be seen °f hf r. Some who may be in demand £ re Anion. Surella, Du Manner and IfeWoyal Vaals. ll# iff? ARRIVAL OF VISITORS i H TOSH AND BRYCE STREET 5 1 'latest arrivals at Ellerslie for It i! 16 Eikapuna meeting are Tosh and j Brvce Street, in charge of M. >1- Carroll, ,'i 'l®. ss Mestor, in charge of H. Paul. I $! vhief Lap, who raced at Thames, has tyme to Avondale. j