THE AUCKLAND CUP.

NZ Truth, Issue 943, 22 December 1923, Page 9

THE AUCKLAND CUP.

(By "Spearmint.") *

An acceptance of 21 for the Cup must be considered satisfactory. It is a good-class field and the race will rank with the best yet seen for this event. In the North the chances -of Highland are held m the most esteem as he has won m his only two starts this season and both races have been good ones, viz.. the Avondale Cup and the Mitchelson Cup. Fred Davis has him looking a picture and he fully expects -him to -^ive a good showing, but he is also conscious of the fact that the class he will meet next week is better than he has yet disposed of. It is a good weight for a four-year-old and' if he can carry it to the front he will deserve the reception he will get. In his favor it has to be said that he is a good beginner and can get any position he wants early m the race.

Roseday i.s a good horse and m tho South they think he is the best handicap performer m the Dominion. Certainly he is a good one, but he is up against it this time and he will know he has had a race when it is over. He Is not to be disposed of with this remark and the writer fully expects him to run a great race if the day Is m his favor and also that of his pilot who does not enjoy the best of health.

Scion is a rare stayer, but he has plenty of weight. Sunart is the owner of a doubtful joint; the hard going will not help him. Many Kittle does not stay and so far this season Gojd j_>ight has not shown a return to her three-year-old form. Ballymena Is the eve of the handicap and should win. lie is very well and as he is so well handicapped he should be able to reproduce his best form. Muraahl is the only one of the others that seems to have a chance. Summed up it would appear as If Ballymena, Highland and Roseday will have most to say at the finish.