THREE BEST STAYERS

NZ Truth, Issue 1061, 25 March 1926, Page 11

THREE BEST STAYERS

Claims of Rapine's Rivals TRENTHAM GOLD CUP TEST

"Which is New Zealand's best stayer at the present time?" is a query put to "Truth." ,

WITHOUT giving any time, to answering the question the natural reply would be Rapine. On paper he is undoubtedly the best stayer New Zealand has at present, for his 'performances over a distance cannot be regarded lightly. In Count Cavour and Gold Light, however, he has two powerful rivals, and over a two-mile journey they would take some heading off. Rapine* won 'the Auckland Cup with 9.8, defeating Count Cavour (8.13) by a short head. k It is agreed that Rapine had the luck (as ho deserved to when carrying such a burden), while on the other hand Count Cavour Was interfered with just when he wanted a clear run. Later m the meeting at weightfo^age the "Count" turned the tables decisively m a mile and a half race. . ""That race, to a certain extent, indicates that Rapine was rather fortunate m winning the Cup. Since then the pair have not met,

Rapine having had , a let-up, while Count Cavour went on to Dunedin and, after being asked to do everything, won the Cup easily with 9.8. 'Tnen take the case of Gold Light. , When she won the Canterbury Cup m 1924 m time equalling the Australasian record she had an eight lengths break at the finish. What she would have done had she been pressed it is hard to say. Then she ran the mile and a quarter the iast day of the meeting m 3.4. This trio are without doubt the three greatest stayers m the country, but m what order they should be placed is another matter. All being fit and well and tuned up to the minute, "Truth" would incline towards Gold Light. Anyhow, the matter will be settled at Trentha.m next month, for the three concerned are entered m the Gold Cup, a race run at weight-for-age over two miles.