POPULAR TAKAPUNA PLATE

NZ Truth, Issue 1147, 24 November 1927, Page 11

POPULAR TAKAPUNA PLATE

Saturday f s Hack Event Will See Keen Competition

(From "N.Z. Truth's" Speoial Auokland Representative.)' The popularity of the Takapuna Plate is evidenced by the fact that after the final payment no fewer than 31 hacks were carded for competition.

IT is a seven -furlong event with special weight conditions — three-year-olds to carry Bst; four- year-olds and upwards Bst 91b. maiden three-year-olds at time of starting allowed 71b. and maiden four -year -olds and upwards 101 b. The winner is set to receive 400 soys. and a gold cup valued at 80 soys., the second 80 soys. and third 40 soys. It is just possible that 'the event will be run m divisions and m this case the stake money will undergo some change. But the T.J.C. intends that each winning owner should reoeive a gold cup should a division be necessary. The safety numbers for the sevenfurlong peg at Takapuna is 23. It is more than likely that barrier positions will play a strong part m serving up the actual favorite on the day. At the present time Town Bird, which won an open flying at Wanganui .m September, claims, most admirers, because of his recognised beginning ability and the turning track. Town Bird had one race since Wanganui m a hack event at Te Rapa, when he displayed the right pace. Ti Tree's victory at Wellington entitles Jamiesonls charge to respect. There is a tendency to' support Antrim Boy on account of 'his third to Nancy Lee and High Finance at Ellerslie m an open sprint a few weeks back. , : ; ;

He has since sprinted fast, in-" dicating that he is back to his winning spring form of 1926. For solidity, Modest Boy cannot be passed over, for he" won over a mile last start and will go all the way for seven furlongs if he happens to hop out smartly. From the same stable, both Whakarite and Carinthla have. been racing into form. Others with reasonable speed en-, gaged are Subdivision, Value, King Peg, Miss Mercia, King Arch, Judge's Box, Royal Doulton, Abbess, Golden Wedding, Dimmer, Miss Potoa, Macroom, Speechless, War Office and Lady Robinson. Miss Mercia is the only real ; visitor of the party, while of the 31 remaining m no fewer than 20 have figured as winners. However, to name the most likely five to carry spirited support, Town Bird, Ti Tree, Antrim Boy, Modest Boy and Judge's Box should prove the real quintette. Ti Tree has a pull of 91b. m weight from the other main selections, but don't, forget that the post positions should play their part m providing the winner. .A Perhaps the judge may have to decide between Tl TREE, TOWN BIRD, and MODEST BOY.