WELLINGTON DOUBLE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26980, 15 January 1949, Page 5

WELLINGTON DOUBLE

BRUCE AND CITRIL EARLY FAVOURITES

STRONG ENTRY FROM SOUTH South Island horses look to hold a strong hand in the Wellington Cup and Telegraph Handicap, the principal races on the first day of the Wellington meeting next Saturday. At the moment Bruce is a strong favourite for the Cup, with Coral Arc's chances also being widely discussed. Bruce, who is top-weight with 9.8, won the race two years ago when carrying 8.13. He has put up some gallant performances this season under big weights, running second to Sir Garnish in the New Zealand Cup with 8.13 and third to Frances and Coral Arc in the Auckland Cup under the steadier of 9.6. Bruce, who has been subject to hoof trouble throughout his career, will be at his best for the race. He will have the services of his trainer, L. J. Ellis. Other South Island horses entering discussion include Royal Tan, The Grate, and Bobby Dazzler. The form of the latter pair over the holidays was outstanding and it would not surprise to see them close up at the finish. The Grate is a proved stayer and the best has not been seen of her. Bobby Dazzler was staying on at the end of his races, and lie looks as though he will see out the two-mile journey. The field is strengthened by the presence of several winners during the holidays, including Helio (Dunedin Cup), Gunther (Invercargill Gold Cup), Quick March (Summer Cup at Ellerslie), Tenor Royal (Marton Cup), Torrent (Aldworth Stakes, Marton), Embrolita (New Year Handicap, Hawke’s Bay), Beau Bijou (President's Handicap, Hawke’s Bay), Yasda (Freyberg Handicap, Manawatu), and Night Charm (Malone Memorial, Manawatu). With these and other good handicap horses of the calibre of Robin’s Reward, Beau le Havre, King’s Ransom and Welcome Guest engaged, the Cup race is rich in talent. If, Beau le Havre goes to the post he will be having his seventh start in a-two-mile race in less than 14 months. No other horse in New Zealand or Australia has such a record. The Telegraph Handicap, the second leg of the double, has drawn a field of 24, including most of the Dominion’s leading sprinters. At this stage the favourite is Citril, who has a string of minor placings against high-class horses to her credit. Here again the South Island has a strong representation with Citril, Full Play, winner of the Stewards’ Handicap, Theocritus, The Hob, Faithful Pal and Fluorescent Light listed as acceptors. Theocritus ran several good races in sprints on the Otago circuit, while Faithful Pal was a winner at Oamaru, covering the six furlongs in the excellent time of lmin 11 4-ssec. The Hob won a race at Ellerslie, but was disqualified for interference, while Fluorescent Light was one of the outstanding hacks raced in the south during the Holidays. At his first start in open company he spreadeagled a good field over seven furlongs at Invercargill. He is reported to oe in great heart for his Wellington engagement. Castlebrae, Da Vinci, and False Step look the pick of' the North Island horses entered, but if the track is heavy Morocco can be expected to show up. Both races bear an open appearance with the odds favouring tne South Island horses.