PLAYBOY FAVOURITE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27526, 21 October 1950, Page 7

PLAYBOY FAVOURITE

NZPA—Copyright MELBOURNE, Oct. 19. No protest of recent years has caused so much discussion in Melbourne as the successful objection by J. Purtell, rider of Comic Court, against Playboy being declared the winner of the Caulfield Stakes at Caulfield on Wednesday. A film of the race was displayed the following day, and opinions were divided as to whether Playboy had actually interfered with Comic Court. The stewards did not view the film before making their decision and the acting chairman stated that they made their decision on their own observations. The alleged interference occurred just below the stand occupied by the stewards at the finish of the race. So impressive was Playboy s form that he has now become equal favourite wlth Grey Boots for the Caulfield Cup. Comic Court, who has been one of the favourites since the declaration of weights, has eased. Playboy meets him at 51b better terms in the Cup, and keen judges consider that Playboy will, defeat him over the longer journey. Heroic Lad, who won the Windsor Handicap on Wednesday, was purchased two days earlier for 1200gns by Dr V. R. Ratten and Mr P. Gare,” both of Tasmania, with the object of winning the Hobart Cup. As the winning stake on Wednesday was £7OO, the new owners have secured a bargin. Savoy, who scored an easy victory in the Moora Welter, is likely to be set for the Cantala Stakes, the important mile race at Flemington on Derby Day. Playbov was galloped on in the Caulfield Stakes on Wednesday, and was inclined to favour his off hind leg when galloping on the track next day. His owner-trainer, T. J. Smith, however, considers that the injury will not affect the horse’s Cup chance, and Smith )is extremely confident of success.