TALK OF THE DAY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2762, 20 February 1907, Page 50

TALK OF THE DAY.

By Sentikel.

THE DUXEDIN CUP MEETING.

To-day will see the commencement of a race meeting which promises to prove the most successful held by the Dunedin Jockey Club for many years. Owners have accepted very freely, and the various races bear an open aspect, which gives reason for the belief that they will provide some excellent sport. The Dnnedin Cup still hasa- field of ten. and the club is unfortunate in the fact that two or three of the horses originally engaged are missing from the list because they are physically unfit to take part in the race. The Publican:,' Handicap has a field of 13, and probably all will Start with the exception of Cross Battery. Fifteen have paid up for the GJadbrook Hack, 14 in the Berwick Hack, nine in the Stewards' Welter, 15 in the Trial Plate, and six in the Hurdles. The betting public will have to be very close on the mark if they are to prevent large dividends, and even wher they lose they will in all probability see 6ome_ good sport for their money. The chief interest of the day naturally centres in the Dunedin Cup, and Cross Battery is the one which the writer expects to be first past the post. There is, however, a " but" in connection with her chance, and that lies in the fact that she has done very little work since her arrival on Sunday. On Monday she was cantered, and yesterday she ran half a mile, in 52. This is the best half-mile which has been done this week, and its merit is pronounced by the fact that it was comfortably accomplished. The fact of her not being worked over a distance of ground may not tell against her, as it was noticed that she pulled up well after her race in the St. Albanfc Handicap, and if she were worked a bit solid on Saturday laefc there should not be much wrong with her condition. There is, of course, a doubt as to her staying powers ; but the same doubt exists in connection with the majority- of those engaged. Signalman has a temper which may leave him at the posts. Stepdancer, on form, should be hard to beat, but a doubt existe as to whether ehe is forward enough to play a winning part over 12 furlongs. She finished close to Lapland and Thunderer in the Midsummer Handicap, and may prove equal to beating the pair of them to-day. She will probably improve as much as either, and on weighing that particular trio a preference is made for her against Lapland. Tirole is an unknown quantity as to condition ; but Xotus will strip one of the fittest horses in the field. The trio at the bottom of the handicap on form rank as outsiders, and ali that they have accomplished entitles them to the position. It is possible that Cross Barterv may be reserved for the Publicans' Handicap, but she will probably win the race in which she starts. The following anticipations of tlie judge's placings are made with that qualification : Hurdles— Wonderful. Gladbrook Hack- Harvest 1, Cuviosetti* 2. Champagne Stakes^ — Glenculloch. Dunedin Cup -Cross Battery r, Stepdancer 2, Notus 3. Trial Plate— Ard Reigh 1. Caveola 2. Stewards' Welter— Buccleuch 1, De Witte 2. Berwick Hack- Curiosity 1, Taku 2. Publicans' Handicap — Golden Cairn 1, Balsam 2, Apollodoris 3.