WILLIE WIN IN FAVOUR

Southland Times, Issue 24056, 21 February 1940, Page 11

WILLIE WIN IN FAVOUR

STRONG DUNEDIN CUP FIELD CAPRICIOUS WILL HAVE A FOLLOWING The Dunedin Cup, the feature event at the opening of the Dunedin Jockey Club’s autumn meeting tomorrow, is a race which has eluded Southland owners and since the race was first run in 1889 Southland horses have been successful on only four occasions. Rorke’s Drift won in 1916 and again in 1919, while in 1930 Queen Balboa won. In 1935 Tauramai, then a three-year-old, was successful. This year Southland will probably rely on Sparkle, Peony Rose and Wild Career, as the other two acceptors, Mona’s Song and Sailing Lady are unlikely starters. Tomorrow’s field is a particularly strong one and a great race is promised. The favourites at this stage promise to be Willie Win, Capricious and Settlement. The top-weight, Willie Win, is one of the best stayers in the country and now that he has returned to his best form he may be expected to carry on. He was narrowly beaten in the 1937 Melbourne Cup won *by The Trump and in his last start won the Midsummer Handicap (1J miles) from Queen of Song and Settlement. On that occasion he carried 8.8 ox - 71b less than he has at Wingatui. He meets Queen of Song on 71b and Settlement on 81b worse terms. Queen of Song may not improve much but Settlement cannot be counted out, as like Willie Win he is a fine stayer at his best. Settlement has not won a race since he shared in a triple dead' heat at Riccarton in November but he was doing his best work, at the finish of the Midsummer Handicap to be third. With 7.11 he is a possibility. NORSEMAN’S CHANCE Norseman failed at Gore but there was an excuse for him as he was unable to handle the track while he was also galloped on during the race. His form over a period has been of a high standard—especially at Trentham, where he beat all but Beau Vite over 11 furlongs. Norseman won over a mile at Wingatui during the holidays, while his second to Centrepoise in the Metropolitan at Riccarton is a guarantee that the journey will not trouble him. Her Midsummer Handicap placing gives Queen of Song a chance but there are several likely to be preferred ahead of her. There are few better stayers about than Thermidor and she has run some of her best races at Wingatui. She won the Waikouaiti Cup during the holidays, while she finished third to Beau Repaire and Royal Chief over 11 furlongs at Trentham. With 8.7 she is nicely placed. Capricious has not been a winner this season but she beat all but Yours Truly in the New Zealand Cup, after making almost all the pace, while in the Metropolitan Handicap she was third to Centrepoise and Norseman. She now meets Norseman on 91b better texms but the fact that she has not had a race for three months will be against hex" in spite of her good track work. Although she has won over a mile and aquarter, Alma does not appeal over the, longer journey. Mona’s Song and Sailing Lady will probably be missing but Peony Rose and Sparkle are both likely lightweights: Sparkle has come through a thorough preparation and will see out the distance better than most. There is not a great deal between her and Peony Rose but the journey may find Sparkle better favoured. During the holidays Lord Puck beat Sparkle over 10J furlongs but the latter now comes in. on 811 b better' terms and as she has improved since she should hold Lord Puck safely. On Winton form Sparkle should hold Wild Career, while of the others, Nightdress is the most likely. With 7.1 he would make it difficult for the others if he elected to give his best. In what promises to be a great race the favourites may be Willie Win, Capricious and Settlement.