N.Z. TROTTING CUP

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 75, Issue 6440, 31 October 1947, Page 5

N.Z. TROTTING CUP

FIFTEEN ENGAGED IN TOMORROW’S RACE INTEGRITY IN FAVOUR (By “Old Rowley”) To-morrow is a big day in trotting circles and all followers of the sport who could make the trip are already down at Addington with high hopes of seeing one of the most interesting contests for the New Zealand Trotting Cup yet staged. A couple of seasons ago when the progressive New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club raised the stake to £7400 and a gold cup valued at £lOO, it created quite a furore and certainly the greatest advertisement this sport has had since its inception in the Dominion. The race is still the richest light-harness race in Australasia, if not the world and although the initial glamour has worn off it still creates as much interest as any of the other important Dominion sporting events. Last year the race was won by Integrity, which is likely to be one of the most favoured of this year's candidates. In the field is another previous winner of the coveted trophy, Haughty, which has two to her credit. However, many keen judges are looking further among the younger brigade for the possible challenger to Integrity’s claims, and although Knave of Diamonds is-• receiving a deal of attention it would appear that he might have a job in front of him.

Nyallo Scott, whose speed and brilliance has caused many glowing comments recently, has many friends, and no doubt this one will only need to begin right to have a say in the finish.

Battle Colours has won a host of admirers by his previous form and recent displays. He has shown courage in two mile events, but there is just that doubt about him having the necessary brilliance in a race such as this. However, to-morrow will prove whether these doubts are justified. Why not Dundee Sandy, many are asking, and certainly their question is justified, for this pacer has graduated from the stage of a budding “star” into one of the most promising of the topflight southerners. Should the track be in good order Dundee Sandy will not lack in friends and he may justify their optimism. Which brings us to In The Mood, and the name aptly describes what has to be considered about this very solid pacer. Should In The Mood decide to move off smartly the others are likely to find that they are being played a merry tune: it can hardly be said, however, that this pacer is one of those strongly favoured at time of writing.

Plunder Bar was expected to be one of the outstanding performers in the light-harness sport at the beginning of last season and up to a point he lived up to his reputation, but on occasions his efforts gave rise to conjecture as to his real class. He is entitled to respect.

It is to Great Belwin that Aucklanders are looking for a victory in to-morrow’s race and he should certainly give them a good run. It will be recalled that high hopes were held of him annexing the Auckland Trotting Cup last season, but he had to lower his colours to Loyal Nurse. In the past Great Belwin has shown honesty and tenacity in his races, but has lacked the brilliance to finish off some very sterling performances. He won very nicely on the second day of the Auckland meeting last Monday, finishing better, perhaps, than in any of his previous assays. Great Belwin must be one of the logical favourites on the day and the only thing that might upset his chances would be an exceptionally slow run race in the early stages, which would leave the others with too much pace for him at the finish.

Highland Fling must certainly be given a place among the possibilities if this pacer is at its best, and there is every reason to believe that it will be well in the van at the distance.

Perhaps one of the most likely pacers is Turco, and the rapid rise of this gelding to his present status has proved him to be one of the most versatile in the game at the present time. I do not think it is going too far to say that he ranks little lower than Emulous and had Emulous been able to take his place in the field tomorrow there is little doubt about which would be the favourite. Turco is, I am led to believe, right at the top of his form and he seems to be nicely placed in age and all aspects to win his first New 1 Zealand Cup. Countless is a consistent sort and there is no need to “gild the lily” when it comes to Haughty. Should this gallant mare succeed it would certainly be a victory of popular acclaim, but immediate past efforts suggest that perhaps Haughty, like many others is finding the years slipping by all too quickly and is inclined to look at the luscious paddocks with a wistful eye. Indications are for good weather and it is possible (hat Addington will be taxed to capacity. The first race will start at 10.45 a.m. and the day’s sport concludes with the running of the Final Handicap at 3.58 p.m. Horses In Favour It is likely that the following horses will attract attention in their engagements : Victoria Handicap, limit 4.32, 2 miles: Aspenall, Paddy Potts, Imperial Grattan. Spring Handicap, trotters, limit 3.48, 1 mile, 5 furlongs: Fairy Wings, Great Venture, Jason’s Quest. Riccarton Stakes, 3-year-old non-win-ners, 1J miles: Mala, Belmont Hall, Victory Globe. New Zealand Trotting Cup, limit 4.21, 2 miles: Knave of Diamonds, Turco, Integrity. Canterbury Handicap, limit 4.30, 2 miles: Snowflake, Maudeen, Lone Raider. Avon Handicap, trotters, limit 2.51, li miles: Mistydale, Toushay, Aerial Scott. Empire Handicap, limit 4.26, 2 miles: Captain Gaillard brkt., Worthy Gold, War Form. Final Handicap, limit 2.49, 11 miles: Play Safe, Bien Sur, Bonny Clare.