AVONDALE TO-MORROW

Taranaki Daily News, 20 September 1929, Page 5

AVONDALE TO-MORROW

DISCUSSION OF THE FIELDS FORM FOLLOWS TO BIG MEETINGS. LARGE FIELDS PUZZLE PUNTERS. The Avondale Cup fixture, which opens to-morrow, holds a big interest to sportsmen throughout the Dominion because of the fact that the majority of the horses engaged claim important engagements at the New Zealand Cup and Mitchelson Cup meetings next month. With an average of 21 in each race the punters are presented with a difficult problem to sort out winners, and the open appearance of the fields gives one a headache at first sight. The Maiden Plate will be run in divisions, two dividends being paid on each race. In the first division, Gay Duke created a favourable opinion as a two-year-old and was noticed running on. If he is ready for racing he will make the best of them gallop over the final stages. Crimeston is well considered up north and is likely to be all the rage for the second division. Nothing stands out among the 17 in the Kingsland Hurdles, and the issue appears to be open. Auckland scribes fancy the light-weighted Sir Archie, who, as a sprinter, had a penchant for the Avondale cotirse. Gena Bay does not. seem to be more than fair. Waltzer is expected by some to be a dangerous opponent for Sir Archie. Three on end is Leader’s performance, and the brilliant southerner may have more support in the Members’ Handicap than Flying Prince and Marble King. The big event is the Avondale Cup, and of the 15 acceptors the seven topweights and Hyde Park and The Lover must be considered possibilities. In such an open event, which includes some of

m> itn ■ nti inn itnif hi ii ni in ii in ii in min in it nt t f iiih i n it mini the best middle-distance performers in the Dominion, betting will take a wide range. On recent form one must consider Prince Humphrey, Star Stranger and Paddon as a dangerous trio, though Prodice, in form, would make the, best of them gallop. Wanganui did not give the lead expected in the Avondale Stakes, and the Aucklanders Ruling King and King Win may find the public inquiring more for them than for Isa and Cylinder.

What a galaxy of sprinters is engaged in the Flying Stakes! Gold Money-and Eaglet are the Auckland champions, and Awarere and The Begum back them up well. Taranaki puts forward a good claim with Silvermine and Lady Qu ex, although the latter appeals more to “Moturoa.” Benzora, too, cannot be easily discarded, and the puzzle becomes harder and harder. Taranaki punters have their own opinion of the merits of those engaged, but when the final bell is ringing it would occasion little surprise to see the money divided between Gold Money, Eaglet and Lady Quex.

Good Boy is a good sort at the top of the list in the Swanson Handicap, and he will not lack support. Motere is another middle distance performer in hack company who is worth considering, and Sea Cob and Leitrim have been fair winners. On Pakuranga form, Motere might go out a better favourite than Good Boy and Leitrim. A stiff day’s programme concludes with the Henderson Handicap. Standfast, Partial ’ Eclipse and Ohinemuri all run a good seven. With a light weight Thursby might trouble them. Glenstar has had the benefit of recent racing.