THE N.Z. TROTTING CUP

Taranaki Daily News, 12 November 1929, Page 3

THE N.Z. TROTTING CUP

PREMIER HARNESS EVENT EXCELLENT FIELD ENGAGED. REVIEW- OF THEIR PERFORMANCES (By “Imprint.”; The following horses have made the final payment for the New Zealand Trotting Cup, of 4000 flovs., 4.26 class, two miles, to be run to-day:— Dundas Boy, 4.22 3-5, by Brent Locanda —Wildwood Junior mare, 6yrs. Owner, Mr. G. McMillan. Trainer and driver, R. B. Berry. . Scratch.—A strapping chestnut pacer, Dundas Boy seems the ideal, type for a Cup race, for he is a grand stayer, can unwind a terrific burst of speed, and is quite capable of holding his own with the best under any conditions. He has been working with Ahuriri and Waitaki Girl, and by the manner in which, he has accomplished his task® is worthy of -taking his place ‘in the final. With 3. 2-ssec. “up his sleeve” he may be one of the most favoured in-the race. , .

Kingcraft, 4.28 4-5, by Quincey—Colene Pointer, syrs. Trainer and owner, Mr. B. Grice. Driver, D. Withers. Scratch.—One of the most discussed candidates in the race, Kingcraft promises to be one of the favourites to-day. No horse eligible for nomination has done less racing than the Quincey gelding, and the sensational rise of this young horse has been one of the outstanding incidents of the pacing world. Bred to stay he is one that will not be troubled, by the hardest race; he has youth on his side, has done little racing, is a goodmannered pacer, and he will have the services of D. Withers,’one of th© most capable reinsnien in the game. As a three-year-old Kingcraft. started twice,’ winning both races easily and £390 in prize money. In his fourth face he won the Islington Handicap, of two miles,’ and from a 4.38' mark registered the good time of 4.28 4-5, which placed him amongst the elect. He won his next two races and finished two seasons’ racing with a record of six starts for five wins and a second. In.his seventh race he was handicapped to go 4.25, thus qualifying, for the Cup.. The only time Kingcraft has failed to get any part of the prize money in a race was in the August Handicap at Addington, when Roi L’Or won, while on the third day of the meeting he finished fourth behind Padlock, Quality and King Pointer.' His record now stands at eight starts for five wins, one second, one fourth and Once unplaced. Kingcraft will go to the post as hard as a rock and as one of the favourites in the betting, a position he has maintained since the nominations. Cardinal Logan, 4.27 4-5, by Logan Pointer —Lady Superior, 9yrs. Ownertrainer A. Hendriksen. Scratch. —Although he has not yet accomplished the two miles in the 4.26 he is set to do, Cardinal Logan is favoured in certain quarters, mainly owing to his sterling struggle with Imprint at Greymouth, where the Denver Huon gelding beat him for first place. His owner-trainer-driver, A. Hendiaksen, won the Cup as far back as 1912 with Albert H, and again in 1915 with Country Belle. The Greymouth meeting showed that he is in good form and he will not lack support to-day. Roi L’Or, 4.28, by Rey de Oro—Gold Queen, Gyre. Owner-trainer, Mr. P. Brown. Driver, A. Smith. Scratch — Carefully nursed during his juvenile days the Rey de Oro gelding has done less racing than the majority of the field. He is a brilliant customer over the early stages, but has yet to prove that he possesses the staying power so necessary in a Cup field. Roi L’Or lias never performed so well in his second race at a meeting as he has in the first, and as the Cup provides for a division and a final the second event may be the weak spot in the gelding’s armour. In his last start Roi L’Or won . the-Weston Handicap, of 1J miles, at Oamaru, but the race was a muddling one and run to suit the back-markers. ■

Terence Dillon, by Author Dillon— Teresita, aged. Owner, P. McCarthy. Trainer-driver, J. McLennan. 12yds bhd. —The hope of Oamaru is a proved stayer, but it is questionable if he' possesses the brilliance to enable him to show the way home in a Cup field. He was beaten into fourth place at Oamaru in his last start by a mediocre field. Jack Potts, by Walter Direct—Margaret Steiner, aged. Owner, Mr. A. Anderson. Trainer-driver, C. S. Donald. 24yds behind—But for being the possessor of'San “iffy” knee the American stallion Jack Potts would; be one of the speediest animals seen in New Zealand. His trainer has been caused no end of worry in preparing the blood bay for the contest, but his lack of racing may tell in a hard finish. Gold Jacket, by Gold Bell—Lady S, aged. Owner, Mr. E. J. Parkes. Driver, A. Bryce. 24yds behind. —The winner of the New Zealand Cup Trial Handicap is a brilliant sprinter and his performance in beating Padlock in a sterling struggle at Wellington was full of merit. He has yet to prove, however, that he is a. Cup proposition. Peter Bingen, by Nelson Bingen— Bertha Belle, aged. Owner, Mr. W. Johnstone. Driver, J. J. Kennerley. 36 yds behind—This full brother to champion Great Bingen and winner of the last' New Zealand Cup is not in the same condition as he was last year. At Wellington his display was anything but impressive. Prince Pointer, by Logan Pointer — Princess Sherwood, aged. Owner, Mr. M. O’Brien. Driver, W. J. Tomkinson. 36yds behind.—The most upstanding horse in New Zealand, Prince Pointer will lack nothing on the score of condition. In his work-outs at Addington he has been particularly impressive and his brilliance over any distance is well known to the light harness fraternity. Prince Pointer will not lack solid support. Great Bingen, by Nelson Bingen—Bertha Belle, aged. Owner, Mr. J. R. McKenzie. Driver, F. G. Holmes. 48yds behind. —Unfortunately the champion is under a cloud and a doubtful starter. It is stated that a torn muscle is the trouble and, if so, Mr. McKenzie may never realise his ambition to win the Cup with this greatest son of the mighty Nelson Bingen. It was evident at Wellington that Great Bingen had lost none of his wonderful speed and staying powers for, after being badly interfered with, he finished third to Gold Jacket and Padlock. To-day, if he toes the mark; will see Great Bingen’s fifth appearance in the New Zealand Crip. In 1925 he ran second to Ahuriri, starting from 60 yards behind and running the race in 4.25. The next year he was unplaced off a 4.21 mark, but in the mud and slush of 1927 finished fourth from

84 yards behind to Kohara, Cardinal Logan and Man o’ War. Last year saw the champion’s greatest effort in th© most exciting race ever witnessed at Addington. i Off a 4.22 mark he was beaten by his full brother, Peter. Bingen', by half a length, after running .the race in the phenomenal time of 4.19 2-5. Should Great Bingen go to the post fit and well his prospects cannot be overlooked and it -would occasion no surprise to see the old fellow battling out the issue.. In such a highrclass field the public is set a hard., task. It'is probable, however, that Kingcraft, Dundas Boy, Gold Jacket, and Great Bingen, if it is elected to start him, will receive solid support. SECOND DIVISION.' . • ' Logan Park, 4.22 1-5, by. Logan Pointer—Miss Burlington, aged. Owners, Messrs. Armstrong and Johnston. Trainer and driver, W. J. Toiiikinson. Scratch. —The second string to Tomkinson’s bow, Logan Park, was one of the last horses to become eligi.ble for the Cup. He is a bold and free pacer, but his freeness and hard pulling may get him into early trouble. Tomkinson, however, knows how .to handle that sort and may elect to get the Logan Pointer gelding to the front early. With a record of 4.22 1-5 he must be respected off 4.26, no matter what the. conditions are. <

Linkman; 4.25 2-5, by Matchlight— Harold Dillon mare, syrs. Owner,; V. Alborn. Trainer, A. Cox. Owner, driver, Scratch.—Although his parentage is rather obscure, Linkman, a model of consistency, thoroughly deserves his place amongst the elect. His chances do not appeal but the fascination attached to the Cup has apparently enticed Owner-driver Alborn to send his geldinjr after the big prize. Still, consistency, speed and stamina are feat-, urea of Linkman’s make-up, and these count a lot in New Zealand Cup racing. A victory for the Matchlight pacer would prove very popular. Imprint, by Denver Huon—Prince Imperial mare, aged. Owner, Mr. T. B. Louissoh.- Driver, L. F. Berkett. Scratch.—The Nelson representative was in the money at Greymouth recently and, if the going is heavy, he should always be respected. The Denver Huon geldiiia may spring a surprise. DapYme de Oro, 4.25 4-5,’ by Logan Pointer or Rey de 6io—Doraldine, syrS. Owner, trainer,, driver, J. Washington. Scratch.—The little filly’s owner is very optimistic regarding her-chances and is confident. She has on two ; occasions equalled or bettered the qualifying time of 4.26 for the Cup, but she has not beaten anything like a Cup field. She is still on a 4.27 mark and her chances off- the limit do not appear, favourable. Author Jinks, by Author Dillon—Lady Jinks, Gyrs. Owner, Mr. D. O’Keefe. Driver, D. Teahan. Scratch—One of the hardest raced horses in New Zealand is Author Jinks, but he "has, if anything, been over-raced. As a Cup possibility it is not expected that he will receive much support. Quality, 4.24 1-5, by Denver Huon— Lady Superior, ’ Byrs. Owmer, Mr. J, O’Grady. Trainer-driver, C., S. Donald. 12 yards behind.—True to’ name the little mare is a wonderful stayer and is a half-sister to Cardinal Logan. Should she survive her division she -will come up fitter for the final, aud if handy at the finish may. beat many of the others off. Stamina, w’hich founts for so much in the race, is Quality’s second name.

Talaro, 4.24 2-5, by Great AudubonCoin, 9yrs. Owner, Mr. C. E. Lindsay. Trainer, F. Holmes. 12yds behind. In recent years one of the most consistent horses trained in -New Zealand, Talaro is in fine fettle for the big event to-day. From 12 yards behind Talaro will be respected, for he is a aenuine stayer and, although a slow beginner, can turn on a terrific burst of speed over the final stages. In three seasons’ racing Mr. Lindsay’s gelding has, won £5390. .He should strip a very..fit 'horse., but has raced only twice this season, a fact that may militate against his cliances.' Kohara, by Cathedral Chimes—Bright Alice, aged. Owner, Mr. J. R, Corrigan. Driver, A. J. Corrigan. • 24yds behind.— Taranaki’s hope is a previous Cup winner .and was made a solid favourite at Wellington,. where . he- fell when going as well as anything in the race. Kohara begins well, can turn on a ■ fine buret of speed, and. has. that most .necessary qualification —stamina. On top of the around or ankle deep in mud, the horse is equally at home, and the possibility of his bringing the Cup to Taranaki will not be neglected, especially if the going is heavy. Waitaki Girl, by Harold DillonStanley's Child, aged. Owner, Mr. H. W. Aker. Driver, C. Aker. 24yds behind.—Waitaki Girl of late has not done impressive work, a work-out at. Addington taking 4.30. The little mare is a moody customer and her racing days are just about over. Ahuriri, by Cathedral Chimes—Muricata, aged. Owner, Mr. R. M. Morten. Driver, J. Bryce. 36yds behind.—“ The cotton-wool horse” Ahuriri is aptly,called, but he has been “cotton-woolled” for a purpose. Two New Zealand Trotting Cups and. an Auckland Cup have been won by Cathedral Chimes’ son, and he almost added the third last yeai. In that race, after receiving a very rough passage, he was beaten by a head by Great Bingen for second place. His driver, Bryce, as usual attempted to run through the field on the rails and was boxed in coming into the straight. He pulled Ahuriri on the outer and then was witnessed one of the most .t>ensa tional finishes ever seen at Addington. Peter Bingen was out in front with his brother, Great Bingen, hot on the trail. Ahuriri unloosed an amazing burst of speed and rapidly overhauled the fliers in front. He was just too late. This year Bryce says he has the “w f ee horse” a picture of physical condition. With Kingcraft, Ahuriri promises to be a favourite. Padlock, by Hal Zolock—Rawene, aged. Owner, Mr. J. A. Mitchell. Driver, W. Hughes, ,48yds behind. —A brilliant but erratic customer is Padlock. When at his best he seems capable of almost anything, but then he spoils it with a mediocre performance. He is a o-reat beginner and should secure a handy position early in the race. Nevertheless he warrants' support and he, will receive it. The four placed horses in the second division also compete in the final. Ahuriri, Logan Park, Kohara and Padlock may be sorted out by the public as the most likely quartette. TROTTING CUP WINNERS. 1904— Monte Carlo, handicap 7sec., time, 4.44 2-5. 1905 — Birchmark, 7sec., 5.17 3-5. 1906 — Belmont M., 4sec., 4.46. 1907 — Marian, 9sec., 5.16 2-5. 1908 — Durbar, scr., 4.36. 1909 — Wildwood Junior, ssec., 4.39. 1910 — Wildwood Junior, scr., 4.33. 1911 — Lady Clare, 4scc., 4.38. 1912 — Albert H.. Bsec.. 4.48 4-5. ’.1913 —Ravcnschild. Gsec., 4.35 3-5.

1914 — -Win Soon, Gseft., 4.31. 1915— Country Belle, ? scr., 4.35 3-5. 1916— Cathedral Chimes, 36yds bh<L ' 4.31 1-5. ? . ' 1917— Adelaide Direct, 7sec., 4.27 4;5, A, 1918— Author Dillon, 3sec., 4.26 2-5. ' ■l9l9—Trix Pointer, 6Sec., 4.30. 1920: —Reta Peter, 9sec., 4.30 2-5. 1921— Reta Peter, 7sec., : 4.29 1-5. 1922 — Agathos, 12yds bhd, 4.33 2-5. 1923— Great Hope, 12yds bhd, 4.31 2-5. .1924—Sheik, 36yds bhd, 4.25 4-5. ■- ' 1925 — Ahuriri, 12yds bhd, 4.28 1-5. 1926— Ahuriri, 24yds bhd/ 4.25. 1927 — -Kohara, 24yds bhd, 4.46 3-5. 1928— Peter Bingen, 12yds bhd, 4.22 1-5. MINOR EVENTS REVIEWED. (By “Imprint.”) The following are expected to run well to-day:-— >b . n w . ~ ” Spring Handicap.—Bingen Starr, Ukulele Lady, Nelson Boy. - , a -’ -w Empire Handicap. —Trimmer, ■■ Great Logan, Lindbergh. ' ’ * . ■’ ■' . »:• « Riccarton Handicap.—Mac Dillon, Aleron, Richore. - - , O .■ ■ it SI ' SI ■ •. ‘ Dominion Handicap.—Western Voy--age, Sister Beatrice, Judge Hancock. ... . . # ■■' w’ ; ■- a ■' yr ■ •• Victoria Handicap. —Travis Axworthy, Glenelg, Billy Sea. * J.-- --;.’ # Hagley Handicap.—Maiwhariti, Tor- A pedo Huon, Jean. MeElwyn. '