THE TREHTHAM GOLD CUP

Taranaki Daily News, 17 March 1931, Page 4

THE TREHTHAM GOLD CUP

PROVEN STAYERS’ CHANCE

NIGHTMARCH IS WELL PREPARED.

KARAPOTI’S ABILITY IS DOUBTED.

(By

“Moturoa.”)

The Trentham Gold Cup never draws a large field, for the simple reason that ever sb few genuine stayers are produced each season, and, since the inception of this gruelling two-mile test in 1914 on three occasions only have twodividend fields gone into the starters hands. But in a race of this description it is not quantity that would provide the greatest thrills, but the measuring of strides by the select few great thoroughbreds of the year, and seldom has the Trentham Gold Cup failed to provide the piece de resistance of the Wellington Racing Club’s autumn meeting. The first field was a disappointing one, only Merry Roe, Cherubini, Sir Solo and Bronze going to the post, and none of these could be regarded as a champion over two miles. It- was a' slowrun race, the sixteen furlongs taking 3min. 44 2-ssec. Warstep made her appearance in 1915 and won . decisively from Balboa. She ran the journey ,in 3min. 24sec., which was an Australianand New Zealand record and stood as ■ New .Zealand record until- 1928. After succeeding in the .A. J.C. Derby, Kilboy added this race to his list of triumphs, beating The Toff, Desert Gold and his stable-mate Sasanof. In 1919 Sasanof won the Thompson Handicap and then outstayed a fair field. Amythas won in 1920 and the following year heads separated Duo, Sasanof and Rouen; -In 1923 Amythas won the race for the second time. Rapjne beat four fine stayers in Kick Off, Sunart, Vagabond and Scion in 1923,’ but the following year had to lower na colours to- the 'brilliant three-year-old Ballymena. Produced again in 1926 he showed the .way home’ to Gold Light, but Count Cavour ran away, from him the next year. The record of the race to date reads as follows:—

1914—Merry ROe 1, Cherubini 2, Sir Solo

3. Time, 3min. 44 2-ssec, 1915— Warstep , 1,- Balboa 2, Indigo 3. Time, 3min. 24sec. 1916— Eligible 1, Balboa 2, Indigo’ 3.

Time, 3min. 35sec. 1917—Kilboy, 1, The Toff 2, Desert Gold ■3, Time, 3min. 28sec. —No race. 1019—Sasanof 1, Afterglow 2, Punka 3.

Time, 3min. 27sec. I^2o—Amythas 1, Vagabond 2, Bonnie i Maid 3. Time, 3min. 27 l-ssec. 1921 —Duo 1. Sasanof 2, Rouen 3. Time,

3min. 33sec. r 1922— Amythas i; Kick Off 2, Winning Hit 3. Time, 2min.. 26 4-ssec. 1923— Rapine 1, Kick Off' 2, Sunart 3.

Time, 3miri. 32sec. . 1924—Ballymena 1, Rapine 2; Muraahi 3

Time, 3min. 30 2-s Sec. 1925— Pilliewinkie. 1, Quiescent 2, Sug- ' ‘ gestion 3. Time, 3mih. 26Jsec. 1926— Rapine. 1, Gold Light 2, Mask 3. . • Time, 3min. 1927 — Count - Cavour 1, Rapine. 2, Star Stranger 3. Time, 3min. SOJsec. . . 1928— Star Stranger 1, Satrap 2, Rapier 3. Time, 3min._ 22Jsec. 1919—Rapier 1, Count Cavour 2, Nightmarch 3. Time, 3min. 27sec. .. 1930— Star Stranger 1, Concentrate 2, Rapier 3. Tjme, 3min. ; 32sec, The'field carded for to-day is:—

trEntham gold cup,. of: 700 sovs. Two miles. .

NIGHTMARCH, A. Louisson’s .br.h., by' Night Raid—Marsa,. syrs (R. Reed) .... ? 4 STAR STRANGER, A. B. Wil-, liams’. b.g., by Martian —Star Lady, 7yrs (H. Gray) ........ 9 4 HUNTING CRY, T. Fraser’s br.h., by Hunting Song—Natalie,, 4yiB ( ;) .................. 90 KARAPOTI, M. H., Tims’ b.g., by General Latour —Kilbeggan, 3yrs . (- —) ........ 8 0 LADY PAM, W. R. Kemball’s br.f., by Limond—Princess Pat, 3yr& (R. W. McTavish) 7 11

Not for a long time has a horse been given such a searching preparation for a race of this description as Nightmarch. '< At every meeting in North Canterbury i the dual Cup winner has been paraded and galloped six furlongs with the col- • ours up and, judging by the times recorded privately, he has not loitered. ■ Without hesitation I consider him the best stayer in the Dominion at present, arid with utter disregard for the hard and fast axioms established in connection with weight-for-age racing, I should be prepared to see him simply outclass Karapoti if to-day finds him as fit as he was when he won the New Zealand Cup. I can speak of Star Stranger as one of the finest out-and-out stayers New Zealand ever produced, but I think he reached the peak of his form when he established the Australasian two-mile record in this race three years ago. True, he hits won since, and last year recorded a remarkable performance to beat Concentrate. It would be opportune to recall his two victories in this race, and one can in some degree measure his greatness. Star Stranger, the St. Leger winner Satrap, Rapier and Wild Pigeon comprised the field in 1928 and the public gave preference to Star Stranger over the three-year-old. Wild Pigeon made the first move, to be joined by Satrap at the end of a furlong. The juveniles gradually opened up a break on the older horses, and at the end of a mile, where Wild Pigeon threw up the sponge, Satrap had a commanding lead of twelve lengths from Star. Stranger and Rapier. Satrap was going so freely that Metcalf gave him his head and on the bend a bare half-mile from home. Star Stranger was asked to start bridging a gap of fully sixteen lengths. The gap was appreciably reduced as Satrap straightened up, but the task ahead Star Stranger looked hopeless. A furlong from home Reed was riding hard and the gallant gelding was responding wonderfully. At the half-furlong he was gaining slowly, but Satrilp then began to “roll,” and when the post was only a few strides away Star Stranger ranged alongside his younger rival and won by a long neck. The crowd had been treated to the thrill of a life-time, and the prolonged applause was renewed whfen the time was recorded on the semaphore—3min. 22Jsec. Last year saw the fine Martian gelding in a different role. Three went to the post, but Gray, who had the mount on Star Stranger, decided he had only Concentrate to. beat. In a sprint home Concentrate was a certainty, but Gray made the backers gasp when he actually hit the front in the first furlong. Concentrate had the best of the running throughout and the last run momentarily o-ave him a winning chance, but under'pressure Star Stranger again rose to the occasion and once more earned the plaudits of the racegoers, many of whom remembered vividly his wonderful e record-breaking race. And that is Star Stranger, but to-day even as an ardent admirer of the son of Martian, I am inclined to consider the toll of the passin-* -years too great for him, and in spite cf his .good gallop last, X cannot

imagine him beating Nightmarch at even weights. Nevertheless, Star Stranger can be relied upon to run a great race and, at any price, another win for him would again evoke the applause of all admirers of thoroughbred horseflesh.

Hunting Cry, even though he won the Derby last year, does not appeal as a true stayer, and it would, not be surprising if he took on the shorter race. There°is no doubt that the public will) pounce on Karapoti for the favourite, but he has yet to prove that he is a real stayer. If he can win , to-day the initial brilliance and dogged finishing efforts which have characterised his victories to date make him a worthy contender for Australasian honours with the “red devil,” phar Lap. Karapoti will be the horse of the year if he can • win to-day. and this is his supreme test. Lady Pam is the beet filly of the season, but lacks the sustained brilliance of the champion, and, when form and breeding are carefully considered it is hard to look past

NIGHTMARCH.

WELLINGTON FIELDS TO-DAY.

By Telegraph.—Press Association. . Wellington, March 16,

The Wellington Racing Club accept*, ances for to-morrow (Tuesday) are:—

REVIEW OF SATURDAY’S FORM*

(By “Moturoa”)

Trentham has earned, the unpleasant soubriquet of. the “punters’ graveyard,j but Saturday’s racing exploded that theory, which had become generally. accepted, and recent form proved remarkably good to -> j « * • • ...

■ATR T.ADDIE is meeting Mountain Heath on 81b. better'. terms than-; was the cafie when they met at Dannevirke and will be better suited by the shorter distance in the Ngaio High-weight. Baskier may be the one to upset them. <

The “feecond-day” horse, .Full Feather, won-the Hutt Handicap last yean Eaglet and Richfield arc meeting weaker; company to-day, but THE HAWK reaXs as well as anything on his DanpOvirke form. ’ ' •

Chief Joy, Simba , and Playground 1 art at the top of the list in the Muritai Handicap', and must' -be considered' on 1 Saturday’s form. Mahora stays on well and GLENROSSIE is coming back to form. Playground and Chief Joy may worry him most. • * ' i

BRONZE EAGLE won so. decisively the first day that he will be backed down to a short price for the Pacific Handicap. However, better drawn at th; barrier, High Comedy will set him a harder task, and Oratorian is nearly at his best form. **■ • *

The Autumn Handicap is always a hard race to win. The extra distance will give Historic time to find his feet, and he is sure to be the better for. his race on Saturday. Kept for this race, HUNTING CRY would be admirably suited, and his recent running indicates that he is not far from his best form. Vertigern must be respected here, and so must Mount Boa, while My Own, Ball Dress and Pewa are all likely Ught-weights. However, in the absence of Hunting Cry, HISTORIC, Mount Boa and Vertigern should find most support.

A great field is carded for the Suburban Handicap. Toxeuma ran a fine race in the Stakes for his first outing since Christmas and will improve. Paganelli has lost form again, but Cadland has established himself as a sprinter of class. Limerick is far from a hasbeen, and Havering and Autopay. ran solid races the first day. Arrow Lad and Refresher must also be considered, but CADLAND, Toxeuma and Havering make most appeal.

The Belmont Handicap is a puzzler, in which Tea Queen, Tobaccoland, Glenrossie, Kozan, Rothen, Little Thrush and Winsome Hind have good recent form. However, Rabbi’s half-brother KOZAN is improving and may beat Tea Queen and Tobaccoland in the absence of Glenrossie.

FEILDING NOMINATIONS.

MANY TARANAKI HORSES ENTER.

The following nominations have been received for the Feilding Jockey Clubs Easter meeting on April 4 and 6. —

FIRST DAY.

KAWA KAWA HURDLES HANDICAP, of 150 sovs. About one mile and a half and 130 yards.—Hymgreat, Tenacre, Disrank, Goblin Market, Royal Acre, Mister Gamp, Arch Eagle, Tunbridge, Full Mark, Fine Acre, Kopje, Conjuror, Latakia, Goldlike, Elicit, Spearopa.

ONGO HACK HANDICAP of 150 soys. Six furlongs. —Goldzone, Glenr ossie,

Leisure, False Scent, Moatoa, Nataho, Knollmere, Orby’s Choice, Sporting Chance, King Acre, Golden Shadow, Wallaruh, Infusion.

MANCHESTER HANDICAP, of 500 sovs. One mile and a quarter—Shrewd, Monalof, Cashier, High Faintin’, Joyspear, Calamine, Royal Opera, Pahu, Chopin, Rory Mor, Mountain Heath, Royal I?arade, Arikira, Mount Shannon, Full Mark, Orazone, Paitonu, Otairi, Moutoa Treasury, Kahikatoa. , MAIDEN STAKES, of 130 sovs. Six furlongs.—White Squall, Thermopylae; Ijord Merriwee, Black Duchess, Priscilla. Verne, Nimble, Mcnaderva, Prime Moutoa, Interlocutor, Swiftray, Fairway, Wallaruh, Infusion, Thrasher. Chief Line, Chief Clerk, Black Plane, Katrina. Makira.

TAONUI HACK HANDICAP, of 150 sovs. Seven furlongs.—Miss Shef, Bon Eve, Tentcall, Easterly, Nightmare, Merry Boy, Takahue, The Warden, Swiftray, Paratoo, Orby’s Choice, Winacre, Park Acre, Chief Savage, Pythia, Mahora, Blacksmith. MANGAONE HANDICAP of 300 sovs. Six .furlongs.—Autopay, Limosin; Con-, gent Cadland, Awaken, Orapai, Reremoana, Sight Draft, Aston, Royal Routine, Arrow Lad, Coon Song, Callapat, Richfield, Just An Idea, Llyn Du. ONEPUHI HACK HANDICAP, of 200 sovs. One mile and a distance. Banbrid°’c, Miss Shef, Bon Eve, Gasnappei, Tentcall, Saltpot, Little Doubt, Arajean, jadarino, Spearful, Kopje, Crennatown, Londlike, Grand Jury, Warzone, Lavomc, Spearform, Arrowhead. HALCOMBE HANDICAP, of 250 sovs. Seven furlongs.—Limosin, Callapat, Cashier, Paiko, Awaken, Gold Dawn, Green Linnet, Joyspear, Llandudno Calamine, Gold Cure, Reremoana, Richfield, Royal Opera, Playground, Keddar, Chopin, Rory Mor, Royal Routine, Fitzquex, Glenstar, Maui, Briar Root, Paratoo, Panther, Red Fuchsia, Juggle.

SECOND DAY. KIMBOLTON HURDLES HANDICAP of 150 sovs. About one mile and a' half, and 130 yards—Hymgreat, Lord Merriwee, Tenacre, Disrank, Goblm Market, Royal Acre, Arch Eagle,- Tunbridge, Full Mark, Fine Acre, Kopje,i Conjuror, Latakia, Goldlike, Elicit, Spearopa, Mister Gamp; \ REWA REWA HANDICAP, of 150, sovs. • Six furlongs.—Black Duchess, Goldzone,, Glenrossie, Nimble, Arajean, Currajong, Leisure, False Scent, Moatoa, NavahOj Knollmere,. Orby’s Choice, Sporting Chance, King Acre, Golden Shadow, Wallaruh, Infusion.

EASTER HANDICAP, of 350 sovs. One mile and a distance—Shrewd, Mon-, alof, Cashier, High Falutin’, Green Linnet, paitonu, Gasnapper, Joyspear, Calamine, Royal Opera, Pahu, Chopin, Mountain. Heath, Rory Mor, Arrow Lad, Fitzquex, Royal Parade, Glenstar, Arikira, Mount Shannon, Briar Root, Full Mark, Moutoa Treasury, Richfield, Panther, Just An. Idea, Kahikatoa.

AWAHURI HACK HANDICAP of 150 sovs. Seven furlongs.—Black Duchess, Miss Shef, Bon Eve, Tentcall, Easterly, Ctirrajong, Gaswyn, Nightmare, Merry Bov: TakaW, Swiftray, Paratoo, Knollmere, Orby’s Choice, Winacre, Park Acfe, . Chief Savage, 'Katrina. ' WAIATA-STAKES,. of 120 sovs. Six furlongs—White Squall, Thermopylae, Goldzone, Tavora, Priscilla Verne, Ram-i gley, Menaderva, Prime Moutoa, Interlocutor, Black Duchess, Te Hekenga, tairway, Wallaruh, '.lnfusion, Thrasher, Chief Line, Chief Clerk, Black Plane, Makira. ■ •

DENBIGH HANDICAP, of 250 sovs. Six furlongs.—Autopay, Limosin, Consent, Cadland, Awaken, Orapai, Reremoana, 1 Sight Draft, Aston, Royal Routine, Arrow Lad, Coon Song, Callapat, Gold- Dawn, Just'An' Idea, Pythia, Llyn Du. . ;. ' OROUA HACK £UP, of 325 sovs. One mile and a distance—Monalof, Banbridge, Miss - Shef, Bon Eve, Gasnapper, Tenteall, .Saltpot; Little Doubt, Glenrossie, Easterly, Arajean, Jadarino, Spearful; Nightmare, Air Laddie, Kopje, Crennatown, Spearform, Lordlike, Tne Warden; Paratoo, Orby’s' Choice, Chief Savage, Grand Jury, Pythia, Mahora, Blacksmith, Warzone, Laconic, Arrowhead'.

. MAKING HANDICAP, of 200 sovs. Seven. furlongs.—Limosin, Cashier, Tenacre,. Green Linnet, Joyspear, Calamine, Reremoana, . Royal Opera, Playground, Keddar, Chopin, Rory Mor, Royal Routine, Glensfar, Maui, Callapat, Leisure, Paiko; Fitzquex, Gold Dawn,Llandudno, Gold Cure, Richfield, Awaken, Paratoo, Red Fuchsia, Juggle.

WESTPORT ■ RACE MEETING. “

DECLARATION OF WEIGHTS.

Reef ton, March 16.

Westport handicaps are as follow. • TRIAL. HANDICAP.. Six furlongs.— Solve&r 9.5, Jael 8.0, Attar 7.13, Landmark 7’.12, Fair Go,. Dawn/ Day, Varsity 7.8,• Gold Sand, Pimple, Shootist, Highcourt the Second 7.0. f . BULLER TROT HANDICAP. One m il e . —Travis Morn, Altair, Etiquette, Auto Ray, Sylvia Parrish, Bonnie Wrack, Warchance, limit; Loch BanK, Royal Iroquois, 12yds bhd; Allanora, Vai Logan, Bingen Wilkes, 24yds bhd; Hakari, Alpine Melody, Peter Wilkins, 36yds bhd; August Pointer, 48yds bhd; Loco, 60yds . bhd; Anon, 96yds bhd.

MORLEY HANDICAP. One mile,— Moorland, Warfille 9.0, Rich Harvest 8.12, Shortly 8.10, Noteworthy, Ravine BJ9, Dove S.B, Sapient 8.7, Gold Bag 8.5, Thorndale 8.2, White Ringlet, Johneen, Killigrew, Coomassie, New Boy 8.0, Fortalice 7.11, Fallow 7.10, Eaton Hall 7.0.

ELECTRIC HANDICAP. Five fur-longs.-lßooster 9.9, -Subdivision 9.2, Dove 8.13, Projection; Quantum 8.9, White Ringlet, Taku Tama 8.5, Attar 7.13, Quinola 7.9, Mataa 7.2, Bank Draft, Kempton, Shootist, John Dix, 7.0.

GR ANTTY TROT. One mile and ahalf.—Bombay Kate, Great Thought, Invention, War Chance, limit; Indian Author, 12yds bhd; Loch Bank, Royal lioquois, Royal Drusus, 24yds bhd; PatLogan, Vai Logan, Bingen Wilkes, 36 yds bhd; Dillon Chimes, Alpine Melody, Hakari, 48yds bhd; Bonnie Dnit, 60 yds bhd.

SCANLON HANDICAP. Seven furlongs.—Warfille 9.10, Taku Tama 8.13, Killigrew, New Boy, Fortalice 8.11, Ardfinnan, Pari 8.6, Gourmet, After Ten, Coll 8.6, Grattan, Rio Rita, Eaton Hall 8.5, Orowaiti, Solvear 9.5, Projection 8.13, Jael 8.0, Quinola 7.13, Landmark 712, Cruchem, Fallow 7.11, Coll 7-V, Dawn o’ Day, Varsity, Fair Go 7.8, Mataa 7.6.

KARAMEA .HANDICAP. Six fur-longs.--'Moorland 9.5, Ravine, Dove BJO, Quantum 8.6, Taku Tama, Johneen 8.2, Baby Bun 7.13, Gourmet l.i, Bank Diaft 7.0.

PHAR LAP FOR NEW ZEALAND POSSIBLE TRIP AFTER EASTER. By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright. Rec. 9.15 p.m. Syd . Mal \ Messrs. Telford and Davis, the owner* of Phar Lap, favour the idea ot sending the champion to New Zealand after Easter if a suitable race is provided. it Phar Lap makes the trip he KUt ■ jleft tb yinter; there, ? - '

HIGHWEIGHT HANDICAP. Of 200 6OV6. On© mile. Mountain Scatter 9 5 Heath LI 6 Pat's Boy 9 2 Air Laddie 10 8 Hymgreait 9 0 Skyrider o • i 1 Joie !De Vai 9 0 ! Baskier S 8 HUTT HANDICAP. Of 300 sova. One? mile. Full Feather 9 8 True Shaft 8 3 Eaglet 9 6 Rin Tin Tin 8 2 : Siaghunter 8 9 Dainity Ways 8 0 Richfield 8 9 Malayan 8 0 The Hawk 8 9 Pakitere 8 0 Refresher 3 5 • TRENTHAM GOLD CUP. Of 700 sovs. Two miles. Nightmardh , 9 4 Karapoti 8 0 Star 'Stranger 9 4 Lady Pam 7 11 Hunting Cry 9 0 MURITAI HANDICAP. Of 200 sova. One mile. Chief Joy 9 4 Saltpot 7 9 . Simba 9 0 The Viscount 7 2 ' > Playground 8 9 Appeal 7 0 Mahora 8 8, ■Speariad 7 0 Appledore 8 0 Sailor’s Lid. 7 0 Glenrossie 7 13 Cessation 7 0 H&nry of "Tile Sun 7 0 Navarre I 10 Zephyrus 7. 0 PACIFIC HANDICAP. Of 400 sovs. Six furlongs. 2 Solvent 9 0 . Curie 7 High Comedy 8 IS Cricket Bat •7 0 Oratotian 8 5 Psychologist 7 O Bronze Eagle 8 2 Flower 7 ■ 0 Columba 8 1 Lavlngton y, White Squall Trader Horn .7 0 Rlchborouffh Cyprus j 1 10 7 3 7 7 0 o Cape Gold 7 2 AUTUMN HANDICAP. Of 500 sovs. Eleven furlongs. . Historic 9 5 Black Duke 7 11 Hunting Cry 9 3 My Own 7 5 Vertigern 8 10 Ball DresS 7 0 High Faintin' 7 12 Peiwa. 7 ,0 Mount Boa 7 12 SUBURBAN HANDICAP. Of 400 cove. Six furlongs. 7 7. 7 '.-5 5 l 4 Toxeutna Paganelli Cadland. 9 5 9 2 9 0 True Shaft Refresher , White Fang . Limerick 8 13 Lineage 7 0 Havering 8 10 Rin Tin Tin 7 0 Autopay Arrow Lad 8 6 8 5 Royal Routine 7 0 Hunting Da? 1 9 Tenterden 7 0 BELMONT HANDICAP. Of .200 sovs. Six furlongs. 0 Tea Queen ; 9 1 ; Eady Ronald •j Tobaccoland 8 12 Little Hunting Call 8 4' Thrush 7 0 Glenrossie 8 1 Normandy . 7 0 Rothen 7 9 . Martian . 0 Merry Cry 7 8 ■ ■ Chief 7, ’.Kozan ' 7 7 Silver 1 ’ ■7. 7 0 0 Coroner Winsome 7 6 Salver ■ '. Wee 1 Lackie Hind ' . . Ephlaltes 7 ' 4 ' Winlock . 7 0 7 2 ' . Miss Whippet 7 0 Eminent . 7 0 ■ ■ - V A -