THE WELLINGTON CUP.

Observer, Volume 1, Issue 13, 11 December 1880, Page 116

THE WELLINGTON CUP.

The Handicap for the Wellington Cup, like the Auckland one, has been made by Mr. Griffiths. Comparing the two handicaps, there is not much difference in the weights allotted to the same horses engaged in both races, with the exception of Piscatorius and Virginia Water, who have a few pounds the worst of tli- weights. The handicap commences three pounds heavier than the Auckland Cup, with Le Loup, 9st. 131bs. At this weight he should be hfld safe by Foul Play (Sst. 131b5.), who meets him on 191bs. better terms than he did in the C.J.C. Handicap, when he finished a good third. Having, however, accepted for the Auckland Cup, and being heavily backed, he may incur a penalty. Grip (Sst. 3ibs.) and Betrayer (Bst. 21bs.) should also be held safe by him, unless he ptitu tip extra weight. Natator (Bst. ) does not, from his running at Christchurch, appear to lik ■ a distance, and the stable will most likely find a better representative. Hornby (7st. 131b5.) has nothing to complain of at the weights, and, as he is an improving horse, he will most l i kely run into the front rank. Volunteer (7st. 131b5.) was a good deal thought of at

one time ; but last year he was all to pieces, and his running a dead heat Avith Mata must not be taken into consideration, as it Avas a false run race all through ; therefore there is no line to go by, and he may turn out the best of his stable. Sinking Fund (7st. Slbs.) may be passed, as his racing days must be over. Hailstorm (7st. slbs.) reads dangerous, as he is considered the best horse in the Wanganui district, and I have reason to believe that he has been kept for a good thing, especially as lie has been scratched for other engagements. Lara (7st. Slbs.) is to say the least of it uncertain, and had better be left alone. Soukar (7st. 4lbs.) is out of place. Mr. Walters has Piscatorius (7st. Gibs.), Libeller (7st. 31bs.), Grand Duchess (7st. 21bs.), and Venus Transit (7st. ) engaged, of these I prefer the chance ot Libeller, unless he should be kept for the Dunedin Cup— a course that Avill suit him admirably— as I do not believe in his late running. Virginia Water (7st.) should hold all the lcnoAvn three-year-olds safe on her running at the Metropolitan Meeting. King Quail (7st. lib.) has nothing to complain of, as I believe him, Avhen properly trained, to be a much better horse than people giA'e him credit for. but avc shall see more of him, he having accepted for the Auckland Cup. Badsworth (6st. 131 bs.), I think, Avill find the distance too far for him. Lady Emma (6st. 131b5.) has been spoken of as a good filly, but I have no line to go by. The Governor (Gst. lllbs.), Amy (6st. 9lbs.), Heather Bell (6st. Slbs.), My Dream (fist. 71bs.), I have no fancy for at the present time, knowing hardly anything of them. Norseman (6st. 131b5.) is one of the most leniently treated horses in the race, as, from his running in the Canterbury Cup, he appears all over a stayer, as outpaced at first, he gradually made up his ground, and finished a fair third ; but his late running after that has been A-ery bad. but, from information I have heard, he has been out of form since that race. On Dit (Cst. 71bs.) has been a good deal talked about, but has done nothing to warrant the belief that she can A\ f in this race ; still, belonging to a strong stable, had better be watched. Of the remainder, Lure (6st. 4lbs.) is the only one that reads like having a chance, and she greatly disappointed her party at the late Christchurch Meeting; and her running for the Derby, for which she started a great favourite, points to her being both a jade and one that cannot stay. This race, like the Auckland Cup, had better be lett alone till the acceptances appear, as I expect to see a great many struck out, including some of the best horses, which Avill be kept Avith an eye to the Dunedin Meeting, as the Wellington course is not a favourite one with racehorse OAvners ; so the race at the last moment may be left to the second-class horses. HoAveA'er, those that appear at the present time to haA'e a chance are : Foul Play, Betrayer, Hornby, Volunteer, Mr. "VValters's selected one — either Libeller or Piscatorius, — Virginia Water, Hailstorm, and Norseman ; but I Avill go further into the handicap when the acceptances appear.