THE AUCKLAND CUP CANDIDATES.

Observer, Volume 9, Issue 522, 22 December 1888, Page 11

THE AUCKLAND CUP CANDIDATES.

WHAT THEY ABE LIKELY TO DO ON WEDNESDAY NEXT. Next Wednesday, the first day's racing of the A.R.C. Summer Meeting commences. _ The great attraction of the day ia the Gup, and it now behoves me to say a few words anent each candidate. The first on the list is Nelson (9.12), who has the wonderful record of having placed this particular event to his credit for three successive years. Last year he. had exactly the same impost he is asked to carry: on this occasion. He will not Strip in the same form 1 next Wednesday, and the field will be a better one, and on those two grounds I discard him. Lochiel (8.10) is master of the weight, and looks well in the point of condition. He is not an out-and-out stayer in a fast-run race, but nevertheless he has won a New Zealand Cup, 'and has no end of pace, which his Newmarket Handicap victory clearly proved. Lochiel is one of, the dangerous division, and I think what beats him will win. Clifford will have the mount. Manton (8.7) has a lot of weight 'for a three-year-old, but on the bther hand, he is a wonderfully good colt, as he proved by his brilliant performances in the New Zealand Cup, Derby, and Canterbury Cup. There is an impression that he will not start, but there is no truth in it. I shall certainly have Manton on my side. British Lion (7.7) is a greatly improved horse to what he was when in Auckland under Kelly's charge^ His party must think he has a good chance, otherwise they would not have brought him up. The son of Leolinus may get a place, but I don't think he can win. Some of the Southern division swear by him. 1 COI3ASSIER (7.6) has an outside chance if he starts. ..... . Lai>y Norah (7.6) is probably the best handicapped .candidate engaged, but she has not done a sufficient preparation to win. Escutcheon (7.5) I don't fancy, and I think he will be a non-starter. Clogs (7-4) must run more respectably, but I don't think she can more than get a 'place. Those behind her,' however, are very confident of success, and estimate she will get to the end of the journey in very fast time. Hilda ( .3) is the candidate I opine Auckland's chance of winning the Cup will rest on. She was never more sound or fitter than at the present time ; has recent public form to recommend her ; is very leniently handicapped ; and her owner is a thorough straight-goer. I venture to say she .will beat all the local candidates. Leopold (7.0) is a good honest little horse, and a game finisher, but I don't fancy he can win. .Antelope (6.13) will never stay out the distance. She will be -more at home in the minor events. Enid (6.8) has the reputation of being a fast mare in private, but up , to the present she has failed to show it in public. Tartar (6.7) I have no fancy for. "Raglan (6.7) is another candidate who finds rioiavour in my eyes. Leoiuna (6.7) is thought no have a chance of winning by the asiute party behind her, and they, have supported the half-sister to Matchlock. She has breeding enough to recommend her, and one or two fair performances to her credit, but it will be a surprise to me if she can win. Lioness (6.3) will be more at home taking part in the Thanleß Meeting' than in a race of this- description, and her owners are of the same opinion, for she will sport silk at the City of Quartz. Puschka (6.0) is another of the division who finds no favour with me, and the Banie remarks apply to Sir Walter (6.0). The sweep of 10 soys. at the post will reduce the field to about ten starters, and to sunn up, I think the finish will be fought out between