MELBOURNE CUP.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17190, 6 November 1923, Page 10 (Supplement)

MELBOURNE CUP.

HOW THE RACE WAS RUN. By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyrieht Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received November 7, 11.30 a.in.) SYDNEY, November 7. The “Daily Telegraph '’ says:— “After a good start one of the first to ehuivuuU-asKinglngoJa from David, Comique and Backwood. V. hen he failed to settle down, there was much crowding to the rails Then Comique forged to the front and established a useful lead until the stand was reached. when Mirthmaker was leading the fieid. Rivoli, at this stage was last. Paratoo assumed command going from tho straight. The fluctuating changes in the leadership indicated disinclination for one horse to monopolise the donkey work. At the bridge, Paratoo was still running strongly in front with Bitalli in the middle of the field. The Cypher and Purser moved up at the abbatoirs, David being fifth last. At tho five furlongs Paratoo and 1 Mirthmaker were in command with liitaili fifth on the outside. Running for | home, the last named went to the front and carried the field into the straight hotly pursued by Paratoo, Comique, Valwyno and Rapine, the New Zealander making a run on the rails with David and Rivoli next. The last-named continued to gain on Bitalli but failed The “Morning Herald” says: “Bitalli was the heaviest supported, Rivoli taking second place in the public affection. The field presented a fine picture as it made for the starting post. They moved off together, but when the field settled down, there was no bustling for good positions, as tho bulk seemed to have plenty of galloping space. After several changes of command. Paratoo and Mirthmaker divided the honours at the five furlongs, but it was soon apparent that this was only on sufforenee, for to the accompaniment of shouts of “ Here comes Bitalli,” the latter shot to tho front, with danger threatening from Rivoli. who was ridden hard by Munro, but Wilson was riding confidently, despite ILivoli’s game effort to overhaul the leader, both displaying the true stamina of thoroughbreds in their finishing efforts. Bitalli had three-quar-ters of a length to spare as he flashed past the post. Aecarack. moved up at the three furlongs po*»t. but despite a brilliant burst, it was clear that he had no chance of overtaking the leaders. Comique was always handy and finished gamely in fourth place. Bitalli justified the confiedenee reposed in him by his supporters, but Rivoli ran a great race, giving away a lot of weight to his year older rival.”