RUAKAWA CUP TO BE DECIDED ON SATURDAY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18772, 30 May 1929, Page 2

RUAKAWA CUP TO BE DECIDED ON SATURDAY.

FIELDS REVIEWED FOR OTAKI-MAORI RACES.

(By

MARTIAN).

The Otako Maori Racing Club will hold their winter meeting on Saturday and Monday. Despite the big meeting at Auckland, fields are large and of good quality, and some interesting racing should be witnessed. The principal event, the Raukawa Cup, has drawn a nice field, and some useful sprinters are due to appear in the Huia Handicap. The day’s racing will commence with the Tararua Hack Hurdles, in which Red Bank, who ran and jumped well for a second and a first at Wanganui, is at the head of affairs. The All Red gelding is at his best over twelve furlongs, and he should give a good account of himself. Sir Moment has done nothing notable for some time, but reports frorft the north credit him with having good prospects of returning to the winning list. Twelve months ago at this fixture he accounted for the hurdle event each day. Raukaponga at his last appearance beat a fair lot over hurdles at Hawke’s Bay. Modem is very well, having been in the money in three of her last four starts, and as she has previously proved successful over the small obstacles she may take a hand at the finish. Raukaponga and Modern may collect the dividends.

A big field is down to contest the Kuku Maiden Race, many of whom have not much public form. Golden Flower has two engagements, but ff started here in preference to the Waitohu Hack Handicap, her prospects look bright. Warzone is another filly who has been knocking at the door and she is due for a winning iurn. Painting, Catuna, Fortalice and Grattan have been in the money at various times, and the best of this bunch’may be Catuna. However, in Golden Flower and Warzone enthusiasts have a pair who, in their recent outings, have given a lot of encouragement. Brown Sugar is at the head of the Waitohu Hack Handicap, and despite her solid weight she will take a lot of stopping. She has recorded two wins and a second in her last three starts, and appears to be a cut above the

opposition. Second Thought is a possibility, while Propaganda, who was just beaten at Wanganui, will be all the better for that outing and should set the others a merry pace. Dermod is a likely sort, and has not been out of the money in his last four starts for a win, a second and two thirds. Australis has been unlucky lately and may make amends. One cannot, however, go past Brown Sugar and Dermod.

Some useful performers are engaged in the Ruakawa Cup Handicap, with Paitonu in pride of place. The Bisogne gelding won the Connolly Handicap in fine style, and shoufd beat more than beat him. Merry Damon put up two useful performances at the Feilding meeting, and is sure to be in the limelight. Tresham is undergoing a course of hurdling, and |s making a name f for himself in this department. Spearmiss has figured prominently lately, and should give a good account of herself. Blimp has not raced up to expectations in his recent efforts, but may make amends. Black Mint’s running at Wanganui, when he finished third to Paitonu and Lady Limond, points to early success, and the Catmint gelding appears to have his chance here. He was not raced on the second day at Wanganui. Lady Limond will have friends on the strength of her running at Wanganui, and Royal Mint raced well enough in his last outing to suggest an early return to form. Shrewd is taking on open company. He has proved himself a useful hack, and his future is full of promise. To sum up, Black Mint appeals most, and Merry Damon and Lady Limond should follow him home. Disrank is a useful sort in the Otaki Hack Handicap, and will carry the

strongest support. He was narrowly defeated by Shrewd at Wanganui, with some good ones behind him. Royal Black will offer solid opposition, but at the weights Kiriana may beat him. Disrank and Kiriana appeal. Some useful sprinters are engaged in the Huia Handicap. Oratrix and Piuthair will not be fancied, but Consent will have a lot of friends. Dobbin’s fourth at Wanganui points to another win soon. Bonogne has a handy weight, but First Acre, who is improving, may need another race. Broad

Acre, who has recorded a series of thirds, is due to gather the fat end of the purse, and this appears to be his chance. Last Crust may be the best of the others. Broad Acre, Dobbiir and Consent may claim the judge’s attention.

The first day’s racing will conclude with the Te Horo Hack Handicap. Monsogne won so well at Wanganui that he will be in demand. High Society is a useful hack, while Metellus is very well and may be the best to follow. He is regarded as a very useful sort, and some of his performances bear this out.