STRATFORD CUP RACE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 4, 6 January 1939, Page 4

STRATFORD CUP RACE

RUN AT FALSE PACE AMATORY'S GAME ATTEMPT Like the Auckland Cup on Boxing Day, the Stratford Cup on the New Year's Day holiday was a falsely-run race, as there was no pace on in the early stages, and it was just a case of a sprint home from the half-miie. This gave the leading horses a great chance, and they tilled the places. Lickem, who was started from outside a trestle, began smartly and was soon in second place outside the leader, Amatory. He was steadied in on to the rails when Ned Cuttie went up fast along the back, but came with a solid sun in the straight. He took command nearly a furlong from home and, finishing in resolute fashion, won decisively. He was capably handled by Hector Gray's apprentice, F. Cleaver. High Sea was always handy to the leaoers, but his rider appeared to wait too late before making his move. Amatory attempted to lead all the way, and though he fought gamely the distance was just too far. Argentic made a forward move in the straight, but the lack of pace was against him, though he was a good fourth. Wotan ran up to his field at the home turn but did not go on with it. Ned Cuttie ran up to the leader at the half-mile but was done with almost as soon as the straight was reached. From a good start Amatory and Lickem led through the straight from Te Huia, Ned Cuttle and High Sea, and this was still the order into the back, where Wotan was tailing the field. Running past the half-mile Ned Cuttie went up fast on the outside and at the far turn was out in front with Amatory, with High Sea following and Lickem, Argentic and Silvanus next. Amatory and Ned Cuttie were the first to turn for home, with Lickem challenging and High Sea and Argentic making moves. Lickem forged to the front at the distance, and though High Sea finished well Lickem held on to win by a length. Amatory was two lengths away third, followed by Argentic, Wotan, Ned Cuttie and Silvanus.