RICCARTON “DOUBLE”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 276, 22 November 1945, Page 7

RICCARTON “DOUBLE”

CUP AND STEWARDS’ FANCIES

Prior to the taking of acceptances for the New Zealand Cup on Monday night there was ia fear that the club might have to resort to balloting out, provision having been made for this in the £5OOO event at Riccarton next Saturday. However, the field of twenty is within the safety limit. After Saturday’s success at Motukarara, Golden Souvenir is one of the favourites for the New Zealand Cup, but the probability is that Signal Officer will be the public elect. He is confidently “expected” by Southland enthusiasts, who will scarcely hear ot his defeat. He has not- been as highly tested as he might have been, but his connections fully expect him to stay. Apparently Golden Souvenir was all right after Saturday’s race. Another horse who has made a good impression since reaching Riccarton is Sir Bian, winner of the Mitchelson Cup. Sir Bian’s condition is right and he is full of ginger. The topweight, Longsword, still retains a large string of admirers and there is every reason to expect that he will run a great race despite his burden of 9.6. After winning the Southland Cup by five lengths Pride of Mossburn came into favour. This Siegfried—Honest Maid gelding has been very consistent, having been in a place in his last five starts, and that is good form for a Cup candidate. The four mentioned will be among the favourites and their riders will be; W. J. Broughton (Longsword), L. J. Ellis (Golden Souvenir), H. N. Wiggins (Signal Officer) and M. Edwards (Sir Bian). The defection of Battledress was expected after his miserable showing at Otaki. It is probable that a recent fall has affected the old fellow. Two southerners with whom all Is not well are Bonny Flight, who is now out of the Stewards’ Handicap, and Psalm, who is out of the Derby and will not race at the meeting. Pensacola and Irish Note did not nlease the southerners at Motukarara on Saturday, and two North Island sprinters have increased in favour for the Stewards’. These are Reorana and Tuis, and if the race were run now they would be favourites.

The North Island will also provide the Derby favourites—Master Robin and Al-Sirat, both from Trentham, They were in the finish of the Wellington Guineas and are expected to take a hand in the settlement of Saturday’s classic. The Hastings representative Keening, is generally regarded as the most dangerous opponent for Blue Trout in the Welcome Stakes, and a good race is expected from Indira.