RANGITIKEI CUP HAS ATTRACTED INTERESTING FIELD

Wanganui Chronicle, 29 October 1948, Page 2

RANGITIKEI CUP HAS ATTRACTED INTERESTING FIELD

Rangitikei Cup history goes back a long way, for the first race for the cup was run in 1875, so the event is not far short of three-quarters of a century old. In that long period it has been won by some good performers, though the fact that meetings at. Bulls have been held at, different stages of the season has prevented many useful handicappers from competing. Fourteen are carded for the Rangitikei Cup tomorrow and they should provide an interesting contest.

It may be a far cry from Bulls to Biccarton, and perhaps the New Zealand Cup winner will not be seen out at Bulls, but in recent history Classform won the Rangitikei Cup in 1940 and three years later won the New Zealand Cup. Included among those who have completed the Rangitikei and Wanganui Cup double are Grand Jury and Brazen King

Topweight in tomorrow’s race is Barrage, who won three races last i season, including the King George Handicap at Awapuni and the May Handicap at Woodville. The Spiral gelding has had three or four races this season without success, but he may be on the verge of striking form ' again. Kia Ora Katoa scored two wins i earlier in the season, including the Marton Handicap, and in spite of subsequent defeats he is handily placed. Fie was sixth in the Waverley Cup last Monday. Winner of the Waverley Cup with 8.2, Ngakoti has gone up 51b and meets Kia Ora Katoa on 121 b worse terms. The Va.ette gelding has won at both appearances this season, and he outclassed his opponents last Monday. In his present form Ngakoti is entitled to favouritism tomorrow. Night School, Sir Royal and Franada claim the dual engagement, being also in the McKe.vie Memorial. Night School won the sprint events at Kar- : ton and Waipukurau, but he has also j shown a penchant lor middle distances. Sir Royal and Franada have | shown their best form in sprint | events, as also has Playtos. Useful promoted hacks include Pram, Bulaselle and Mister Beau. The last-named may be improved as a result of his race in the Waverley Cun, but backers are likely to prefer trie chances of Ngakoti, Barrage and Kia Ora Katoa. The owner of the winner of the Rangitikei Cup will receive a trophy valued at £5O, presented by Mr- W. McA. Duncan, and there wiL also be trophies for the successful trainer and jockey.