Howe Under Armed Guard Before Cup

Wanganui Chronicle, 2 November 1948, Page 3

Howe Under Armed Guard Before Cup

(N.Z.P.A.—Reuter- Copyright)

MELBOURNE, Nov. I.—After racing at Flemington on Saturday, Phoibos, Kongmeng and the two New Zealanders, Master Dash and Sir Fellowship, were scratched from the Melbourne Cup. Then Hoyle was eliminated as he was doubly engaged, and Balierdale, Beau Juste and Gayness were balloted to reduce the field to the safety limit of 35. Master Dash and Sir Fellowship performed poorly on Saturday and their Cup chances were remote. Comic Court, winner of the Victoria Derby, is not a certain starter. A decision will be made today. After his smashing win in the Hotham Handicap with 9.12, Howe has firmed considerably in popularity for the Cup, in which his weight is 9.5. It was one of the best Cup trials seen for years. Some experienced racegoers, however, are not regarding the Cup as all over, although admitting that Howe deserves his place as favourite and his wonderful chance in the Cup. Their view is that the conditions on Derby Day were so bad and the track in such a shocking state that it is possible that the form may be all wrong. Howe is a noted mud runner and he revelled in the going. Other starters, however, did not show their best form. On a firmer track they may show to more advantage. The weather has been improving a little since Saturday and although the track seems certain to be holding for Cup Day, it should be much firmer than on Derby Day. Howe was drawn 17 at the barrier, which will be in his favour in such a big field as it will enable him to settle down in the long run to the first turn. PROTECTED BY GUARD Howe is now protected by an armed guard and visitors are barred from his stable. Only the owner, the trainer and stable employees are allowed near the horse. Photographers were refused permission to photograph the horse yesterday. They were told that no photographs would be allowed until the horse goes to Flemington on Cup Day. After his good win in the weight-for-age L. K. S. McKinnon Stakes, the three-year-old colt Snowstream has come into favour for the Cup. From an outside price he has firmed to third favourite. He showed that he is another at home in heavy going. He has 6.13 in the Cup and his admirers expect him to run a great race. Carbon Copy, who finished third in the Victoria Derby, is so far without a rider for the Cup. Neville Sellwood, who had been engaged to ride him, broke a toe in the Derby when his mount, Rocket Gun, struck the running rail. Provision for divisions has been made in the Maiden Race, the Champion Hack and the Hokio Hack at the Levin meeting on Saturday. In the Levin Handicap Deep Sea, The Stormovik, Flying Dink, Colorado Maid, Iron Duke. Irresistible and Super Lake were eliminated to avoid a division, and Clarsair. Legendre and Übbriaco were eliminated from the Highweight Handicap.