METROPOLITAN HANDICAP WILL BE RICCARTON FEATURE TODAY

Wanganui Chronicle, 27 November 1948, Page 7

METROPOLITAN HANDICAP WILL BE RICCARTON FEATURE TODAY

For those to whom racing at weight-for-age makes the greater appeal, the Churchill Stakes and the New Zealand Oaks will be the main attractions at Riecarton today, when the second day of the C.J.C. New Zealand Cup meeting will be held. Others will show glreater interest in the Metropolitan Handicap, with several New Zealand contestants engaged, and the Jockey Club Handicap, the big open mile.

Feature of the Churchill Stakes field is the fact thaa it provides an opportunity for a clash between Beau le Havre and Signal Officer, who were topweights in the New Zealand Cup, and Tauloch and Rumba, two of the good three-year-olds who contested the Derby under adverse conditions last Saturday. As the race is run over ten furlongs it should provide a clash full of interest.

Pride of place as an important handicap as well as because of the 12500 stake goes to the Metropolitan Handicap, and the journey of a mile and a-half should provide a good test of stamina, for the winner generally has to show speed as well as staying power. With no maximum such as ruled for the New Zealand Cup horses of the calibre of Signal Officer, winner of the race in the last two seasons, and Beau le Havre, were not invited to take a place in the field, and the topweight is Ascot Lad. The northerner was in a handy position when his fall and the tragic death of his rider marred the running of the New Zealand Cup. If Ascot Lad has suffered no ill effects he may take a part in the finish. Kartikeya disappointed in the big two-miler, although favourite, but he has been known before this to foUow up an indifferent display with a win, as happened last month at Trentham. Royal Tan was just behind the placed division in the Cup. and as the first four in that race, Sir Garnish, Bruce, Welcome Guest and Cowper, are not engaged, he is certain to be fancied, especially as he was one of the sufferers'when Ascot Lad fell. Coral Arc will be preferred to Barrage and Silver Treasure, as he is a proved horse over the distance. Probably a good deal will depend on the state of the track, as the Coronach horse prefers firm going. Liebestraum was another disappointment in the Cun but may run a better race here. Sal s Pal will have to be respected, even over a longer distance than the nine furlongs of the Riecarton Handicap last Saturday, when he was beaten half a head by Distinction. Renowned, The Grate, Colorado Maid and Helio all have lightweight prospects, but Royal Tan, Sal’s Pal and Coral Arc may make most appeal.

The clash so far as the field for the Jockey Club Handicap is concerned will be that of form in the Stewards’ Handicap and the Riecarton Handicap. Included among those engaged are last year’s Stewards’ winner, Full Plav and Desert Girl, first and third respectively last Saturday, and Winter Sweet, third in the Riccarton Handicap. Others with good chances include Frances, Aggravation, Lord Elgin, Demonic, Lexia and Julius Caesar.

In the Churchill Stakes Signal Officer may be preferred to last year's winner, Beau le Havre, but a three-year-old of Tauloch’s undoubted class may beat the older horses if he is ridden with more restraint than was the case in the Derby. Flying Sovereign and Golden Amber appear to stand out among the field of fillies for the New Zealand Oaks, though the prospects of Balkis. Curtana, Goldsmith and the HushJaconet may also appeal to investors. The Otaio Plate last year served to introduce Spare Part as a staying hack with great credentials, and it was not much surprise to find him capable of going on to win the Wellington Cup. There may be another of similar calibre in this twelve-fur-long race today. Night Owl, Arctotis, Bobby Dazzler, Wandering Minstrel, Brenlock and Ballochhuie all have good form to their credit.

One of the features of the Pioneer Handicap field is the fact that the Welcome Stakes winner. Western Winner, and the Spring Nursery winner, Limpid, are to clash. Also engaged are Lord Cranleigh, Golden Spa and Trinidad, all likely Improvers.

The following may appeal in their respective engagements:— Middleton Hurdles. —Grand Coulee, Kiloney, Sphere. Churchill Stakes. —Tauloch, Signal Officer, Beau le Havre. Pioneer Handicap.—Western Winner, Lord Cranleigh, Limpid. Seymour Hack Handicap.—Omega, Beaugard, Peridot. New Zealand Oaks. —Golden Amber, Flying Sovereign, Balkis. * Metropolitan Handicap.—Royal Tan, Sal’s Pal, Coral Arc. Otaio Plate.—Arctotis, Wandering Minstrel, Ballochhuie. Jockey Club Handicap.—Full Play, Winter Sweet, Desert Girl.