THE CAULFIELD CUP,

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IV, Issue 169, 19 October 1893, Page 4

THE CAULFIELD CUP,

The Caulfield Cup forfeit day saw a big alteration in the field for the £3OOO event to be run next Saturday. Out of the eighty horses which were entered for the race, thirty-one are left and should, they all face the flag, the field should provide an exciting race. The final acceptances have let a flood of light upon many things and one can now form a fairly correct opinion as to what are the owners intentions respecting the two Victorian Cups. The first thing that strikes one is the acceptance of Newman in preference to Newton, which for a long time was considered to be the chosen animal. Eight thousand pounds have been placed on his chances down to 100 to 8, so the stable evidently fancy their candidate’s show. From a private advice by the last Australian mail I am inclined to fancy to a great extent, Newman’s show, but at the same time I would not select him as an absolute winner. Warpaint I dismissed last week as out of the race, and the final acceptances have proved my surmise correct, for Warpaint’s name does not appear. This horse at one time threatened to become somewhat sensational, but it has been found that he fails at the critical moment, and want of heart is I fancy his defect. Steadfast was a fancy of ‘ mine but I see the name is missing. The horse is, however, in the Melbourne Cup, and will require watching in that event. Ascot Vale is in the same position and is doubtless being nursed for the big V.R.C. event. Malolo has also dropped out, but I hear the training preparation had as much to do with this withdrawal as any idea of keeping back for the Melbourne Cup had. Little Bernie’s withdrawal will cause regret to many, for this candidate was backed in sterling fashion. His win in the Epsom Handicap at Randwick when he dashed to the front at the last moment with startling rapidity. Snatching second place from Lullaby and Lady Trenton earned him hosts of friends, but the name I see is in the Melbourne Cup, and that may be the stable’s mission. Pounamu also has not accepted, and will, I fancy, make a bid for the bigger Cup. Commencing with the top weight, opinions differ very considerably as to whether Brockleigh can stand the stone penalty awarded him for his win in the Epsom Handicap. At his former weight, viz., 8.8, I think he was a certain winner bar accidents, and so even with the additional impost of 9.8, I consider he will run a great race and finish uncomfortably close on the heels of the winner. That he is a great horse I am confident, and I am not alone in my opinion, for I find ‘ Ribbleden ’ in the Australasian, a turf writer who rarely makes a mistake, writing :— ‘ There was the stamp of merit about Brockleigh’s gallant victory in the Epsom Handicap. * * * Brockleigh is credited with being a horse of that accommodating and profitable kind which may always be depended upon to win when his owner “ tips him the wink,” and probably the report is correct, for I find on reference to his record that every time he has won—he has won five races —he has started absolutely first favourite.’ Fortunatus has 81bs. less than the top weight, and I stick to my opinion expressed last week that this horse will finish amongst the first flight. Sternchaser stands at the same weight, 9.5. I was under the impression when writing last week that this animal would probably be reserved for the Melbourne Cup, but it appears I was wrong. At the weight I think Fortunatus and Sternchaser, a dangerous pair, and this mail informs me a lot of Sydney money has been placed on Mr 8. H. Goll an’s representative. The owner has backed his horse to win some £20,000, and that looks like business. Realm at 9.3 has trained well, but I don’t fancy the name, but Wild

Rose, who has improved considerably since I last heard of her, is entitled to a big share of respect. Now that Malolo has been withdrawn from the Cup, Wild Rose, who is at the head of the eight stone division with 8.12, appears to be Ike Foulsham’s pet fancy, and those who follow this wily trainer are not likely to be left. The rest of the eight stone division have not found* many friends with the exception of Newman, who at 8.2 will prove a warm starter. Fulham, the South Australian, Was going rather badly in training before the last mail left, but quickly recovered form, and as the South Australian money is going on the name to a considerable extent, I expect this leader of the seven stone brigade to start at a good price and finish well up. Jeweller has 11b less, and is very dangerous, and the only other seven stoner that I fancy is Division at 7.8. The light weight of the card, Strahn, has, I see, been backed to a pretty tune, but the name will not see the first three positions. Now that the intentions of owners are pretty well known I feel inclined to select: — Wild Rose or Newman ... .1 Jeweller or Brookleigh .... 2 Division or Fortunatus ... .3

with Fulham and Sternchaser close up to the unplaced candidates.