THE NEW ZEALAND CUP-

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XII, Issue 712, 29 October 1903, Page 6

THE NEW ZEALAND CUP-

Acceptances fell due last Friday for the New Zealand Cup, and it was found that but eighteen had been paid up for. It was anticipated that possibly another six might have been left in, but even as it is there is material left for a good contest, although it must be candidly admitted there are not more than half a dozen good horses in the race. It is a pleasing fact to find that Achilles has been accepted for, and it is not at all improbable that he will start first favourite. Accounts are somewhat vague as to the amount of work the brilliant son of Medallion has been doing, but it is quite safe to say that if brought to the post in his best he will put up a great fight. Whether he will see out two miles under his heavy impost yet remains to be proved, but it is hard to say why he should not.

Wairiki had a couple of gallops ar Oamaru, and when it is considered that sprinting was never his forte, it must be admitted that the long-legged son of Soult by no means disgraced himself He is a genuine stayer and, if McHugh onfy gives him enough work, will be terribly hard to beat at Riccarton. Of those horses which ran at the Wellington Meeting, not a 'great deal can be said, for if half what one hears is true, the “out-for-an-airing brigade” was an unusually large one. Sprapnel ran a moderate third in the Wellington Handicap, and his ability to get the course is freely questioned. Melwood showed winning ability in the Pearce Handicap, and should on-that form be able to make a bold bid for victory in the Cup, as he can get to the end of two miles. He has however, incurred a five pound penalty. It looks as though Dunedin will plav a very strong hand with Pampero an'd Canteen, and if the former only gets to the post at his very best it may not be necessary to look further for the winner. Hinetaura is thought by many people to possess a great chance, and, if this is so, her owner is to be commended for not taking any risks at Wellington. The form shown by General Symons at the Hutt was distinctly disappointing, for ha was given a great chance by the handicapper, but failed on each occasion. He will need to improve a great deal on this to have any chaflce in the Cup. Most flattering accounts continue to come to hand of Roseal, who has greatly impressed the track watchers at Riccarton by the way he has been galloping in his morning tasks. At this stage it looks as though the big race will be fought out by the horses mentioned above.

Of the others engaged, Lavalette has been doing some good gallops, but -his past form hardly ‘indicates that he is good enough to shine in a race of the importance of the Cup, although the son of Seaton Delaval is very lightly weighted. The two Aucklanders, Mars and Strathavon, will effect a great surprise should either of them prevail, but such a contingency seems vdry unlikely. Ringman has gone right out of favour, which, considering his recent misdeeds, is not to be wondered at. Next week, however, it will be possible to make a final selection of the one which should pull off the fifteen-hundred pounder, hundred pounder.