THE AUCKLAND CUP.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVI, Issue 929, 26 December 1907, Page 5

THE AUCKLAND CUP.

The acceptances for the Cup made on Friday leave fourteen in the big race, so that allowing for one or two possible withdrawals a dozen should face the starter. Master Delaval (Seaton Delaval —Campania) 9.4, has been galloping freely in his work, although some hold the opinion that he is not looking so well as was the case twelve months ago. His great staying ability should stand him in good stand at the bitter end of the battle. Zimmerman (Birkenhead —Solitaire) 8.4 is a fine looking four-year-old, who at times has shown great brilliancy, while at other times it has been the reverse, which side will be shown on Thursday remains to be proved. Uranium (Leolantis —Brownie) 8.2, has set the wiseacres talking. Some say she can stay two miles, while others smile at the idea. She is very well, has a beautiful action, and has so far done everything that has been asked her this season. Could a champion do more? Still there is the question of the extra distance now to be confronted. Paritutu (Castor —Yattaghan) 7.13, has been hitting out in his work like a two-year-old, but is his day past? Some say yes, and others no. Which is the case? Mahutu (Mahaki —Spring) 7.12, has come up to try his luck, and Mr McManaway’s black horse looks well to the eye. Apa (Addington—Merriwai) 7.10, is another of the formidable Southern contingent. Uhlander (Uhlan —Dolly) 7.10. is under strong suspicion for unsoundness, but has been accepted for a fact which has caused surprise. The softer going may improve his chance. Bonny Glen (Stepniak— Crest) 7.8, showed sign of soreness during the week, but has thrown it off. Many favour the chestnut colt’s chance, but we shall have to wait and see if he is as good as his admirers think. Downfall (San Francisco: —Cantatrice) 7.6, has given us a taste of his quality before. The big chestnut has a nice easy stride, but he has not so far attempted so long a journey as two miles. He looks well and appears in good nick. Waipuna (Soult —Folly) 7.5, may be troubled by the distance, but this should not apply to Star Rose (Day Star —Queen Rose) 7.5, who has a New Zealand Cup to his credit. He is only a commoner in looks, and his work has not greatly pleased the critics. Carl Rosa (Seaton Delaval —Vieux Rose) 7.4, is one

of the local brigade, but, although he has run well at times, he hardly takes the eye as a Cup horse. Still there’s no tlleing. Akarana (Seaton Delaval —Anna). 7.4, is nicely treated on the score of weights. He is, however, a very difficult horse to train, and has been giving Blachford a lot of trouble. He ran very well last year but has hardly had a gallop since. If he was really himself the Southerners would have to look to their laurels but there is that little “if” which makes all the difference. Fashionable (Soult —Bit o’ Fashion) 6.9, is one of the pony brigade. Altogether the material is there for a capital race, and the winner seems hard to find.