THE NEWMARKET AND AUSTRALIAN CUP WEIGHTS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVI, Issue 936, 13 February 1908, Page 6

THE NEWMARKET AND AUSTRALIAN CUP WEIGHTS.

These two big handicaps are looming largely in the racing world just now. In reviewing the handicaps the Melbourne correspondent to the “ Town and Country Journal” says:— Handicapper Menzies appears to have got through his task in allotting the Newmarket Handicap and Australian Cup weights in a fairly satisfactory manner, and so far I have not heard much growling by owners or trainers. Though the 9st 101 b given Collarit in the place for honours for the Newmarket Handicap is quite enough for even such a brilliant customer, I would not like to say he has not a chance, as I question if we have ever seen any faster on his day over his favourite distance. Corroboree. should have a show at half a stone less, and he is in nice order, despite the fact that he has done a fair amount of stud duty. lolaire will, if himself, take a lot of beating at the . same weight, and Istria reads well at a pound less. North Head should run well, and Step Out is given a chance at the same weight. Pink Un is well in at Bst 131 b, and Ebullition at the same weight, may repeat his win of last year. If Traquair’s wind trouble does not seriously affect him, and he retains his English brilliancy, he should have a say in the finish, with only Bst 81b. The Owl must not be over.ooked at 21b less. Little Toy (Bst 41b) and Tartan, at the same weight, are entitled to respect, especially the latter, who, though so uncertain, has very great pace. The handicapper has given Scotland Bst 41b, which he is about entitled to on his known public form. I am sorry Pompous has gone wrong, as if himself on the day he would probably have been amongst the first three, with only 7st 121 b. Of the others, who read well as worthy of attention are Miss, Bobby (Bst 31b), Grenadier (7st 121 b), Dalriada (7st 51b), Maranui (7st 31b), Submarine (7st), and Akim Foo and Fiery Star at the minimum. I was almost overlooking True Scot, who may be expected to run forward with Bst 101 b. If Tartan is in anything like his best form, 9st 111 b cannot be regarded as excessive for him in the Australian Cup, and the handicapper could not well give Apologue less.. Antonious is nicely placed at 9st lib, and I like Melodrama’s chance at Bst 111 b. Booran will have to improve to win with Bst 71b, but he is pretty good when really well. Tulkeroo is. not harshly treated at Bst 21b, and old Proceedor may make matters merry with 21b less. I like Welcome Trist very much at 7st 121 b, and Dyed Garments. should run well with 31b less, as, though not fast, he is a great plodder. Mira will not start owing to leg trouble, but Seddon reads very well at 7st 31b, and another hurdler in Bribery may emulate the example of Realm. Altogether, the handicap should be productive of a good race, as nothing stands out very prominently so far.

According to an Australian paper, though there is very little right out wagering on the Newmarket Handicap and Australian Cup, the double event layers are fairly busy. According to their books the most fancied horse for the Newmarket is Scotland, while Dusky Morn, Istria, Little Toy, Seddon, Tangarqa, Pink ’Un, Thalaba, and Antonio, are coupled with Tartan, Apologue,- Gaby, Putty, and Melodeon. Some of these doubles are backed at a very short price.