NEW ZEALAND CUP WEIGHTS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVII, Issue 964, 27 August 1908, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND CUP WEIGHTS.

Promptly to time, indeed a few days ahead of it, Mr. Henrys has published his weight adjustments for the New Zealand Cup, and a glance through the list, which will be found in another column, makes interesting reading. It must be confessed, it does not throw any considerable light on the winners, for the Southern handicapper has set punters a knotty tangle to unravel. It was, of course, certain that Zimmerman would head the list, and the son of Birkenhead and Solitaire has received 9st 91b. He could hardly have been given less, for he is a great stayer, and when really well one of the finest horses in Australasia, a fact the big bay proved at the last Auckland summer meeting. Still, the New Zealand Cup takes a lot of winning, and probably most people will look for the winner lower down. The Aucklander, Master Delaval, comes next with Bst 131 b, an impost the Seaton Delaval gelding would be quite capable of carrying successfully if Moraghan could get him to the post really at his best, but this seems a difficult thing to do. Frisco has been given too much weight. True he won the Cup last year under 7st 81b, but what has he done since? Another Aucklandbred one in Waipuna comes next, but as his owner, Mr. Lyons, is said to be cherishing designs on the Caulfield the Soult gelding may be left out of consideration. Moral and Mahutu both appear to have a full share of weight, but Tangimoana ran well last season, and should have a chance. Bonny Glen is to undergo a special preparation for the race, and may prove dangerous. Cross .Battery .has gone to Australia, and will most likely remain for the Victorian meetings. Signor ran a fine race in the Great Autumn Handicap, and on that form is worth consideration. Downfall may improve with age, and “ the circus horse” is by no means out of it. The English-bred Ring Dove is an unknown quantity, and it is difficult to say why Mr. Henrys. should have given her 61b over weight-for-age. Uenuku is thought by many to be a better gelding than he has yet given evidence of, and Mr. Donnelly s representative is just the sort to effect a surprise. Master Soult has 31b under weight-for-age, but so far we know nothing of his staying qualifications. None of the three-year-olds have displayed any very conspicuous merit, while of the light-weight brigade Aboriginal, Beneform, and Landwern may possibly be the best of a poor lot. With so many horses of

moderate class engaged, the winner is well hidden, and doubtless punters will wait until the list of candidates is considerably reduced before doing much speculation.