ALL READY FOR CUP

Chronicle (Levin), 2 November 1948, Page 5

ALL READY FOR CUP

(N,Z.P,At—

Howe Is Being Kept Under Armed Guard

Covyriglit)

Receivefi Tuesday,' II a.m, MELB0URNE, Noy, 2. The track for the Milbourne Cup race today is expected to be dead, but will not, be unduly heavy unless more rain falls, The weather this morning was fine, with some sunshine. A temporary reprieve from rain is expected this afternoon,. with cipudy weather and possibie sunshine, r ,; After racing at Flemington on Saturday, Phoibos, Kongmeng, and the two New 2ealanders, Master Dash and Sirv- Fellowship, were seratehed. Then Hoyle .was eliminated m he was doubly engaged, and Ballerdale, Beau Juste and Gay.ness 'were ballotted to reduce the field to the safety limit of 35, After his -smashing w1n the Hotham Handicap with 9,12, Howe has firmed considerably in popularity for the Cup in which his weight is 9,5, It was one of the best Cup t.rials seen for years. Some experienced racegoers, however, are nqt regarding the Cup • as all over. although admitting that Howe deserves his place as favourite and his wonderful chance in the Cup, Howe has drawn 17 at the barrier which will be'in his favour in such a.big field as. it will enable him to settle down in the long run to the first turn. Howe is now protected by an armed guard and visitors are barred from his stable. Only. the owner, trainer .and stable employees are allowed near the horse. Photographers were refused permission to photograph the horse yesterday. They were 1 told no photographs would be allowed until the horse goes to Flemington on Cup Day,