SPORTING

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 562, 4 November 1902, Page 3

SPORTING

THE MELBOURNE CUP.

AN UNLIKELY STARTER. By Telegraph—Pres.-) Association—Copyrigh Melbourne, Nov. 3. Mr McCulloch, owner of Licutonnn Bill, states that the horso was slightly in jured in tho ilothain Handicap, on Satur day, and possibly may not start in the Cup tomorrow. TIIE LATEST BETTING. By telegraph—Press Association— Copyright. MELBOURNE, Nov. 3. The following I s the latest letting ' Abundance, D to 2 against. One hundred to If) was taken seven times, put then the owner clinched it by tuning 1000 to 200 in one hand. Patronage was well supported at. 5 to I, and for the stable £550 was taken in one hand. About the Persian fi to I was wanted, and half a point less was refused. About Sojourner Ifi to 1 was freely offered, and Flagship was at 100 to 0, at which price £2OOO was taken. Victory was supported at 40 to 1, to the extent of £2500, and Patronus for £3OOO at 35 to I. For Blue Metal 33 to 1 was freely offered. For Lieutenant Bill 10 to 1 was wanted, and 15 <o 1 offered. Air Motor was supported at 500 to Oh, Brakpan 1000 to 10, Acrasia 3000 to 90. For the stable Morton Steel and VaKity Fair was each supported for £2500 at 3 f to 1. Five hundred to IV Was wanted about Strata Florida, l/it wagers taken were not specialised. Lieutenant Bill cantered and trot tel this afternoon, in the presence of tin owner and a veterinary surgeon. He pulled up slightly lame, hut will start. The jockey Want lias lieen brougii. specially from Sydney to ride him. The weather is very hot, and thcie is threatening thunder.

(By “Early Bird,”) This afternoon tho great annual event of tho Australian turf, tiie Melbourne Cup, will be run, and promises to bo a must exciting contest. Abundance upon his form in tho Derby must bo given a great chance in tho Cup, and should start favorite. The Persian is also greatly fancied, ns also aro Strata Florida. Ilrak pan, Patronage, and Flagship. Of those mentioned I havo tho greatest regard for Patronage, and with tho handy impost of Bst 21b lie must run a great horso. My selection is— Patronago 1 Abundanco ... ... 2 Flagship 3 Tho following aro the acceptances:—

By Telegraph- Press Association. Christchurch, last night,

Although this was nil oil morning at Kiccartun, there wero one or two interest itig gallops on tho plough. Cannio Chicl and Ulonuladnle went ut half pace, and had a brush homo over six furlongs, but they wero not well out. Pampero made an appearance, and looked fresh. He galloped six furlongs, Lady Itosslyn as sisting in tho first part and Vladimir bringing him home. Tho full distance was dono in 2 47, and once round in 2.34. Nonette, assisted by Geordio, ran tho last half mile of ousy work in yOsec. Ilalber dior and Fakir went steadily, and finished up with a sound six furlongs. Scottish Minstrel, Dartmoor, and Evening Wonder were schooled over the hurdles, tho lastnamed pleasing most of the new arrivals. Starshot and Tradewmd performed steady work. Sirius easily defeated Magnificent ovor a mile and a quarter, the last mile occupying 1.48£. Red Gauntlet, by him self, was responsible for a good gallop over six furlongs on the plough, recording 1.17. A number of others did medium pace work.

Sir Lonnard 9 2 Vanity Fair 7 9 Blue Metal 9 2 Tliu Persian 7 8 Tho Victory a 12 Patronus ... 7 0 Felicitous ... 8 8 Abundanco 7 5 Flagship ... 8 5 Strata Florida 6 12 Patronage ... 8 2 Merton Steel 0 11 Lieut. Bill (in. Seaport 6 10 101 b pen.} 8 2 Oakwood ... C 8 Kilt 8 0 Seclusion ... e 8 Air Motor (in. Pregrcdior... 6 8 101b pen.) 7 13 Acrasia 6 8 Combat 7 12 Itienzi C 7 Brakpun ... 7 11 Sojourner ... G 7