THE RACE FOR THE MELBOURNE CUP.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5813, 15 November 1879, Page 3

THE RACE FOR THE MELBOURNE CUP.

(From the Melbourne Age.) Punctual to 4 o’clock, Mr. Watson took the 27 competitors in hand, and at the very first attempt succeeded in sending them away to an excellent start. Wellington, on the inside of the course, was the first to get on his legs, Suwarrow lying next between him and the rails, with Tom Kirk, Riverton, Monarque, K.C.8., and Savanaka conspicuous amongst the rest at intervals from left to right. When fairly into stride the field came streaming along merrily, and before two furlongs of ground had been traversed Wellington was observed to retire into third place behind Tom Kirk and Suwarrow, the latter cutting out the running at a tremendous pace well clear of the Caufield representative, Monarque going on fourth in the centre of the course, and Le Loup showing prominently on the extreme outside, the remainder of the field being well up. Thus they sailed to the distance post and on to the end of the lawn rails, where the Derby winner improved his advantage, which was increased to a length on getting onposite the stand enclosure, passing which Tom Kirk held second place, half a length in advance of Riverton, who just had his neck in front of Wellington, at whose quarters came Glenormiston, Wandering Jew, Waxy, and K. 0.8., all of a bunch ou the outside of the course, their most immediate attendants being Democrat, Sweetmeat, Darriwell, Colima, with Richmond, Savanaka. Tidal Wave, and Le Loup in close pursuit, slightly ahead of Secundus and Columbus, the lot being whipped in by Levant, who was repeatedly disappointed coming np the straight. The field swept round the turn in a cluster, and after the curve had been successfully negotiated, Suwarrow was still at the head of affairs, tearing away at a great rate, and increasing his lead to two clear lengths, Tom Kirk having in the meantime given way to Riverton, who was barely clear, Wellington next, then Monarque, Colima, and Wandering Jew, with Democrat at the headoftbenext batch, conspicuous amongst which were the colors of Waxy, Darriwell, Glenormiston and Sweetmeat, with Secundus and Savanaka in the midst of the rear guard. Racing along the back stretch Suwarrow persevered with the running determinedly, but notwithstanding the terrific pace at which the field were carried along tolerably compact order was observed. Tom Kirk was the first to feel the effect of the pace, for on approaching the river bridge he fell hack in the body of the field, the grey still being at the head of the cavalcade, Riverton, Wellington, Colima and Waxy keeping him company two lengths behind, the remainder following in excellent order. Up to this juncture Secundus seemed to be carried clean off his legs, the only horses behind him being Savanaka, Levant, Pollio, and Monarque. Passing the bridge Darriwell, who had hitherto been the associate of Strathearn, K.C.8., Lord Harry, and Democrat, made a brilliant run on the extreme outside of his horses, aud settled down into fourth place behind Riverton and Wellington, who kept travelling in warm pursuit of the Derby winner, Waxy being at the head of the others, of which

Colima and Tn-n Kirk formed the headpiece, with S-.v- i*; S rP-in-iru, and Savanaka in lit-.- c-UHe i-t the field,

Secundus being some lengths behind in the middle of the last batch. Pulling double -Suwarrow maintained ‘hi- pace a cracker p.i?t the abattoirs and there being no striking alteration? in trie remaining positions, except that .Mo:ra-q'ie, Caractacus aud Pollio fell back beaten, thk being the first tail that presented itself during the race. On running parallel with the training ground Williams t-iok a slight pull at Suwarrow, thus allowing Riverton, who was now being vigorously ridden, to get abreast of him. Wellington was still in close attendance, going splendidly, with Darriwell well up, and Sweetmeat making a resolute run past Colima and Waxy, the remainder all being done with except Columbus and Secundus, who were fast threading the crowd of beaten horses. Riverton compounded on nearing the turn into tbe straight, where Suwarrow came ahead full of running, and holding a noticeable lead of Wellington, who hid Darriwell on the extreme outside of him, with Sweetmeat making a desperate effort to get up on the inside, and Secundus still making strong headway several lengths in the rear, but in hopeless pursuit of the leaders. Suwarrow swept into the straight with a, clear lead of Wellington, who went up and challenged the grey a short distance further, aud looked like making a race of it, amidst intense excitement ; but suddenly collapsing. he gave way to Darriwell, who collared Suwarrow at the distance post, brought him to whip, and gradually drew out, finally passing the post three-quarters cC a leim-th in advance of Sweetmeat, who came with a marvellous run after getting disappointed in the straight, and deprived Suwarrow of second place by a head ; Columbus was fourth, two lengths away ; Wellington fifth, Colima sixth, Secundus seventh. Waxy eighth. Democrat ninth, aud Savanaka tenth, the remainder walking in with the crowd. Time, 3miu. 30}?ec.