MAV SPOIL A GOOD RACE

NZ Truth, Issue 1142, 20 October 1927, Page 9

MAV SPOIL A GOOD RACE

Bat A Pleasure To See Limerick

In Action

tThe piece-de-resistance at Trentham on Monday next will be he weight-for-age Champion Plate.

"THE race this year is going to war- , 1 rant its title, for among the run- j ners will be the champion four-year-old Limerick, back home after his triumphant Sydney trip. «j Wellington knows quite a lot about Limerick, but the big majority of people in the capital city have yet to clap their eyes on him. On Monday they will be given that opportunity when he will take his place in the mile and a-quarter classic. It is hard to say it, but all the same it is a fact, that the presence of Limerick has spoilt what would have otherwise been a good contest. But that fact will not trouble the average race-goer, who wishes to see a champion horse,- whatever be the quality of the field opposed to him. If the field is strong, so much the better; if it is weak — well, let the champion show the rest how to gallop. Possible opponents for Limerick will be Star Stranger, Te Monanui, Rapier, Grand Knight and the three-year-oids, Laughing Prince and Damaris. The three-year-olds have a big pull tn the weights in the spring and if of any calibre can usually hold their own

and a bit to boot, but this may not happen on Monday. Laughing Prince failed badly at Ellerslie — though on one race he should not be entirely judged, while Damaris has yet to show she is above the average. One thing in her favor— the track will suit her better than any she has yet raced on this season. Most would incline to the view that Star Stranger is the superior of Te Monanui on handicap form, but the last time of meeting resulted in a win for the latter, with Star Stranger fourth. That was on even terms, too. Thus there can be little between them and as both are capable of some improvement there should be a fine race between the pair. Mask may not be up to the class and the same applies to Grand Knight, while Beacon Light, which won under unpopular circumstances last year, may be in need of the race. There will be no need to worry over the favoritism. The three to get under the public view will be LIMERICK and then possibly STAR STRANGER and TE MONANUI.