WILL BE HARD BATTLE

NZ Truth, Issue 1191, 27 September 1928, Page 15

WILL BE HARD BATTLE

New Zealand Cup Race More Open Than It Appears

(By "The Toff.")

In spite of his flattering performance at Petone,: Padlock will have to take off his coat when he meets Great Bingen and Jack Potts m the rich New Zealand Oup handicap m November. With the first payments Jewel Pointer, Acron and Logan Chief have been eliminated.

EVER since the- Wellington gathering everybody- has been mad on Padlock, and if the totalisator were to open on the race to-morrow he would be an even money favorite. His success m the N.Z. Cup Trial Handicap was outstanding, but it must be remembered that the journey was a mile and aquarter, and that the Trotting Cup will be run over' a distance six furlongs farther. . One is, of course, mindful of Padlock's ability to go a journey, and while he played with Great Bingen, Talent and Jack Potts at the finish of his . good : effort at Petone, he looked more forward m condition than Great Bingen and Jack Potts, both of which were of the Christmas ptfddlng order. At Addington. m November, Padlock will find Great Bingen and Jack Potts

m better shape, and he might not be as well — not that he looked an oil painting at Petone — but he had considerably less flesh on his ribs than Great Bingen or Jack Potts had.

So far, no casualties are reported from 'trainers of Cup candidates, it is a bit early for hospital cases, but the next six weeks will take its toll.

Meanwhile, the nineteen eligibles are sound m wind and limb, and are making progress to fitness. In spite of Padlock's flattering performance at Wellington, Jack Potts, Terence Dillon and Ahuriri still are boxing on with a determination that the Palmerston North -trained gelding will have to take off his coat when he meets them on their favorite heath m November.