TALK OF THE DAY

Otago Witness, Issue 2813, 12 February 1908, Page 54

TALK OF THE DAY

By Sentinel. THE DUNEDIN" CUP MEETING. Tli 5 appearance of the handicaps for the Dunedin Cup and the balance of the card tc be decided on the first day of the Dunedin Jockey Club's autumn meeting marks the fact that we are on the threshold of our principal meeting of the season, and it is pleasing to note that the gathering promises to be successful. The fields are large, and even if quality is not too prominent a feature in the list of horses nominated, still there is sufficient on hand to form some very interesting sport. The Dunedin Cup, despite a fair stake of 400sovs, did not attract any of the big guns at present racing under silk, but the fac* that the quality is much on a gar sug - ge»tj a possibility of a much better race being witnessed than would be the case if one or two horses stood out from their opponents. In bringing his Cup field together Mf J. E. Henrys clearly recognises the fact that the horses are not toT>notchers by starling at the -maximum of 9.0 and practically finishing at 7.2. Stratagem, the winner of the Midsummer Handicap, is in the pride of place at the head' of the Dunedin Cup lot, and for her Riccarton victor- goes up 171b, whist Paragon, who was top weight in the Midsummer, gets in at lib less. Lapland is in at the same weight as he carried at Riccarton Freeland gets a drop of 81b, and meets the Dudu filly on 251b better terms. Fireiron has left for Australia, and Clanchattan forms a second string for the Chokebore stable. He has been a disappointing customer up to date, but is dangerous when in a galloping humour. Astrakhan was very sore when he carried silk at the recent G.R.C. meeting, but should do well if ho is found at the post fit and well. Orloff — a light of other days — is an unknown quantity at present but Jack Ashore created a very favoural '" impression by the resolute manner in which he ran out his races at Inveroargill and Gore. At both places he shaped like a sta.yer. But Noi.us will be better suited by the larger track at Wingatui than was the case at Gore. The balance of the field have nice racinsr weights, and a good acceptance should be banded in on Friday next. The minor events look like furnishing some of the best 'sport that has ever beon witnessed on our metropolitan track, and it only requires a fair percentage of -the horses handicapped to go* to the post in order that the club should be in a position to furnish their patrons with a very attractive card. I