HAZLETT GOLD CUP MEMORIAL.

Shannon News, 15 February 1929, Page 4

HAZLETT GOLD CUP MEMORIAL.

THIS YEAR FINDS STRONGER FIELD. AUSSIE TO ~TEST LIMERICK. , (By "Silken Rein.") One of the most important events decided in the Dominion is the James Hazlett Gold Cup Memorial, which is included in the Dunedin Jockey Club'3 programme to be run off on Saturday of this week. A race of this class, comprising as it does in this instance, the best "inilers", New Zealand can produce, will be the means of immensely popularising the ' Dunedin meeting, perhaps for this year only, but ,it will also arouse the interest of all lovers of good class performers. It is a weight-for-age event run over a mile course and the field comprises: Limerick 9.8, Aussie 9.8, Rapier 9.8. Royal Saxon 9.8, Pink Note 9.8, Silver Paper 8.32, Night" March 8.12, Circulation 8.12. ■''.■■ Last'year the interest in this race did not reach thef"height it has done in tins case, this being due to the fact that the presence of Limerick in a three-horse field, Countersign and Nincompoop being the other pair, the result was practically a foregone conclusion and devoid of much excitement. The wonder horse, as Limerick is termed by Australians, is again to contest this classic, but the field is a very much stronger one than was the case last year, and the presence of Aussie and Rapier, mentioning two only, is causing many.to speculate against the chances of last year's winner.

Opinions are expressed, more particularly in the north, that the racing Aussie has had of late will sharpen him up and is likely to bring about a defeat of Limerick, who it is contended, will be more or less in. need of a race, considering he has not raced in public since he ran fourth in the Craven Plate at Randwick early in October of last year. The Limond gelding's bad performance in the Craven Plate was due. to developing a badlycracked heel, resulting in his having to return to New Zealand without doing any more racing on the other side. Aussie will certainly have the benefit of recent racing, but Trainer F. D. Jones will hardly* allow Limerick to suffer defeat if, in his opinion, shortage of work is likely to result in such a happening. "While the race is mostly considered to be a battle between the pair mentioned there are other gunners who will be able to fully extend both Aussie and Limerick. for instance, has recorded some good wins, his best recent one perhaps being the Harcourt Cup (1J miles) at Trentham in October, when he beat Laughing Prince, Star Stranger and Commendation. Following this he beat all but Oratrix in the New Zealand Cup, and' a week later went under to Laughing Prince in the Steaa Gold Cup (1J .-niles). Rapier has not raced since that event. A line as to his ability as a sprinter may be gained from his performance in . the Publican's .Handicap to be run to-day. Pink Note is a consistent performer but on the face of her Wellington running she will not be good enough. Two furlongs further would probably suit her better.

Royal Saxon, on the other hand, is a good miler, and outside of Aussie, hi may be the one to trouble Limerick most. His win in the summer mile at Trientham. u a very good performance and a reproduction of that form will find him well placed at the finish. Circulation has very little form that will recommend her, but she has shown brilliancy during working gallops. Silver Paper is, unfortunately, a doubtful starter, this being the result of an injury received recently. It is to be hoped that she will recover sufficiently t*o be able to give of her best which i 3 good enough to make her dangerous for a mile. Thi3 leaves Night March to be taken into the calculations. "His best per formance was the C J.CJ* Derby (11 miles) and his trip north resulted in a win in the Marton Cup. A three-year-old, who showed distinct promiseearly . in the season, he may come to his best and bring about a surprise.

While it is generally considered to be "another win for Limerick, there is a good portion of the sporting public who are willing to suggest another runner, Au-ssie being freely mentioned, who will beat the Limond gelding for honours hi Saturday's important event.