BIG WINNINGS

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 104, 23 July 1927, Page 6

BIG WINNINGS

LAYING AND BACKING EXPENSIVE “MIXING” Some of the bigger bookmakers operating at Moorefield recently won substantially. There were no results strikingly in favour of the ring, but books who missed laying heavily against comparative outsiders, such as Woodville, Prince Colugo and Brendon, who all won, did unusually well, despite the success of well-backed candidates in other races. One ringman who was fortunate in not laying commissions against these horses won £2,000, and there were several winners near the £I,OOO mark. On the other hand, several bookmakers who laid big sums against Prince Colugo, Brendon and Woodville were losers. These three horses at odds ranging around double figures were backed by their connections and admirers for substantial amounts, and books caught for these wagers were unfortunate. Golden Grist was another very well backed winner. His owner, Mr. J. R. Hardie, is not a very big bettor, but lie put a good wager on the horse, and he also told scores of people his strong fancy for Golden Grist. This and the fact that S. Davidson had the mount encouraged strong support, and Golden Grist took a l<3t of money out of the ring. The unlucky bookmaker, however, was one who instead of fielding decided to punt on his fancies. Usually well armed and a good judge, he bets heavily, but this time his luck was out. Up to the last race he was losing £I,BOO. He stood to win £1,600 about Bootlegger and £7OO about Avrom. When Avrom held the lead 50 yards from the post he looked like reducing his heavy liability, but Woodville’s victory put him right out of court, and he had to meet a settling that involved paying £2,300. By judiciously mixing fielding and punting in the last season this bookmaker claims to have won £ 28,000. So this loss was taken philosophically. THE TWO CUPS REJECTED BY BOOKS AFRAID OF COMMENDATION? In Melbourne last week, Commendation was at fairly long odds for the Caulfield Cup. A few hours later he was favourite, and hurried overtures regarding a Commendation-Commen-dation double for the two Cups were being rejected by leading bookmakers. Disconcerted by the sudden move for Commendation, who has the New Zealand Derby Stakes, the Great Northern Derby, and a record New Zealand St. Leger to his credit, operators for the coming Caulfield Cup reduced the odds laid against him by half. In addition, they are wondering where they stand regarding doubles, and most will issue new double prices in the morning, recalling those already quoted. Last week’s most popular doubles were Commendation, coupled with Royal Feast, Limerick, Imitator and Bacchus. Commendation straight out is also being eagerly sought, but little business is now being done by wary bookmakers. It is stated that the Commendation—Royal Feast double already has been booked to win £50,000. In Sydney the reflex of the Melbourne backing of Commendation was the only feature of betting on spring events. Limerick (since scratched) and Royal Feast were both coupled with Commendation for the Cup double.