PROBABLE CUP FAVOURITES TO-MORROW

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 287, 24 February 1928, Page 6

PROBABLE CUP FAVOURITES TO-MORROW

couple of events on. the Taranaki summer circuit. The knowledge that this member of George Reid’s team has been in /front should not be lost sight, of when punters are looking over the big field in the Shaftesbury Handicap. Pie has had plenty of work and has been doing it nicely. Phil Brady is represented in the Hack Cup field for Saturday with Star Comet, a young galloper by Day Comet from The Whip. There may not be much to wonder at in winning a Ngaruawahia Cup, but it is at least proof that Star Comet will get 10 furlongs, and that is a journey which will bother several of the others in the field. NOT NOW THE SAME QUALITY The years make a difference with horses as with mankind. Siaosi created something to talk about when he beat his then stablemate, Civility, in the Great Raster Handicap a few seasons ago. Nowaday Siaosi cannot win in the much less pretentious company. of the Auckland country circuit. He got into fourth place in the Cup at the Matamata meeting and went a shade better at Rotorua, where he figured as third, in the Cup and the President’s Handicap on the first and second days respectively. Ownertrainer H. D. Russell will have Siaosi at Te Aroha this week-end, and if he can take out a heat there it will be deserved. IN THE SULPHUR AREA Whaka King looks an improved horse since he has been at his owner’s quarters. On the way Whaka King performed at the Rotorua meeting he is likely to pick up a race even at a mile. The sulphur atmosphere has agreed with him no doubt. The patience that is necessary in the racing business is well exemplified in the case of Flying Juliet, who for the first time this season raced home in front of her field in the President’s Handicap at Rotorua. Trainer Woods has given her a lot of attention from the time he started to work the black daughter bf Romeo, but it was a fairly lengthy period before she “cracked it” for her popular Morrinsville owner, Mr. E. Robinson. Many people will be with her at Te Aroha.

Branson looks the part for his mile job in the Hot Spring Handicap tomorrow. His kidney trouble, after Matamata Cup racing. was soon checked, and he has been undertaking his daily training tasks with great gusto. It is admitted that the field opposed to the Greyspear nag is not a dud one. but Branson will be prominent.

Will Paganelli Be There? Resting with his laurels at present is Paganelli, who was the victor in the Railway Handicap on the first day of the recent Whangarei meeting. Now he is down as an acceptor in the Waihou Handicap at Te Aroha to-morrow, and the possibility of his adding that event to his record is being freely discussed. But when the roll is called Paganelli may be among the missing, for it is said that he is an unlikely starter. Another One for Ellerslie P. Conway has made an addition to his stable in the shape of Marble Mount, by Marble Arch from Clatter. This gelding is now in his seventh year, and it was at the Dargaville and Waipapakauri meetings last month that he raced consistently, being in a place on several occasions. Although Marble Mount lias given no indication of being a really good horse he should perform with credit if well placed, end may prove a good proposition at ihe country fixtures. Allowed to Drift Mutu was driven a peculiar race on Wednesday and he was shuffled all over the place. At one stage of the journey he was in a winning position, but going out of the straight the last time was allowed to get in the ruck. Half a mile from home Real the Great and Young Blake looked as if they had the finish to themselves, but Mutu bobbed up again in the run home and finished second. Wrong Change Great Change was backed by the right change on Wednesday, but the sturdy little trotter did not afford his army of supporters much chance to obtain any change from their investments. As as Whangarei, the Son of Great Audubon —Myall would not begin right and very soon it was plain that his “cake was dough.” He is in at Hamilton, but unless he alters his tune the public can leave him alone. An Expensive One Billy Carbine was well backed and well beaten in the Suburban Trot, but he did not begin correctly and was soon well behind. Over the middle stages he did not show his usual dash, and when the last circuit was entered upon it was plainly visible that the favourite’s chances were nil. Billy will make amends later on. Any Day Now The chestnut mare Lochade put up a good fight in the opening event on Wednesday and she was admirably handled by Billy Orange, who knows his craft where square- gaiters axe concerned. The Mangere-trained mare finished well in third place and on her showing will be worth keeping under observation should she accept for Claudelands. RACING FIXTURES February 24, 25.—Woodville J.C. February 25. 27.—Te Aroha J.C. February 29. March I.—Dannevirke R.C. March I, 3.—Marlborough R.C. March B.—Banks Peninsula R.C. March 3. 6 —Te Kuiti RC. March 7.—Opotiki J.C. March 9, 10.—Napier Park R.C. •March 10, 12. Franklin R.C. March 15, 17. Wellington R.C. March 17.—Opunake R.C. March 17, 19.—Ohinemuri J.C. March 21.—Otautau R.C. March 21. 22.—Rangitikei R.C. March 23, 24.—Oamaru J.C. March 24.—Bay of Plenty J.C. March 24. 26.—Westport J.C. March 8, 29.—Southland R.C. March 30, 31.—Masterton R.C.