THAMES CUP FIELD

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 304, 15 March 1928, Page 6

THAMES CUP FIELD

GOOD CLASS ENGAGED WINNER WELL CONGEALED STIRRING CONTEST ASSURED With 31 pacers and trott.ers to apportion handicaps for the Thames Trotting Cup, Mr. Geo. Paul set about the task in his customary efficient and prompt manner, and the result of his labours appears to have given such satisfaction that the field promises to be an unusually large one. Gold Sound won the chief event at Thames in 1925 the race has grown in popularity, while the stake has increased practically threefold. In 1926 Rockburn was successful, while last year Gold Jacket annexed the stake. Of the winners mentioned, the latter is the only one

claiming an engagement in the forthcoming contest. Nine of the entrants figure on the limit, and of this contingent Lady Barrington, winner of the Hawke’s Bay Cup recently, will attract most attention. She won at Hastings in good style, and was somewhat unlucky when she went out to contest the Manawatu Cup last week. Peter Grattan will have friends also, and provided he does not suffer any ill effects from his spill at Claudelands, should run well. Dundas Boy is an improving sort, and if he conies North will have good support. Of those on 4.41, the trotter Tiger Salve must command the most respect, and if the trotter can pull out a similar effort to when he ran Sister Beatrice so close at Epsom in the spring, he will take a lot of beating. Two solid customers are on 4.40. and if started both can add a lot of interest to the item. Tamerlane’s form at Hamilton was distinctly good, and particularly his effort in the 10-furlong heat, when he spread-eagled the pacers. There is no doubting his stamina either. Tony Victor also showed up well recently in a mile and a-quarter, and can be relied upon to go the Cup distance solidly. Gold Dial, 4.39, appears to hold Bingen King safe, and in view of her fine achievement in the Whangarei the Wellsford-trained mare must be given a royal chance. Van Rich 4.38 is on a tight mark, but he is well and may put up a good fight. Gold Jacket, however, on 4.37, should hold the little fellow safe. In fact, of those behind the 48 yards mark, none appeals so well as last year’s winner. The racing he had at Claudelands should have proved beneficial, and there is no reason to doubt his ability to add another Thames Cup to his list. Nelson Tasker gave signs at Whangarei of staying out two miles, while Lord Nepean ran a sound race at Hamilton, but they should find Gold Jacket a very tough proposition. Dick Dillon may be a possibility, but like Anselm and Native Prince, if started, they will find it a difficult job to get through such a field. The event is bristling with possibilities, however, and among the pacing division Gold Jacket, Gold Dial, Lady Barrington and Tony Victor are early fancies, while the trotters Tamerlane and Tiger Salve can be depended upon to uphold the\prestige of the squaregaiters.