Auckland Cup will be Spectacular Event

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 855, 26 December 1929, Page 12

Auckland Cup will be Spectacular Event

THE BEST ENGAGED BERKETT HOLDS GOOD HAND Once more the Auckland Cup contest has rolled round and the keenness taken in the evetn again is proof that the general puDlic appreciates the efforts of the club in arranging such a high-class handicap to encourage a meeting between the best I ight-harness horses in the Dominion. There will be a few patrons at Epsom tomorrow who have witnessed every race for the Cup since its inception, and while in the past some great contests have been witnessed, it is safe to predict from the calibre of the 1929 field, and thfi. uniformity with which the competitors have been arranged according to performances, that a spectacular and thrilling go will be staged. As the trotting and pacing stock was improved by the importation of the world’s best known blood, and the stake for the Cup increased, the event quickly reached a standard of importance equal to anything in the Southern Hemisphere. As pointed out by “Abaydos” in previous articles on this subject, the highest grade horses in Australasia have repeatedly contested the race, and all the cracks of more recent times have been seen in action at Alexandra Park. The same gonditions obtain in the present instance, and a field of excellent calibre will parade tomorrow. The various aspirants for the honour have undergone a sound preparation, and fitness for the herculean struggle is a fact that will make for a real test of speed and stamina, and ensure a true run race.

Of the fourteen starters, Peter Bingen, Padlock, Prince Pointer, Kohara, Gold Jacket, Peterwali, Imprint and Machine Gun have previously contested the big race. Last year Gold Jacket, Kohara and Prince Pointer finished in that order, and the trio will again count many friends. Bonny Logan, Dilworth, Free Advice, Linkman, Concliff and The Abbey are making their first appearance in Auckland’s premier event, and they will add interest to the contest and some of them at least have reasonable prospects of defeating the pastmasters mentioned in the other batch. Dilworth and Linkman have risen quickly in the ranks, and are expected in many quarters to deliver the goods good and heavy. Tomorrow’s Contest The front line presents a bold front, and there is every reason to believe that in looking for the winner backers will go for something on the front. They have a good selection in this respect, as Dilworth (4.26), Free Advice (4.27 3-5), Linkman (4.25 2-5), Machine Gun (4.25 2-5), and The Abbey (4.28 4-5) are all capable of putting up a fine showing. Bonny Logan (4.29 3-5) does not appeal in such a contest, and Concliff (4.29 3-5), in public, cannot be said to have much to recommend him. The Abbey is a contingency selection, and it all depends whether he goes away well or not. If he leaves smartly then W. Clifton may provide the winner. Machine Gun must be seriously considered, especially if back to his best form. Linkman is a big possibility and if anything is likely to upset final calculations it will be Vic. Alborn’s plain-looking pacer. He may repeat Gold Jacket’s performance of winning the Hawera Cup and then rising to such a pitch of efficiency that the Auckland Cup is at his mercy. Free Advice will do better than a lot of people think. Her last effort in public over two miles was impressive and she will be better able now to see out 'the journey. Dilworth’s form this season is sufficient to place her in the first flight of pacers, and give her a great chance of landing the stake. It is hinted in some quarters that the Nelson-owned mare will not do so well on the grass, but that remains to be seen. Bracketed with Dilworth is Imprint (4.25 1-5), and as the latter recently demonstrated that he can still put up a good fight, Berkett holds a strong hand. Peterwah (4.23 4-5) is the trotter of the field, and if at his best would give the pacers something to do to head him off to the wire. The Gisborne-owned champion looks ready for his race and should add interest.

Gold Jacket (4.25 2-5), last year’s winner, has lost caste with many because of her failures at Christchurch. When at his best Gold Bell’s son is a brilliant customer, and a real stayer, and as he has been showing a Return to form during the past w*eek must be seriously considered. Kohara (4.24) 4-5) is another that will be going strong at the finish, and If he gets the footing to his liking will play a prominent part in the final issue. The Hawera-trained horse did not show up at his best last month, but will be at home at Epsom. Prince Pointer (4.22) was not quite ready at Addington, and has come along well in the interval. He is in rare shape and keen to have a good tussle with the opposition. Padlock (4.21) is always a dangerous rival in any event where the elite steps out, and his Free-for-All victory proved that the Longburn pacer retains his brilliancy. Peter Bingen (4.18 4-5) w~ill not be found wanting on the day. He is a great horse, and with Jack Kennerley behind him will have every chance. Another effort like his New Zealand Cup showing would make Peter Bingen a decided danger. There is no doubt that the task of the back markers is a most strenuous one, but a great deal depends on the pace set throughout by the limit brigade. With Dilworth, Free Advice, and Linkman to make the rest do it all the way. the race sould be a solid one, but Gold Jacket, Prince Pointer and Peter Bingen are suchf genuine stayers, they are sure to make the front lot feel the pinch when it comes to the final issue. The Dilworth bracket. Gold Jacket, Free Advice and Linkman may find most favour with the public.