Great Peter is First Choice in the Cup Event

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 903, 21 February 1930, Page 14

Great Peter is First Choice in the Cup Event

Well-Bred. Pacer Will Have Real Test Tomorrow

SUNSHOWER’S PROSPECTS

Like his elder brothers, Great Bingen and Peter Bingen, the Mangcre-trained pacer, Great Peter, while showing rare brilliancy over sprint and middle distances, did not show up as a slayer till well matured. Great Peter repeatedly disappointed bis connections in long distance events, and for two years in succession the well-bred horse failed in the Hawera Cup when, expected*, to land the prize. But at the recent Christmas carnival at Auckland, the son of Nelson Bingen and Bertha Belle showed marked improvement in respect to stamina, and when he finished up his “triple crown” success by running two miles in 4.28 2-5, the public was satisfied he was the goods over a journey. While a pronounced favourite for the Otaliuhu Cup tomorrow, off the front of the handicap, it must be remembered that Great Better is having his first real test of stamina. No one will discredit his speed powers, but he will be put on his best mettle when stepping out in the chief event against proved

and. capable two-milers. Taking a line through his illustrious relatives there seems to be ample justification for public confidence in the pacer’s ability to make things decidedly in-

teresting tomorrow, but it may not prove of the “all over bar shouting” style that many backers think. Keen Opposition. Great Peter may win, and it points that way, but there are several others engaged which will make J. T. Paul’s charge go better than he has yet demonstrated himself capable of at the distance. On the same mark is Talent, Torpedo Huon, and Native Prince and each can go a sound race. Talent is showing form, Torpedo Huon is working in improved fashion, while Native Prince is well placed. If he does his job right, this chap may upset the best calculations. On the next peg is Nelson Tasker, who demonstrated in the spring that he can get the two mile journey, and as he will be bracketed with Kohara, the combination should not lack friends. On the 24yd mark conies Sunshower, Free Advice, and The Abbey. Of the trio, recent form points to the first-named having the best prospects. Sunshower won at Forbury Park over ten and sixteen furlongs, and did it remarkably well. In the shorter heat she was conceding Arikitoa a good start over the last quarter, to win on her head. Arikitoa since won a double at Wellington, making his form good. Then Roy Berry had a comfortable drive behind Sunshower over two miles, in which she beat her stablemate Jean McElwyn, to register 4.28 1-5. These performances cannot be lightly set aside, and the Aucklandowned mare will be one of the most difficult to beat in the Cup. Other Possibilities Machine Gun, on 48yds, must be taken seriously. At the Epsom Christmas carnival lie was in rare nick, and gave high-class displays. A. McMillan appears to have him back to his former standard, and two years ago he acted as runner-up to Terence Dillon when the latter established his record of 4.25 for this race. Kohara is shaping well at Otahuhu in his track es-

says, and he has come well into the limelight during the last few days. On 4.25 he is still set to do his very best, and if any of the front lot improve on '.heir handicaps, his task will be anything but easy. Jewel Pointer is practically in the same box, and although the one-time champion is effecting a “come-back,” he lias a hard row to hoe. The mighty Padlock is set a stiff task from 90yds, but, fit and well, he is always one to be reckoned with. However, public opinion promises to make Great Peter favourite, and while he may justify this position, he will find Sunshower, Native Prince, Kohara and Co. difficult to shake off when it comes to the business end.