Fancied for Auckland Cup.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 December 1939, Page 11

Fancied for Auckland Cup.

Dictate is amongst those fancied for the Auckland Cup. At the Wellington spring meeting of last season Sly Fox gave Dictate 51b and a rather comfortable beating over a mile and a-quarter. Sly Fox was afterwards fancied for the New Zealand Cup. in which he took charge of his rider and ran himself to a standstill. Course Distances. The Wingatui course is just a mile and a-quarter circumference, Oamaru and Invercargill slightly over nine furlongs. and Waikouaiti and Wyndham one mile. The Oamaru course is a faster one than the Wingatui course, but the Wydnham track is the fastest mile course in the South Island. The Riccarton course is nearly a mile and a-half in circumference. All courses are measured 3ft out from the rails. Whisky Not Administered. A report was recently circuited in Melbourne to the effect that whisky was administered to the good performer Maikai on race mornings for the purpose of steadying his nerves. The matter came under the notice of the stewards of the Victoria Racing Club. The trainer, F. Godby, told the stewards that Maikai was not given whisky. An official statement issued from the office of the Victoria Racing Club read: —“The stipendiary stewards interviewed F. Godby, trainer of Maikai, concerning the statement which appeared in the press that whisky had been administered before the horse ran in the Williamstown Cup and Eclipse Stakes at Caulfield. Godby declared that no whisky had been given to Maikai before the horse raced, and that the statements in the press were incorrect. The stewards accepted Godby's explanation.” The statement that Maikai was given whisky on race mornings because of his nervousness caused considerable comment in Sydney. The chairman of the Australian Jockey Club stewards. Mr George Williams, pointed out that the practice would not be permitted in Sydney, as the rule of racing prohibited its use at any time if it was intended to affect a horse's speed, stamina, or courage.

Auckland Trotting Cup. Battlefield, Bill B, and Icevus make a powerful trio on the 12 yards mark in the Auckland Trotting Cup. The American-bred Bill B has developed into a fine pacer during the last 12 months, and, after winning over a mile and a-half at Addington in August, he recorded 4min 23sec when he won the Victoria Handicap on the same course three months later. Icevus, winner of the Free-for-All at the Metropolitan, was third, and Battlefield finished out of a place. They were all on the same mark, but since then both Battlefield and Icevus have won over two miles at Forbury. The latest form of Icevus. previously regarded as a sprinter, has been particularly meritorious, as he went 4min 21 4-ssec to defeat Battlefield. to whom he was conceding 12 yards. Battlefield won on the second day. when Icevus was not in the race, and he went on to win over a mile and a-half at New Brighton. The running of Horsepower, on the same mark, has been disappointing, but reports are to the effect that he is improving. Isabel Derby, a proved stayer, has raced badly for a long time. Although 36 yards behind, the Auckland-owned Great Jewel must possess a chance. 'The Jewel Pointer gelding has improved out of all knowledge to win several races during recent months, and al Addington on November 9 he easilywon the Le Leivre Handicap in 4min 17 2-ssec. As Merlene, off the same mark, finished second two-fifths of a second slower, she must have a chance of turning the tables, now that she is meeting her conqueror on 36 yards better terms. Early favourites are likely to be Red Flush. Uenuku Marlene, Icevus, and Great Jewel.

Items From Invercargill. Doubleack. whose recent work has been in company with Boswell and Sailing Lady, has been galloping almost as well as either, and considering that he is still well within the hack limits, there are possibilities for him in the middle distance hack races during the holidays. He may not be started on the first day at Wingatui. Milford, who is to make his first appearance as a hurdler at Dunedin, has been schooling in good style, and should not be long in showing up in this department.