TURF NEWS AND NOTES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 January 1940, Page 9

TURF NEWS AND NOTES

CURRENT TOPICS FROM STABLE AND COURSE The Wellington Centennial Cup . PROSPECTS OF THE CANDIDATES (BY “CARBINE.’’) The principal topic of conversation among turf patrons at the moment is the prospects of the various horses in the Wellington Centennial Cup, to be run over 11 miles. The race is a very open one with some of the finest gallopers in New Zealand engaged. At present Malagigi, which is to be ridden by Maurice McCarten, appears to have the best chance. Prior to going to Australia Malagigi was a useful performer in the Auckland province, and in Australia he ranked as one of the best stayers. Another notable performer is the Melbourne Cup winner, Catalogue, which did not have much success at the recent Auckland meeting. The A.J.C. Metropolitan winner, Royal Chief, who ran well to win the Canterbury Cup, will doubtless have a big say in the decision should he face the barrier. Willie Win, who ran second in the Melbourne Cup to The Trump, will also find favour, though his recent form has not been what it should be.

The four-year-olds present a strong array and include Beaupartir. who from now on may be a power to be reckoned with. Old Bill, who is said to be undergoing a special preparation for this event, and Centrepoise, the Metropolitan winner. However, it is in the three-year-olds that the most interest may be evinced, states "The Escort.’’ The form of horses of this age in handicaps, especially at Auckland, has been remarkable. In the Summer Cup, Fils de Vaals. Gladynev and Beau Repaire filled the places. All three must be considered in the Centennial Cup. Beau Vite, conquerer of Beaulivre in the Great Northern- Derby and Clifford Plate may not be so fortunate in the matter of poundage, but he has proved his ability, and if started, will have a host of supporters. Moorsotis and Globe Trotter are also likely to be improved by their recent racing. Of the remainder of the field, Du Maurier, winner of the Manawatu Cup, Mona’s Song, winner at Southland, the consistent Sly Fox, Mishna, Lady Montana. Queen of Song and Thermidor will help to make the contest interesting. Retrospective Inquiries. One of the powers conferred upc.. stewards by the Australian Rules of Racing is to review the running of horses when they are believed to have shown inconsistent form. That power is too sparingly used. As a rule, when a horse has run inconsistently there has generally been a legitimate excuse for it, and in most instances owners would welcome the opportunity, were it given them, to make known the reasons for the inconsistency. Unless an inquiry is held owners have no chance of making known the facts, and they are often placed under a stigma of having run their horses dishonestly. The stewards, as the result of their own observations, may be fully satisfied that there has been no wrongdoing on the part of the connections of the horse, and that its failure to win was due to bad luck, which may have escaped the notice of many people watching the race. Having Jost their money, many backers place ths worst possible constructions upon the failure of the horse to win, and that leads to many of the stories in circulation about horses having been pulled up in their races. A few more retrospective inquiries would do racing much good, and at the same time inspire more public confidence in the stewards.