TURF NEWS AND NOTES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 January 1940, Page 9

TURF NEWS AND NOTES

CURRENT TOPICS FROM STABLE AND COURSE

Three-Year-Olds and Centennial Cup PROSPECTS OF CANDIDATES REVIEWED

(BY

“CARBINE.")

Although the first contest fcr the Wellington Cup, in 1894, was won by a three-year-old, Castaway, who carried 8.0, the race has not been a good one for horses or that age, only- eight being successful in the 66 contests. Karari, with 6.10, scored in 1874, and the next three-year-old to win was Cynisca, who carried 7.1. Cynisca won the following year, with 7.12, and the succeeding year, carrying a stone more, Cynisca completed the “hat trick.”

This year's field comprises several three-year-olds, whose form .has been exceptionally good, and, while they will meet with very solid opposition from some of the older division, the younger horses will play a prominent part in what promises to be a very memorable contest.

After his fine return to form at the Auckland summer meeting, where he defeated the brilliant Beaulivre in the Great Northern Derby and Clifford Plate, Beau Vite will make a strong appeal, write “Abaydos” in the “New Zealand Herald.” He won the former event in. 2.32 with 8.10. and as he is likely to make further improvement his prospects are bright. Pils de Vaals, who was third in the Derby, won the Summer Cup earlier at the meeting, displaying fine staying ability. He is the type who improves with racing, and the fact that he is preferred by his owner to the dual Auckland Cup winner Cheval de Volee suggests possibilities.

Beau Repaire, second in the Summer Cup, was successful in the Christmas Handicap, when he ran the mile in 1.37. A determined colt, ,he will not lack support. Baran, a very promising sort, did not fulfil expectations, but may do better at Trentham. Gladynev is racing very solidly and won the Te Awamutu Cup in approved style. He was a very close third in the Summer Cup and won the Nathans’ Memorial Handicap decisively to run a mile and a-quarter with 7.11, his Wellington weight, in 2.6. The extra distance should not be to his disadvantage.

Globe Trotter won the Wairarapa Cup in a manner that drew attention to his stamina, and Moorsotis will be improved by the racing he had at Ellerslie.

The top-weight, Royal Chief, has stood his ground, and his chance, in spite of his inability to go with the field in the early part, cannot be un-der-estimated. Catalogue, with a Melbourne Cup success to his credit, must be respected. Although he failed in the last pinch of the Auckland Cup, Catalogue was not discredited. Beaupartir displayed rare form last season and has been placed in some of his recent effort's, which indicates an early return to his best. He could not make any impression on Beau Vite and Beaulivre, who had an advantage of 121 b in the Clifford Plate, but he is only conceding the Derby winner 41b at Trentham. Centrepoise won the Metropolitan Handicap at Riccarton, in which Beaupartir was fourth, but his subsequent efforts were not of the same calibre. Siegmund and Sly Fox are capable of adding to the interest, while Old Bill will be a force to be reckoned with. When thoroughly attuned he can run over a distance and he may prove one of the most difficult to beat.

Du Maurier has shown fine form of late in his success in the Manawatu Cup, miles, with 7.6, and is handily placed at 7.11. If there is a surprise in the race it may come from Du Maurier.

Tidewaiter is a fine stayer and if back to his best would appeal, while Laughing Lass, although considered more in the sprinting class, is not without prospects. Malagigi is a well-known quality over a distance and he will take a power of beating. Windsor Chief won the Marton Cup and has raced well at Trentham previously, and Norseman has displayed very useful form in the South. The race is full of possibilities, but in the opinion of “Abaydos,” some who may be in demand at this stage are Beau Vite, Beaupartir, Gladynev, Malagigi and Old Bill.

RACING FIXTURES

January 18. 20 and 22.—Wellington January 20. —Wairio. January 20 and 22.—Thames. January 22.—Ashhurst-Pohangina. January 26 and 27.—Jahiatua. January 27 and 29.—Auckland February’ 1 and 3.—Wairoa. February 1 and 3.—Wanganui. February 3.—Canterbury. February 3— Tapanui. February 3.—-Matamata. February 8 and 10.—Egmont. February 10 and 12.—Poverty Boy February 10 and 12.—Gore. February 10 and 12.—Rotorua. February 16 and 17.—Winton. February 17.—Tolago Bay. February 17—Opunake. February 17 and 19.—Waikato. February 22 and 24. —Dunedin. February 24.—Waiapu. February 24 and 26.—Westland. February 24 and 26.—Te Aroha. February 24 and 26.—Woodville.

In 1901 a good three-year-old, Renown, won under 8.10 in 2.35 2-5, making a race record. Three years later, Gladsome, a fine filly, was weighter at 8.5 and ran a dead-heat with Convoy, 7.6, .in 2.33 3-5. The following year another filly, Nightfall, was successful, carrying 8.2. It was not until 1923 that a three-year-old again scored, Rapine, 7.12, taking the honours in 2.31 4-s'. Last year Defaulter, under 8.11, won very decisively from the little-fancied The Sandwichman and Aussie Ra. Defaulter, who was a firm each-way favourite, ran 2.32.

The record for the race is 2.29, established by Compris in 1932, with 9.0. In 1935 Vintage carried 9.9 to victory in 2.30 J, both being five-year-olds.