CURRENT TOPICS FROM STABLE AND COURSE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 October 1940, Page 3

CURRENT TOPICS FROM STABLE AND COURSE

New Zealand Cup Candidates (BY “THE GRAFTER”) Three New Zealand Cup candidates filled the places in the principal event at the South Canterbury Jockey Club’s meeting on Saturday. Swordstick, as has been the case with him in all his successes, was in the van throughout, but he was beginning to tire nearing the end, and Wardress, in spite of her ill-luck during the running, would have beaten him in another few strides. The latter’s late run was a feature of the , day’s racing, and although she may not be capable of mastering a Cup journey, she should soon win good races for her owner-trainer, Mrs J. < Campbell. Passaform, as expected, showed improved form on his own track, and but for being checked also when Lockit went back he would have been better placed at the straight entrance than was the case. He returned walking very tenderly, and his prospects may depend on his getting a yielding track. Of the remaining Cup candidates in the race, most interest was evinced in the performance of The Raker, who, on ■ his Wingatui success, was justifiably sent out a firm favourite. He was well-placed early, but drifted badly through the back stretch, and only had two horses behind him turning for home. Even then Wardress was not far in front of him at that time, and he should have been able to have shown more prominence over the final stages. His owner, Mr W. J. Dore, was disappointed with the display, and expressed his surprise that his horse, who had done everything right since his return from Dunedin, should not at least have flattered his followers at some stage of the race.

. Settlement had every chance to make good, but did not complete his task as well as in recent outings. Dictate was in the picture a furlong from home, but lack of racing condition found a weakness. He will be one who wilt get a lot of benefit from the effort. Lockit bled very freely after his unfortunate experience of breaking a blood vessel halfway through the journey, and it was doubtful at the weekend if he would be taken to Trentham. Entail was always in a rear position, and did not seem keen on his work, so it will be surprising if he survives the next payment for the Cup bn Friday. Airline, who is also a Cup candidate, contested the Flying Handicap, but was never within reach of the leaders.