Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1931 - 1954), Monday 17 May 1948, page 6


Valcurl Dominated King's Cup Field

Suited By Conditions

By TRACERY

Completely at home on the sodden track, Valcurl dominated the field to win easily the King's Cup at Morphettville on Saturday. Public favorite and idol, Beau Gem, was a

fighting second. He is the best of his age in Australia.

> Then it was left to Beau Gem, who bad the run of the race be-5 bind the leader, to throw out 1 his challenge. He took up a ? winning position on the home turn but Valcurl shot away and -the favorite could do no more t than chase him down the straight. Valcurl gained as much as a l length on Bean Gem from the > turn to the Judge That shows ' how hard he is to defeat on bis day. The pace was not fast. With . things all his own way, Valcurl ran the first half-mile in 54 seconds; the first mile in 1.45, and the last four in 511. Time for the race— 236l— was five seconds outside the record figures—23l—established by Donaster hi the 1936 King's Cup. Beau Gem was having his first test on a really soft track. He did everytbicg right but Valcurl did it even better. Sanctus, who looked fitter than when he won the Adelaide . Cup, was a useful third. Chatspa never looked like winning, but he did best of the unplaced division. Fine Fettle could not get near the. fence at any time and he was beaten at the turn. The connections of Beau Gem have not yet completed plans for the colt's future. He may be kept in work for the Parkside Stakes at Victoria Park early in June. Royal Gem will be set ' for a spell at Murray Bridge. 1 Valcurl and Sanctus are to holi' day before beginning their 1 string preparations.

The result might have been different had the track been fast and dry or had Royal Gem tackled Valcurl in the early stages. Reuiem-: ber what Royal Rebel did to tim in the Adelaide Cup? - Valcurl has proved himself a mighty horse when conditions suit him, but his form is different when tracks are perfect. Probably he is a stone better horse on a rain-affected track. That was why-he won on Saturday. -. It was a brilliant win because lie led from start to finish and shook off gallopers of the calibre Of the two "Gems'* without effort. Nothing had a chance with Valcurl over the last three furlongs. Royal Gem tried to go to him five from home, but was beaten off before the half-mile was reached.