SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14940, 13 March 1912, Page 9

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES. March 15, 14-Napier Racing Club. March 14-Waimate Racing Club. March 16, Ohinemuri Jockey Club. March 18-Opunake Racing Club. March 20, 21—Nelson Jockey Club. March 28—Bay of Plenty Jockey Club. March 28. 29-Masterton Racing Club. April 6, 8-Auckland Racing Club. April 8 and 9—Canterbury Jockey Clnb. April 8 and 9-Feilding Jockey Clnb. April B—Waipukurau Jockey Clnb. April Beaumont Jockey Club. April B—Kumara Racing Club. April Patea Racing Club. April 8 and Biverton Kacins Club. April 10-Wcßtland Racing Club. April 17—Beef ton Jockey Club. April 17 and 20—Wellington Racing Clnb. April 17, 20—Auckland Trotting Club. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. INQUIRER.—There will not be a winter meeting at Takapuna this year. The Great Northern meeting will as usual extend over three days. CAHTSlE.—Master Wairiki carried Bst lib when he won the Auckland Welter Handicap, one mile, at Ellerslie last autumn. Tho official time was lm. 41s. WAGER.— timo for the Great Northern Steeplechase last year was Bm. 9s. The official declaration in bis favour was four lengths in front of Antarctic. H.D., Newmarket. Latour ran unplaced in the Northern Champagne Stakes. In the decision of the Ellerslie Handicap he ran Bootle to a neck. Miscount won the Champagne Stakes.

NOTES BY PHAETON. A.R.O. AUTUMN EVENTS. The first batch of weights in connection with the approaching autumn meeting at Ellerslio camo to hand from Mr. Morse on Monday, and it goes without saying that they were warmly welcomed. The Easter Handicap, in which 43 horses are engaged, finds Master Soult at the head of the list with 9st 41b, and then follows Los Angelos (9st 21b), Maori King (9st), and Dearest (9st). What will, I fancy, be generally regarded as the pointed feature in tho weighting of the leading quartette is the impost opposite Dcarcst's name It is quito evident that tho performances for which the sister to Master Soult was responsible at Wanganui impressed Mr. Morse highly. Royal Scotch is assessed to be tlio best of the three-year-old division, and with Bst 101b he is called upon to concede 21b to General Latour. People who are not usually found sounding tho praises of tho inferior class stoutly aver that Royal Scotch has a big race concealed about him. The fact that Mr. "Watt has tho Royal Artillery colt also engaged at Canterbury will tend to keep would-be backers on tenterhooks until it is revealed whore ho will carry silk next month. General Latour was responsible for a merry mile at Ellerslio in tho spring, when he cut out tho eight furlongs attaching to the Great Northern Guineas in lm. 41 2-ss. on a course that was not conducive to a fast record. In the event of General Latour getting to the post in his best form he should bo able to take caro of himself. Domino (Bsfc 81b), Soultoria (Bst 71b), and Santa Rosa (Bst 71b), are in their proper places,'and the latter especially may be expected to have a good following. Antoinette (Bst 61b) has only 101b more than that under which she triumphed last year, and a good race may again 'be forthcoming from the bay daughter of Soult and Miss Annie. Miscount (Bst 21b), wound up badly in the summert but probably a valid excuse might be advanced for the son of Birkenhead's poor showing, and the rest ho has been indulged with since January may enable him to bloom up again next month. Master Wairiki is a vigorous little fellow, and with 7st 81b he can be referred to as one of the nicely-treated ones. The Tara-naki-owned Crown Pearl (7st 41b) has yet, it is contended, to show his best hand, and if that be a correct summing-up he may be counted upon to figure in the acceptance list. St. Amans (7st 2lb) fills the eye as an improved horse, but there is just a doubt as to whether Soult'a good-looking descendant would quite see out a mile in good company. Gloy (7st lib) is a good little battler, and maybe he will be equsJ to a good raco on April 6. In allotting tho weights for the Brighton Hurdle Race, Mr. Morse places Espartero at the head of the list with 12st 101b, Black Northern following with 12stIn the face of Black Northern's successes, a deal of interest will be centred in the character of tho performance for which tho Salvadan gelding will be responsible when he tackles his Ellerslie engagement. With Antarctic engaged in the Autumn Steeplechase, it did not, of course, admit of any doubt which horse would head the list in tha cross-country event. Tho big chestnut has been let off with 12st 71b, Pleiades and Sol, who follow, each having list opposite their respective names. There seems every reason to anticipate that tho cross-country event will draw a good field.

LEAVES FROM MY NOTEBOOK. Tho Ohinemnri Jockey Club hold their annual race meeting at Paeroa on Saturday and Monday next. The acceptances received for the opening day's racing aro all round very satisfactory, and a highly successful meeting promises to bo recorded in the event of fine weather prevailing. With special trains from Frankton, Thames, and ■ Waihi, and 'boats from Auckland on Friday and Sunday, that makes for a big attendance at Paeroa on Saturday and Monday.

Hauter© (J. Pinker), Tui Cakobau (A Rae), and Delegate (A J. McFlynn) set out over a round of th© steoplechaso country at Ellerslio on Saturday. They took the sod wall well, but the first fence of the stand double brought Tui Cakobau to grief. Delegate and Hauter© continued on round until th© stand double was reached the second time. At th© second fence of this jump Hautere struck and dislodged Pinker, and Delegate finished alone. Delegate overreached himself at on© of the obstacles, and was lamo on pulling up.

Ireland, the New Zealand-bred colt by Kilchcran— will probably make his first appearance on an Australian racecourse next week, at Rosehill races (second day), when he claims engagements in tho Clyde Stakes and Rawson Stakes. The latter is a weight-for-age event run over one mile and one furlong, and amongst those entered are the speedy Malt King, Lady Medallist, Cadonia, Jacamar, and Cisco,

The yearling colt by Positano from that well-performed Now Zealand maro Gladsome, was sold last week at Melbourne for 300 guineas. At tho same sale the yearling brother to the Sires' Produce Stakes winner Sheriff Muir, by Wallace—Miss Delaval, wont at 400 guineas. Both Gladsome and Miss Delaval won the Great Northern Derby in their respective seasons.

The ex-New Zealand jumper Hautepu failed to gain a situation in the March Steeplechase, run on the second day of the now concluded V.R.C. autumn meeting. Had he won, however, ho would have lost tho stake, for on weighing-in his rider was 3ilb short of tho correct impost.

The Chef (list 31b) is an acceptor for tho hurdle race at Paeroa next Saturday, whilo Bonnie Jean (lOst 91b) is also engaged. The latter won both jumping events at South Auckland, while The Chef did likewise at To Aroha. Ventura, by Traquair— tho speedy two-year-old filly raced in Australia by the Hawke's Bay sportsman, Mr. E. J. Watt, is entered for the Juvenile Stakes, •fivo furlongs, to be decided at Bosehill next •Saturday. Surplus, who is one of tho unruly sort, jumped tho pony hurdles at headquarters on Saturday with J. Pinker as pilot. For a novice the son of Wairiki shaped well over the obstacles. An Australian authority, commenting on the fact that Continuance is likely to cross the Tasman Sea in searoh •of further honours, remarks that the son of Sabretache and Chibouk is unlikely to be thrown in "by bandicappers in that part of tho world. Wobfoot (J. Deerey), Rakau (V. Coleman), and Sphinx (A. J. MoFlynn) were companions over a round of the hurdles at headquarters on Saturday. Sphinx showed to most advantage, and came home in front .of Kakau, with Webfoot last.

Antoinette, who won the A.R.G.. Easter ; handicap under 7st 101b last autumn, has ! been awarded Bst 61b in this year's race. i The daughter of Soult, who is going well in 'her work at Ellerslie, skipped over four i furlongs yesterday in 50 3-ss. on the sand, beating Tact. Master Theory has completely thrown off the effects of tho injury ho received after the first day's racing of the Takapuna Jocokey Club's Summer Meeting, and is performing satisfactorily in his work at headquarters, with a view to contesting the Brighton Hurdlo Race. J. Williamson, the One-tree Hill trainer, on his return from iho Wanganui meeting, brought back a six-year-old gelding by Tlio Officer from Squib. "This equine as a halfbrother to Convoy. Ho is to bo used as a hunter. Pcndor broke down badly in Australia last week, while competing at the Tumut races. This horse, one of tho few descendants of tho Mangcro-owned sire. Penury, to race in Australia, had already proved a winner. Ttii Oakobau (A. Rae) and Bully (F. Speakman) •were scliooled over tho sod: wall, stand double, stone wall twice on Tuesday, and got through their tasks safely. Bullv, however, had to bo ridden hard at tho obstacles. Both Kakama and her sister Miss "Winsome, are. nicely treated for the A.R.O. Easter Handicap, and as both fillies aro shaping satisfactorily in their work at Ellerslie, they aro much in favour for the big milo raco in question. Mettle, by Favor—Hazol, winner of Pines Hurdles on the opening day of the Y.RC. autumn meeting, cut out tho two miles attached to tho race in 3m. 42£5., which is record timo for tho distance over fences. Lloyds who is in the Brighton Hurdles at sat 21b. was sent over the fences at Ellorslie on Saturday with V. Coleman in the saddle, and gavo a satisfactory exposition. Turbine's disappointing brother. Sir Walter, by Monschikoff— did not return to Ellcrslia after the To Aroha meeting, but will bo hunted in the Waikato this winter.

Amongst the horses engaged at tho Rosehill races (Sydney), which meeting opens on Saturday next, aro the New Zealand. or ex-New Zealand equines. Lady Medallist, Sunburnt, Gunboat, and Ireland. Prior to carrying off tho V.A.T.C. Oakleigh Plate, Queen o' Scots was backed foe a considerable sum to win the treble —Oakleigh Plate, Futurity Stakes, and Newmarket Handicap. Master Soult (Soult— Hester), who heads the Easter Handicap list with 9st 4lb, is getting through steadv exercise at headquarters, and has fined down a lot. It will be interesting to seo whether or not he will stand another preparation. Soultoria, who ran third in the A.RC. Easter Handicap last year, and has performed well in the interim, has Bst 71b to carry in tho big milo race next mouth. She is galloping nicely at present under the guidance of P. MeManemin, and should be at her best next Easter. Bow Bells ran last at her only appearance at the To Aroha meeting. The St. Clements mare covered half a milo on tho sand yesterday morning in .52 3-55., but at tho finish showed signs of lameness. . Black Northern (12st) has been awarded a stiff impost for the Brighton Hurdles of two miles._ and evidently his performances at Taranaki, although over shorter distances, have greatly impressed tho handicapperThe Regel hurdler Regain is shaping nicely in his work at Ellorslie, and he should soon lie in a position to show his best form. Ho is still trained by, C. Norgrove. Trainer T. A. Williams sent the Cuirassier—Reproach gelding. Butter, over the pony hurdles at Ellerslie yesterday morning, and he performed creditably for a beginner. Dunborvc (Bluejacket—Lady Peer) was schooled over the stand double at Ellerslio yesterday, but although he negotiated the fences safely, his performance left room for much improvement. E. Chitham has the Gilnockic—Bombshell pony under offer to an Australian buyer. Yesterday morning this littlo mare dashed over two furlongs at Ellerslie on the grass in 255. Pyralis and Tangewai finished on terms in front of Captain Soult vesterday morning, running five furlongs on the grass in lm, 5 3-ss. Captain Soult was not doing his best over the last hundred yards.

Should tho Hon. J. Ormond start cither Napper or Idealism for the Brighton Hurdle race, it is understood that A. Julian will pilot the Hawko's Bay sportsman's -representative. According to rumour, tho last has not been heard of certain alleged happenings at tho Dannovirko mooting, and others besides H. Gray will probably coma before tho authorities. In being called upon to concede 2H> to last year's winner, Antoinette, ifc_oannot be said that General Latour (Bst 81b) has been over leniently treated for the ARC. Easter Handicap. , Sphinx, tho half-sister to Bon Jonson, was handicapped at 9st 51b for tho Brighton Hurdles, but did not remain in for long, tho scratching pen going through her name tho same day. The latest addition to E. J. Rao's string is a gelding by St. Flames. This four-yoar-old took on the small hurdles at EllorsLio yesterday, and jumped in pleasing stylo. Goldfinder, who heads tho weights for tho Welter Handicap at Napier to-day with lOst 21b, has not won a race so far this season. Tho minimum in this event is Bst 7lb. Prince Eddie, who figures in the Hack Welter field at Napier Park to-day, with tho minimum, is said to bo one of tho largest horses in training in the Dominion. Tho big Birkenhead gelding Dawn is galloping resolutely of mornings on tho tan at Ellerslie, and promises to bo in good nick for the Easter meeting.

Tho filly out of Avalanche, recently taken in hand by J. Chaafe, has had tho nam© Miss Avalanche bestowed upon her.

Spectre —Apparition) is to be kept at the jumping business for the future. He is in the Brighton Hurdles list with 9st 21b. Idealism, who is lightly handicapped for the Napier Cup at 6st 101b. is entered for the A.R.C. Brighton Hurdle Race, in which event sho has beon awarded 9st 41b. So far as tho present season has gone in Australia, the largest stake-earner is the Melbourne Cup winner Tho Parisian, with 677250v3. Bremen (C. Scott) was schooled over the small fences at Ellerslio on Saturday, and for a beginner negotiated six hurdles in promising fashion. Sunburnt, tho New Zealand-bred four-year-old son of Multiform, landed tho Flying Handicap at Moorfield races (Sydney) on Saturday, carrying 7st 131b. Lloyds (V. Coleman) was schooled again yesterday morning, and jumped well. The Monaco gelding is to fulfill his hurdle race engagement at Paeroa on Saturday. P. Conway has taken in hand a two-year-old brother to the steeplechaser Hoanga, by Rcgcl—On go. D. Bannatyn© has an inquiry for his smart little pony Little Dave, by Cordon Rouge— Park. The Civil Service Cup, run in India recently, was won by th© Auckland-bred Devon, a daughter of Soult and Gaiety GirL Sir Artegal was given another turn over the small hurdles at Ellerslie yesterday, but did not take kindly to his task, and knocked down several of the fences, Th© annual general meeting of members of th© Fakuranga Hunt Club is convened to be held on th© 22nd inst., at 2.30 p.m., at the Auckland Trotting Club's Rooms. THE NAPIER CUP. Th© Napier Eacing Club open their meeting to-day. Ibe following are tie acceptances for the Napier Oup, one mile and a.quarter:—Midnight Sun 8.11, Nyland 8.7, (Aberbrothock 8.4, Sublime 8.2, Rill 7.7, Ariom -6.6, Vi 7.7, Cork 7.5, Te Puia 7.5, Seatondal© 17.3, Idealism 6.10, Lock ilabin 6.7, Composed ■6.7, War Scare 6.7,

INTERPROVINOIAL GOSSIP.

[Br TEtEGBArH.— CORRBSrOXDEXTS.] WELLINGTON. Tuesday. The local solicitor who races as Mr. Sarsficld has decided to retire from the ranks of owners, and his colours will no longer bo carried by Royal Marine, who was sold during tho past week. Merrivonia is to bo treated to a brief spell. Makara is to bo sent to Napier to fulfil his engagement in tho Esk Handicap. In tho raco named ho seems likely to encounter strong opposition from Temerite, who is evidently regarded as a promising sort, as she has been entered for both tho Great Easter and Great Autumn Handicaps at Riccartou. The Highden stable, which has been carrying ail beforo it in this district, will bo represented in tho Napier Cup by Nyland, who will as usual bo riden by R» Ollivcr. On recent form it is expected that Midnight Sun will carry more public money than Nyland. Jn tho race under net© local backers have formed a high opinion of Royal Scotch. It is understood that trainer M. T. MoGrath is on his way back to New Zealand from Melbourne, in search of more horses. T. Pritchard will journey to Napier to ride J. M. Cameronls jumpers. Miss Augusta, winner of tho Trial Stakes at Dannovirke. is only a pony, but she is a decidedly smart beginner, and with a li-tlo racing will bo very useful over a short course. In each of her races at Dannovrke she got well away, and quickly raced to tho front. Mr. T. H. Lowry, of Hawko's Bay, sent four yearlings to Sydney bv last week s etoamer. They were a half-brother (by Royal Fusilier) to Pobrikoff, a full-brother to Beldamo, a full-brother to Kohinoor, and a filly by Royal Fusilier from Rose Madder. CANTERBURY. Tuesday. Mr. G. D. Greenwood is about to leave for a trip to Europe, and nino of his two and three-yearK>lds, comprising practically all his horses in training, are m the private sale list. This does not necessarily mean that ho is retiring from racing, no mention is made of his yearlings, ana presumably during Mr. Greenwood's absence Mason will proceed with th© preparation of the juveniles for next season's two-year-old engagements. As a matter of fact the horses to bo sold have not proved .up to the class which Mr. Greenwood would doubtless liko to havo in his stable. Ho mad© a good start as an owner, but has had a lean time this season, and he is probably realising now that, in addition 4 to being able to secure the most promising young horses and the best of training and riding, it is necessary to have tho assistance of good luck to ensure complete success in a turf career.

Countermine gavo a very attractive display in the Peninsula Cup at the Akaroa meeting. Sho was out forcing the pace with Colleen Mary from .the start, and two furlongs from home had to encounter a strong challenge from Coroniform. A hundred yards from • the post Coroniform held the advantage, but Countermino finished with great determination, and gained the verdict by a neck. It was quite a good performance on the port of the winner, who ran homo very gamely. Earlier in her racing career tho daughter of quarryman— guard had a reputation for being shifty in her races, but lately sho has shown no inclination at all to shirk it- Sho is not up to the best company, but carries weight well, and up to a mile and a-quarter she is very useful when tho opposition is not too select. Coroniform was a hot favourits for th© Peninsula Cup on the strength of a brilliant gallop at Riccarton a few days earlier. He was always lying in a, handy position, and turning for home looked a liwely winner, but ho failed to sustain his run. This horse has been a disappointment this season, as he has never quit© shaped up to expectations.

I hear that the Highden stable will bo represented at Eiocarton next month byBronze, Nyland, and Srmcngarde, and their presence will add to the interest in the meeting in the hurdles. Masterpiece appears to have thrown off the effects of his lameness, and is 'bowling along freely. Tho rest of the Chokeboro team, including Counterfeit, Brown Owl, Autumuus, Glenfinnan, Ancilla, Countermine, and Heatherbrao are- goinpr. on well. Rose Noble reverted to his old bad habita of refusing to work on Saturday morning, and it was only after a great deal of trouble that he was persuaded to negotiate a circuit. Tho son" of Medallion possesses a peculiar disposition, and frequently causes those in chargo of him a lot of trouble. WANGAXUI. Tuesday. The Fordell-trained Mescal cost backers a lot of money at tho "Wunganui meeting, but they stuck to him, and ho was heavily backed here for the Danncvirke Cup. He could do no better than run third, so that supporters of the Handsome Jack golding again lost their coin. Labour Day, who was struck out of her second day's engagement at Wanganui owing to having caught cold in her kidneys, is being given a short spell. It is expected that the daughter of Soult will bo well enough to start work again very shortly. It is intended to send her down for the C.J.C. meeting at Easter, all going well.

Sandy Paul, tho five-year-old gelding by St. Paul—Mystery Maid, who is trained by P, Johnson, gives every promise of proving a success over the hurdles. This was her first experience over the obstacles, and he shaped well, getting second on SaturdayA filly that will probably be hoard of later on ia Bagadere, a four-year-old daughter of The Officer— owned by Mr. W. JPhillips, of Bulls. She is a nicely-shaped filly, and with more experience, should do well. •

The five-year-old mare Piriwai is said to have been galloping in great style prior to the Wanganui meeting, but she was ' very troublesome at the barrier in each of the three events sho was saddled up for. On two occasions she was loft standing on tho mark until the others had got a dozen lengths' start, and in the other events she was left standing altogether. If she were the only sufferer by hor fractiousness it would not matter a great deal, but sho upsets the rest of the field. She, Sea Queen, and a few of the others would quickly be sent back to tho paddock if they faced a starter in Australia- It is high time New Zealand starters dealt similarly with such misbehaved ones, who, besides causing no ©nd of delay, frequently spoil tho chances of other horses. . .

'It is interesting to recall the fact that the most recent Wanganui Cup winner was as a yearling filly, awarded tho first prize at the Wanganui A. and P. Show for the best thoroughbred filly, and also carried off the special prize given by the Warren Jockey Club for the best yearling. Amongst a batch of yearlings which Mr. C Curnc, of tho Roatanui stud (whore Bronze hails from) is sending over to Sydney this week is a lialf-brotnor (by Soult) to tho Cup winner. He is a bay-brown colt, and all quality. Ho is an avernged-sized muscular colt, and should bo able to gallop very fast." It seems a great pity that such a promising colt should bo going over to the other side to be sold. Altogether seven yearlings are being sent to Sydney by Mr. Currie, and as they are a particularly choice lot bitr prices should bo realised- They include a filly by Harrow out of Vexation, a colt by HarrowM lcua (a vory shapely youngster), a filly by Soult-—Allanah (Salvadan-Ouirasetto). This is a woll-grown lengthy bay, probably the 'biggest filly Soult ever loft. A chestnut filly by Field Battery—Moira should bring a good price, but an even better-looking youngster is a chestnut filly by Field Bat—Grandeur, which is said to resemble Maltine, a brilliant performer in Australia. A filly by Soult from Keepsake (St. Leger— Bangle) should bo much sought after by bidders, as she is really a beautiful filly, ■and should make a name for herself on tho race-track.

The displays given by Mcrrivonia for some time past have been very disapointing, and it comes as do surprise to learn that she is to be treatd to a lengthy spell. It is hoped that this will have the desired effect, and that next season the daughter of Merriwee and Livonia will show a return to her best form. Coromandel was taken down to Dannevirke by Albert Jackson and started in the big money the second day, 'but the best the gelding could do was to run third to Golden Loop and Mescal. Golden Loop ran well enough hero to point to the likelihood of him scoring at an early date, and hence ho carried a fair amount of Wanganui money. Ooromandel looks an if a spell would do him good. He has done a lot of racing lately, and appears for the nonce to have lost some of the dash at the finish of his races which he is capable of showing when at his very best.; ;„ Shuja, at one time in r. Tilley s stable, who was recently fired, is to be put into training again by R. Johnson, who now has charge of 'the son of Soult. It is doubtful whether lie will stand a severe preparation. Just on £1200 will have to be paid to the Government by the Wanganui Jockey Club in taxes over the recent Cup meeting. As a result of his fine showing in- the Jackson Stakes, Roval Scotch is sure to bo well supported in the Great Easter Handicap at Cbristchurcb.