NOTES BY PHAETON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16982, 16 October 1918, Page 9

NOTES BY PHAETON.

ESTLAND. .When Estland struck his colours to Bonnie Maid at Ellerslio lost autumn in the deci--1 sion of the Great Northern St. Leger Stakes, there were plenty to bo found declaring that ' he was an overestimated colt. On the ! other hand, there were those who stoutly declared that the truo Estland was not on hand when Bonnie Maid won the Ellerslio classic event. The recent form displayed by Estland may bo taken to place the latter party with a long way the best of the argument. In the decision of the Craven Plato Estland was less than a neck away from the ' winner, and when it is recognised that the tirao (2m 4Js) registered was a. record, the performance was well tipped with brilliancy. On Saturday last Estland was saddled ud to contest the Randwick Plato, ! which event was run ovor two miles at weight-for-age. and ho won his race in such stylo as to warrant tlio belief . that ho will be able to take care of himself all right when called upon to fulfil his Vic- . torian engagements. In casting the weights • for tho Melbourne Cup Dr. Lang took no chances with Estland, for he awarded tho brown horse an impost in conformity with the woight-for-ago scale. THE CAULFIELD CUP. The Caul field Cup, which comes up for decision on Saturday next, will mark the forty-first contest that has eventuated for that race. It is a popular opinion that of all the leading Australian events tho Caulfield Cud is the most difficult to win, and the number of hot favourites that have gono under would makt highly sensational reading. On quite a number of occasions hot favourites have ruled only to bo followed up by their entry under the "also ran" brigade. The favourite for this year's Caulfield Cup is tho English-bred King Off a, who has tho luxurious impost of 7st lllb. King Ofta distinguished himself under woight.-for-age conditions at Flemington only a few weeks back, and it must bo said his prospects are bright. Prince Royal, who won the Toorak Handicap on Saturday last, will be sure to be brought into the limelight as a result of his victory, for he is nicely in with 7st slb. OBITUARY.— P. JONES. General regret will bo expressed in sporting circles at the death of Mr. P. Jones, tho oil-known Ellerslio trainer, which occurred ' at his residence yesterday morning. De- • ceased, who had been closely identified with ■ racing for over 16 years, enjoyed a wide popularity, not only with his patrons, but also with his fellow-trainers and members of other branches of the turf. The late Mr. Jones gained prominence as a trainer by the doings of Romeo some years back, and , in later ' years earned distinction as the ' trainer of El Gallo, who by winning bath the Great Northern Hurdles and Great Nor- , them Steeplechase in two sucessive years, • established a record which promises to stand good for ft long time. In August last deceased journeyed to Riccarton, and ho • trained the Winter Cup winner Bedford. ! With that horse he also won the Takapuna i Cup and several other races. At the time I of his death the lato Mr. Jones had a, good string of horses under his charge at Ellershc, including Bedford, Colonel Soult, Vandubhe, Carmen Sylvo, Platoon, Clonmel. Xoiwi. St. Diamond, and several others. Tno funeral of the deceased mentor will take place at Hamilton. _____________