CANTERBURY DOINGS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2722, 16 May 1906, Page 51

CANTERBURY DOINGS.

By Fbitz.

Mr Hugo Friecllander has eveTy reason to believe that Dame Fortune has not been particularly kind to him of late. During the course of the C.J.C. autumn meeting he disposed of the horse Makaroff to ilr W. O. Rutherford, and since then the son of Stepniak and Arline has. won the Cbristehurch Autumn Handicap, one mile and a-quarter, covering the distance undei 8.1 in 2.14; the Ashurton Handicap, carrying 8.12, one mile and a-quar-ter, in 2.12 1-5 ; and the Ashburton Autumn Handicap, one mile, 9.3. in 1.43 1-5. Maka/off won his three races easily, and it is decidedly hard luck to part with a horee and ther see him secure three fair races within as many weeks from the date of sale. Many similar instances could be quoted which have occurred in New Zealand and elsewhere, and it ie often suggested tha' a change of trainers has frequently had a beneficial effect upon a horse. However, in this case, Makaroff's new mentor scarcely had time to make a material difference in his charge, and the horse, who wa3 apparently coming on, would probably have won the same events if he had not beep sold. Makaroff 19 particularly well just now, and if he starts at the North Otago meeting he should register a good performance.

Convoy appeals to have gone off a great deal since he won his races so easily at-Wauuate and Timaru. He raced inconspicuously at the C.J.C. meeting, did bu f little bet-tei at the Christchurch Racing Club's gathering, and at Ashburton under 8.13 he failed over a mile to gain a place behind Makaroff 93, Hilarity 7.8, and Bagpipes 6 11. He certainly appeared to have a big chance when twc-thirds of the journey had been covered, but could not keep with the leaders in the run home.

Assegai, First Shot, Miss Doris, and Makaroff each won a couple of races at the Ashurton meeting. The first-named has won three events in as many weeks, and is evidently a bit more than useful, and First Shot appears to be evergreen. Surprise was expressed locally when JJi Stead's hor?e paid his supporters a dividend of £1 10s when he won at the Hawke's Bay meeting.

A good ir true story reaches me anent a fortunate totalisator investor who won something ove* .£IOO ait the recent C.J.C. meeting. After celebrating the occasion freely, he asked a friend to take care of £100 in notes, as he did not feel too well. The friend took charge of the money, and went home, leaving the successful backer with half a dozen companions. Late the following morning the owner of the hundred pounds met a well-known Christchurch bank manager, and in response to the latter's question as to why he looked so gloomy he to!d tbe banker that someone had "gone through" hin? for £100 the night before. After discussing the matter, the financial official asked if he had besn in the company of Mr B. the previous day. "Oh. yes, but he would never dTeam of putting the rule over me," replied the sorrowing one. "It must have beeii

ono of -the others." "Oh. nevei mind," saif the banker; "you are not hard up." "NoY^~ hard up?" replied 'his" companion ; "you knovi my account is pretty low." "I don't know about being 10-w, - same the reply, "but I clq~~ know that youi friend, Mr 8., placed £100 tt" your credit this morning." "Did what?* Curtain.

The victory of Solution in the principal handicap at the Hawke's Bay meeting assisted in materially adding to the credit balance ol many local backers

Little Manjess made his reappearance at th« Ashburton meeting, but though ho ran well, he " was "unsuccessful.

First Shot, aftei winning a double at the Ashburton meeting, was sold for £20. Zetland occasionally appears to run mosi disappointingly. He is generally supposed to be at home over a five-furlong journey, but though only asked to give Matuku 17lb at Ashburton, tho latter defeated him comfortably.. The Methven Trotting Club's forthcoming meeting should prove on© of tho best ever held in the district. At present I like the" prospects of the following horses in their respective races : —Maiden Trot, Electrine and Miss Standisli ; Methven Handicap, Abbeyfoil and Imperial Park; Springfield Handicap, Overdale and Longfellow; Publicans' Handi- ' cap, Imperialism and Speciolwood; Domain > Handicap, Abbeyfail and Overdale; Ladies' • Bracelet, Miss Standish and Peri.

Some very fast horses, unknown quantities over fences, appea. to be nicely treated in - the Great Northern Hurdle Race. Exmoor - 9.12, ConvoyUO.6. Ability 9.5, and Oryx 9.0 forai a useful quartet, if they can successfully nego- ' tiate the small obstacles.

The Plunipton Park Trotting Cub is to be- " congratulated op th© excellent nominations' i* has received for its three-day wintet meeting; " Mr F. Thomas will frame the handicaps. Local trotting enthusiasts were not surprised to h«*ai th«t tbe Christchurch maTe Myosotis successfully endeavoured to lower Fritz's record of 2.17 2-5 on the Tahuna Club's tracks Myosotis has already beaten her southern tima in an open race, and she has probably not nearly reached hei speed limit. At one time she ran herself out before reaching the end of a mile, but her latest efforts show conchy sive'y that she is greatly improving with age.