AUTUMN HANDICAPS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume 1, Issue 3, 9 February 1914, Page 3

AUTUMN HANDICAPS.

DUNEDIN & WANGANUI WEIGHTS REVIEWED, A. reminder that the autumn racing campaign draws near comes in the publication of handicaps for the Dunedin J.C, and Wanganui J.C. Autumn. Meetings. ~.■:■. ••: .-V:.- . ~. '■; The liberality of the former club in adding a ! thousand, pounds to the Dunedin Gup has evidently appealed to owners," for the field promises to include some of the best handicap horses, now racing in the Dominion, and it looks as if the old-established race is in a fair way to regain its one-time importance. After his two brilliant victories at Wellington it came as no sur.prie. to find Kilrain -figuring.,as,...,,top., Eighty: j^nd against his name. The same can hardly be said for Bon Ton, who .figures on the same mark as the Wellington Gup winner. At the Trentham meeting the latter won the Summer Handicap when carrying ,9.0) whereas Bon Ton, under, a similar impost, failed to get a place in the W.B.C. Handicap,. Excuses were forthcoming for the latter's defeat in that his rider broke. a stirrup leather, and evidently Mr Henrys thinks this cost Bon Ton the race. At 8.13, which is 91b more than she so brilliantly carried to victory in the W.K.C. Handicap, Sinapis is not badly treated. She is nowset to meet Bon Ton on only 41b,worse terms than when she defeated him at Trentham, so again it looks as if the handicapper did not put much store on the colt's defeat. Through Sinapis both Tannhauser and Thrax seem overweighted. The former is only in receipt of 41b for his beating, while Thrax is actually meeting his W.E.C. Handicap conqueror on 51b worse terms —-treatment that even his Midsummer Handicap victory hardly seems to justify. Were Masterpiece at his best he would have a good chance at 8.11, but more favourable seem the prospects of his stable companion Nightwatch at 8.2. The Treadmill colt put up a meritorious performance when he finished second to Sauci in the Middle Park Plate on a light preparation, and he is sure to come on a lot in the interim. Warstep is • not badly placed.at 8.2, but.there is little chance of.-Einaldo, who underwent a slight operation last week for throat troubles, being at his best. Flora Macdonald. is an unlikely starter, and though she may improve a good deal on her Midsummer Handicap display, Specialform's chance does not appeal to one. She should.at least be capable of-again-accounting for Glenfinnan and Britain Crown, while on Saturday's form there is little to choose between her and Odessa. Of those on the 6.7 mark Lady Marcia seems to have the best "prospects. -."•-■"':'

THE WANGANUI CUP.. In framing his handicaps for the Wanganui Cup, Mr Morse has made 41b difference between Kilrain and Bon Ton in the latter 's favour, a difference that seems justified ; b.y Wellington form. Such a proved stayer as Sinapjs is worthy of respect at 8.13, which is only 91b more than she won the W.E.C. Handicap under. Sir Solo seems to have a full shaTe of weight at **.9, which is only a pound less than he failed under in the Wellington Cup. Expect has yet to prove his ability over a lengthy course, and more attractive seem the prospects of Bronze and Los Anglos, who appear rightly placed on their Egmont form. Sea -Pink reads fairly well in with only 91b more tlian he won t"he A.R.C. Handicap under; while he is one of- the few that have raced successfully over the required distance. Tannhauser's treatment is in great contrast to that meted out jto him at Dunedin, for at Wanganui he is set to meet Kilrain on 91b better terms than in the southern race. His, stable companion, Tiiri,x, escapes with 151b' 'less than in th* 'Dunetlih" Cup, and at "7.10 he has been given » Arst-r&te chance. Colonel SoiMt and Allegation" are both well placed," especially the/ former, who is now meeting Sea P|nk« ion 101b better terms than when th-ey i finished first and second in the A.EJ.C. I Handicap at Elleniie..' Lower down the? ilist Cheddarj Sir Knox, and Leonta readj well, but ~ little inducement has beenl i offered the owner/of Britaih Crown! ids ! take his mare north! - [ i-^ !'• . . o--- —■ -• -/ - TEMPLAR,