TURF TALK FROM THE SOUTH.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 79, 1 April 1908, Page 7

TURF TALK FROM THE SOUTH.

CBy Telegijph.—Own Correspondent.) CHB.ISTCHTJRCH, Tuesday, i The tracks at Riccarton just at present are Lα perfect order, both plough and grass being as near perfection as even the most fastidious of trainers could desire. Last week but little fast work was done, many of the regular attendants being away at Ximaru, where they succeeded in capturing most of the principal events. On Saturday some interesting work was got through, those whose tasks pleased most being Glenculloch, Fleetfoot, Husbandman, Bister Anne, Goldbeater. Bnccleuch, Pretty Nell, and Paragon; while others not fully extended were Gwendoline, Discipline, and Cro«s Battery. , Since his return from Wanganui, Glenculloch has been responsible for several nice gallops, and he is now putting more dash into his wort than before the last New Zealand Cup meeting. The son of Clanranald registered one of the best Derby trials ever witnessed at Riccarton, and it would only need him to repeat it in the Great, Autumn Handicap to have a fine chance in the race. Fleetfoot has not been doing a great amount of fast work, but has apparently thrown off all signs of soreness. She 13 particularly fit, and now that the tracks are softer, will probably be spun out once or twice before the Easter meeting. Another of Cutis' team in Husbandman is going on as well as could be wished, for he is ! a particularly resolute galloper, and is bound to acquit himself with every credit in anything ne may be started In this month. Though he is snre to have to play second string to Fleetfoot this season I should not be surprised to see him come out as the best of his age next season. Cross Battery has been responsible for a couple of attractive gallops lately, but unfortunately she does not repeat them when the colours are ud. The hurdler Grandstand was jumped last' Saturday morning, and acquitted himself welL He has plenty of pace, and seems to be gaining confidence in his jumpin" though at times he is inclined to get too near the obstacle. Backers of favourites had a great innings on the second day of the South Canterbury J.C. meeting, when seven or eight races fell to them, while Lupulite which annexed the eighth, was second fancy . ilr E. Cutis has sold the two-year-old coit by kelson from Dudu to Mr Walker of" Feilding. It is anticipated that Sir Geo. Clifford's representatives in the Manawatu Stakes will be Husbandman and Sister Anne. Sir Geo. Clifford has sold De Wltte to a pair of Canterbury sportsmen, but I understand delivery is not to be taken tHI after the CJ.C. Easter meeting. °- Duncan ' H - F - Xicholl, and l>. McMillan haTe been nominated for the vacancy on the New Zealand Trotting Association, caused by the death of Mr T Marr The well known trotting, gelding Victor C, which some years ago raced in Auckland SfeneTdaT 61 *" ""* meeting of the South Canterbury iJ™ £ ek fiTe bookmakers paid a fee of £20 each for the privilege of betting! but there were several others present wlfo it is alleged, followed their vocation sub rosa* ■ i A TKOTTING EECOBD. (Received 10.1 a.m.) MELBOURNE, ttiU day. Dan Patch established an Australian trotting record, pacing the mile in 2min lOsces.

NORTH XET7 ZEALAND COURSING CLUB. Owing to the weather In the South having been against the trapping of hares and their satisfactory shipment, tie North New Zealand Coursing Club have decided to. put off the season's opening carnival at Middlemore Park until May, the dates to be advertised shortly. At this meeting two stakes will be decided—the Xorth New Zealand Challenge Stakes and the Maiden Stakes. For the Challenge Stakes the following owners have taken ont nominations:—F. Baker (2i, A. J. Searle (2), Martin Taylor (3), Tapper Brothers. W. H. Morton. J. Harper, P. Gordon, J. George, E. J. Honiss. W. T. Knight, E. J. Elliott, S. Barnes, J. Witheradge, jun., Parkes and Porter, A. Gordon, J. Smith, P. McEeynolds. P. Russell, T. Crisp, and V. P. Hansen, one each. The Maiden Stakes attracted an entry of 29, as follows:—F. Baker (3), Martin Taylor (2). C. Charlton (2), J. Sheran. &.. Byron, J. Gilbert A. J. Searle. J. Porter, A. Sparkes W. Hunt, M. Freney. J. R. Baker. A. Menzies, D. Howard, F. Mcßeynolds, J. Homan P. Gillespie, G. Mills, J. Bowden, F. .Donaldson, N. Hunter, J. Quinlan, Tapper Brothers, A D. Macready, S. Barnes, J. AleNaughton, one each.