HAWKE'S BAY JOCKEY CLUB'S MEETING.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 9986, 16 March 1898, Page 6

HAWKE'S BAY JOCKEY CLUB'S MEETING.

[Br Tklbgraph.J (FBOH OCB SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.) HASTINGS, March 15. The tracks were heavy this morning from the overnight rain, bat the course will be in excellent going order to-morrow. The work generally was of a light description. Golden Plover and Douglas ran a strong once round, finishing together under a pall. Primula came away from Unique after half a mile of a strong circuit had been traversed. Tire and Tirant d'Eau each put in medium pace

work, as also did Woodstock. Rhino beat Wiritea once round. TβNgaehe, Barborossa, Girofia, Progress, Kαtoomba, Doterell, Opai, Bristol, Grip, Torpina, The Monk, and Derry went more or less steadily. Gold Medallist trotted and cantered,' Aphony, Mieafire, Beauharnais, Tiritea, Prince Charlie, and New Forest were amongst the after-breakfast workers. Plain Bill arrived last night, and Saltador, Sylvanus, Amphion and Flirt come tomorrow. Latrr. The weather outlook is of the best for the Hawke's Bay J.C.s Autumn Meeting, and the warm rains have much improved the course, which . will be found fairly springy and good going. The acceptances are not large, but are good

in proportion to the nominations received for the minor events. It is unfortunate that the stables of most of the leading local sportsmen have not provided a greater number of Cup candidates. Mr Ormond, with his large string, has not a single representative, and a number of horses intended to run having been placed hora de combat from one cause or another, the contest has now to be narrowed down to a field of seven, representing five interests. I fancy that six at least will start, Messrs Donnelly and

Richardson being represented by Douglas and Golden Plover, Mr S. H. Gollan by Tire and Tirant d'Eau. Zanella, at the time of writing, has not arrived, but she is reported really well. Primula is better probably than Maher has yet had her Douglas should bo better than i».o was at

Wanganui, and, though still limping behind, has been galloping well. Tire, Tirant d'Eau and Golden Plover are apparently very fit, and if the lattor is started he will run well,

Whatever Woodstock may do in the race he will bo seen to better advantage later on. I shall not be surprised, however, to see him run forward under his handy weight. The probable starters and riders are—Zanella, Bsfc 101b (Lord); Primula, Bat 31b (White); Douglas, 7st 121b (Noble) ; Tire, 7st 51b (O'Neill) ; Tirant dEad, 6st 131b (Carinichael); Golden Plover, 6st 12lb; Woodstock, 6st 111b (Gallagher). Probably some overweight will be carried by the latter. I name Douglas to win. lam assuming that neither Tirant d'Eau nor Woodstock will start in the Autumn Handicap in selecting Dotterel to win. Plain , Bill may win the Hurdles, with

ail his weight, but Rhino is better than I have seen him, and I do not only like the look of the Gisborne gelding Opou, but hear he is pretty good, in which case we should witness a good contest. Reserved for the High Weight Welter Goldkn - Plover might win. In his absence To Ngaehe and Moonraker read best. Scotia may win the Nursery Handicap, which, however, looks very open, as Tigress and Victoria Cross are not at their best. Nanskn, Coolgardie and Nukurau may come out best of the Trial Handicap lot. ToRPiNA, Amphion and Daunt read best in the Railway Stakes. Torpina looks fresh, if somewhat big. Amphion is reported a cut above the ordinary. Gold Medallist should win the Hawke's Bay Stakes.