RACING AND TROTTING

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21355, 24 December 1934, Page 16

RACING AND TROTTING

LATEST NEWS FROM FAR AND NEAR

RACING FIXTURES

December 20—Wr.ipukurau J.C. December 2 ( \ 27—Tarauaki J.C. December 26. 27—Dunodin J.C. December 2fi, 27, 29 —Manawatu R.C. December 2fi. 20—Westland R.C. December 2fi. 2". Januarv J, 2—Auckland R.C. 1 -- Waikoua;ii R.C. January 1— W.nnu R.C January 1 -Wyndham RC. Janua'-y 1 art! 2- - Grey mouth J.C. January 1 and 2--Stratford R.C. January 1 and 2—Marton J.C. January 1 and 2- -Wairarapa K.C January 2 and 3 —Souihiand R.C January 2—Oamaru J.C January f>. 10—Recfton J.C. January 10, 12—Thames J.C. January J I, 12—Vincent J.C. January 19—Bay of Islands R.C. January 19—Wairoa J.C. January 22, 24. 26—Wellington R.C. January 22—Ashurst-Pohangina R.C. Januarv 2G, 29—Takapuna J.C. January 30, 31—Egmont R.C. January 2-1, February 2—V/airoa R.C

TROTTING FIXTURES

December 26-Goif T.C December 26—Wairarapa T.C. December 2H— Ashburton T.C December 2H. 27—Wcitport T.C December 27, 20. 31— Auckland T.C. December 2f)--Winton T.C Januarv 1, 2-Canterbury Park T.C. January 3—Westland T.C. January 4, s—Greymouth T.C. Januarv 7—Reefton T.C. January 12- Wellington T.C January IP—N.Z. Metropolitan T.C. Januarv 26—Timaru T.C. January 31. February 2—Forbury Park T.C.

TURF GOSSIP

Trentham Yearling Sale The catalogue for the ninth annual j»le of thoroughbred yearlings, to be held at. Trentham on January 23, has been cirruhled by (ho joint auelionc?ers, Wright. Stephenson, and Company, I,id.. WiUinm higlis and Son, Ltd! cSydn»..->. and Pyiie. Gould, Guinne.-.-.. |,;d. The lots to lie offered total ]K>. '>s against 64 last, year and 102 in 1933. It is claimed on this occasion that the quality of the offering is the hiuhc.-t that has been represented at these rales. Conditions during the vear have been exceptional for the rearing of the thoroughbred in New Zealand. The usunl parade of the yearlings will be held on Sunday before the sale. The following breeders will be represented at the sale: Messrs J. Curran, R. T. Rcid, T. H. Lowry, A. W. Meikle, R. Holden, R. Shortall, J. Donald, H. Hassali, T. Newman, J. B. Starky, A. E. Preston. F. Goodman, G. M. Currie. M. Lane, F. Ormond, J. J. McGrath. A. J. McGovern, J. S. McLeod, J. Porter, H. R. Green, G. Salwav. A. Rowan, W. R. Kemball, A. Loiusson, A. S. Higgs, A. Mantell, M. H. Tims, L. S. Otway. W. S. Glenn, J. W. and L. W. Storry. B. Irvine, G. F. Moore. D. Jones, Dr. Milsom, trustees H. M. Reeves, estate K. V. Riddiford. and F.iclersl.-e Stud Company, Lid.

Trark Work at Uiirarttm J The majority of flic horses booked j hi r:«oc ;il (he various holiday meet-i ings tins week were given their final I gallops t RiccarUm on' Saturday. The I inside cf the trial grass was again ! available, but most trainers preferred the plough, especially in the early period of the morning's work. On the Plough Polydora covered a mile in lmin 45 3-ssec, Scratchmere Scar accompanying her over the last seven furlongs, which occupied lmin 33sec. Both went well. Heather Glow finished in front of Elloughton and Azevedo at the end of five furlongs in lmin 4 3-ssec, the last three in 39 4-ssec. The first-named is in better order than ever previously ?nd should race prominently during tho holidny:-. line.'' Tut hi beat Jerry Boy over fix furlongs in lmin '.JOsec, and Ranelagli covered live furlongs in lmin '5 3-5-<rr, laking 30 3-sscc for the last, three. Sam .Smith gava Hostile a ;-Jart over seven furlongs. and finished a i length in front of him in Jmin 31 i 2-ssec, the last three in 40 2-sscc. P. 'O'Connor will ride Sam Smith at Waikouaiti and Oamaru. Silver Sight, had a slight, advantage I'roni Some Shamble after covering .•seven furlongs in lmin 31 2-ssee, ' Cheap Money accompanying the pair 1 for the first half mile, which took M 2-ssec. Theatin was going better than Doiran at the conclusion of six furlongs in lmin 17 l-ssec, the last three in 40scc. Quebec beat First View over five furlongs in lmin 5 4-ssec. Quietly, under, a li.aht weight, easily accounted for Colossian Capital over six furlongs in lmin 17scc, the Jas-t three m 3!l 3-asoc. Capital carried close on lOsi, and gave a good display. Moonbeam and Fiat tux sprinted ihrre furlongs in 37 3-ssec, arid their stable-mate, Emissary, went over the same ground in 3t> 3-ssc<\ Top Bank was not ridden <.uf m ■ recording lmin 10 H-S'oc for six fur--1 Jongs, the last three m 3D 3-. r >sei\ On the Grass Manetho and Fair Weather covered is. mile in lmin 41 2-a.v.c, the first iiaif in 49sec. Both should earn distinction on the southern circuit. Horowhenua and Courtyard covered the same ground in lmin 43sec, the first half in 50 3-ssec. Grey Honour and tho Rawene filly ran half a mile in 51 see comfortably. Aitowin recorded 49 4-asec for the Fame distance. This sister to Arrow- , maid has a marked - turn of speed, ! .-ind should win some money on the West Coast circuit. Semper I'aratus was an interesting visitor. Il'j is on Ins way to Hokitika, an charge of J. V/. Jennings, and was ,£iven some* strong work. Rot of Tralce led Royal Amphora .throughout a half mile task, but the .latter was almost on lerms at the post ■:n -59 3-ascr, Elbaiior reeled oil half a mile in .48 3-."> sec. His name is missing from jihe acceptances for W'aikouaiti and -Oamaru. but he should be m both Jists, and will make the trip. Over the Hurdles Jolly Beggar iG. Murfitt) gave a pleasing display 0.-er four hurdles, and then strode out freely over a circuit on the plough. He is in excellent order to tackle the hurdle races at Winßatui, where he will be ridden bv MurStt. k. r>rp« na v ic '«■ Turner) did not imB i, s - attempts over four I ffh., t r' mg n llcsilalion at e a c h B fcany.' but he d ° better in com-

A Brilliant Mare Cuddle is engaged on the third day at Manawatu, and also in the Marton Cup. She is also in at the Hawke's Bay meeting, and no decision has been made yet as to her next start. She returned to Hastings in excellent orderafter her win at Trentham. The opposition in her recent races has failed to extend her, and it is difficult to say just how good this mare has come. Nearer Home J. M. Cameron has left Maine at Hastings and she will race at Waipukurau. She was slightly galloped on at Trentham, but it is not expected to affect her for the holiday racing. The Khedive will run in the Great Northern Derby, and R. Reed has been engaged to ride him. Belated Appearances Two aged horses who have not previously appeared in public have accepted to contest the TokO'maru Highweight Handicap at the Manawatu meeting opening on Wednesday. They are Affliction and Nova Scotia. Affliction is a seven-year-old brown gelding by Tribulation from the Martello mare Fotheringay Castle, and is thus a half-brother to that former useful jumper Birkbeck. He is held on lease by Mr R. McMullian. of Wellington, from his breeder (Mr T. H. G. Lloyd), and he is being prepared for racing by A. M. Wright at Otaki. Nova Scotia, also seven years old, is a bay gelding by Halifax from a Saracen mare, and he is held on lease, by Mr A. Hammond, of Martinborough, who trains him himself. BrMing Systems The following betting systems will be operated at North Island meetings to be held over the Christmas and New Year holidays:— Manawatu Racing Club—Single pool, two dividends in fields of five or more. Wairarapa Trotting Club— Single pool, three dividends in fields of nine or more, two dividends in fields of from five to eight (inclusive). Waipukurau Jockey Club— Single pool, three dividends nine or more, two dividends five to eight. Taranaki Jockey Club—Win-and-place; . Wairarapa Racing Club—Single pool, two dividends in fields of five or more. Marton Jockey Club—Single pool, three dividends nine or more, two dividends five to eight. Stratford Racing Club—Wm-and-place. with the place division modified to provide two dividends in the proportion of 75 and 25 per cent. The place pool will operate only when there are five or more starters. Hawke's Bay Jockey Club Wm-and-place. In the South At the Dunechn meeting Hie win-ana-place betting system will be operated. At Waikouaiti dividends will be paid on the first and second horses only. At Oamaru, Wyndham and Invercargill win-and-place will be used. Failed This Season Mother Superior was a very speedy two-year-old last season, winning the Great Northern Foal Stakes among other events. This season she has failed to win a race, though she was placed in the Wanganui Guineas, the Tainui Handicap one mile, at Wellington, and the New Zealand Oaks, being beaten easily in the last-named event by Variant. Mother Superior is engaged in the Railway Handicap at Ellerslie on Wednesday, and. as she figures on the minimum, she would only have to reproduce anything like her two-year-old form to be m the picture.

An Oalss Winner As a two-year-old last season Vanant was taken to Auckland Imm I ii'carton by A. McAulay and won the Nursery Handicap on Boxing Day and later finished third in Die Criterion Handicap. Her only other success was in the Champagne Makes, six tmlongs at Riccarton in the autumn. This season Variant joined P. V. Masons team, and at the New Zealand Cup meeting she accounted for the Oaks Stakes She is not accepted toi on SS first day at Ellerslie, but on he next three days is entered for the Electric Handicap, six furlongs Newmarket Handicap six *«ri°ng* J he Clifford Plate and the Royal Stakes. Wang*iui and Dunedin Cups The restoration of the Wanganm Cud recalls that at one time a horse could be raced in the Dunedin Cup and then have time to join the field at Wanganui (says the "Otago Daily Times-" Orloff. who won. the Dunodm Cup or 1903 as a three-year-old whrn carrying 8-13. was allerwards Vke north for the Wanganm Cup. The Wanganm race of that year was remarkable in that Advance, carrying hj" back-breaking burden (for a racehorse) of 11-3, darted favountc Dutin«- the prev ous month Advance naa won the Wellington Cup with 10-4 m i min 7 4 i.ssec—a race record Jot tnc 2 H T,U Recourse, rlis I-owes, was such that Jt is said Mr G. G. & tcaa nstructed Hewitt, who rode Oilon. to'lie with Advance, as he thought there was nothing else to beaU Ihese instructions were carried out, but mfanwhile Mars had streaked away to lead and when Hewitt realised ?ha danger it was too late. Orlolr was sent after Mars, but failed to get up and suffered defeat by half a length horses ever seen, as he won in highHass company on the fiat and also has the Great Northern Steeplechase. ™t Northern Hurdles, and two wins C the N Grand Nationa. Hurdles to his highly creditable record.

TROTTING NOTES

Reminders Acceptances for Ihc Canterbury Park meeting will close on Friday at 12 noon. Train Arrangements Two special passenger trains will run from Christchurch to Ashburton on Wednesday. The first will leave at 9.35 a.m., and will take passengers from Christchurch, Addington, Hornbv, Templeton, and Rakaia only. The second train, which will commence the journev at 9.50 a.m., will stop at Sockburn, Rolleston, and Dunsandel only. The first train will commence the return journey from the Racecourse siding at 5.10 n.m., and will be followed by another train at 5.23 p.m. Betting- System The single pool system' of betting will operate at the Ashburton Trotting Club's meeting on Wednesday. In races with less than five starters, only one dividend will be J. with eight starters there will be two dividends, and in races witn nine or more starters backers of first, second, and third horses will share in the distribution. Unusual Breeding Braemar, an acceptor for the Mitcham Handicap at Ashburton, is a four-year-old gelding by '"rtiy Parrish from Adelaide Wood, and was bred by his owner, Mr W. T. Lowe, of Hinds. On the dam's side this gelding is of rather unusual breeding, for Adelaide Wood was by Fairlight by Woodchild —Tairane (the dam of Dundas Boy and Dundee), while her dam. Lady Windermere, was also by Woodchild from Tracey M.T., by General Tracey—Lena Bell, by Burlington—Bed of Stone, by Lincoln Yet. Braemar may turn out a useful trotter, although he is not bred on fashionable lines.

A Promising Filly Bittersweet, the four-year-old Ally by Wrack from Nantwich, is held in high esteem by many Ashburton sportsmen, and while she has yet to win a race, her, exhibitions in public have shown her to possess speed and lack of experience. From now on Bittersweet should improve, and it would not surprise to find her playing a big part in the decision of the Mitcham Handicap at Ashburton on Wednesday. There was some merit in her second to Win Thru at the New Brighton meeting, and she was finishing on strongly after registering 3min 35 3-ssec for a mile and a half. She may improve still further on this time for the Ashburton course should be all in favour of fast time making. A Useful Pair In (he Wakanui Handicap at Ashburton Mr P. Watson has a useful pair engaged in Lord Axworthy and Thornworthy, three and five years old respectively, by Travis Axworthy from Rosethorn. Thornwortlv is set to give away 24 yards, and in a big field this is a formidable task. His younger relative may prove the better, for' at the Wellington meeting in October he showed the greatest promise of developing into a good stake-winner. His onlv other start was in the New Zealand Derby at Addington last month, and he went a creditable race to finish fifth behind Gamble, Subsidy, Drag Harlan, and Ironside. Up till recently Lord Axworthy was trained by R. Dunn, but he is now in the care ot his owner. Kcwpic's Triumph Kewpie's Triumph has been pleasing his admirers by the resolute manner in which he has been getting through his work at Epsom, and he is expected to race well in the Auckland Cup on Thursday. He was unplaced in flic last Auckland Cup, but later in the day he defeated a strong held in the St. Helier's Handicap of a mile and a quarter in 2min 43 2-ssec. His rerord this season is not impressive for in five starts he has ca.ticd one'third place. He is a lazy trackworker, and his performance over two miles in 4min 33 2-ssec during the week was his best effort to date. Indianapolis Indianapolis has now won 17 races and £5547 in stakes. At two years he won one race, and was second once, winning £240; as a three-year-old he won five races and £1282; at four years, seven wins and £1720, and during the present season his four wins and a second have earned £2325. He will be unlucky if he does not pass the £3OOO mark by his racing at the Auckland meeting this week. Methven T.C. The Methven Trotting Club will probably be granted an extra permit this season, and it; will make application to the Dates Committee of the New Zealand Trotting Conference for April 27, 1935. At a meeting of the committee of the club on Friday, it was decided to offer the sum of three guineas to the Methven Agricultural and Pastoral Association to be devoted to a prize for the best; two-year-old pacer in harness at the coming show. Luck of the Draw Although the Ashburton track is a big one. about a mile and a quarter in circumference, and especially suited for big fields, the luck of the draw for barrier positions often has considerable influence in the result of a race, and for this reason the positions of horses at the barrier in Wednesday's racing will be of interest. In the Mitcham Handicap, 12 horses arc on the limit, the draw for positions being as follow. —1 Rcnova. 2 HarI vesl Lady. 3 Ann Parrish. 4 Paretic, 5 I Groat horatius, H Biltersweet, 7 Axiom, 3 Great Harvester, 9 Master Wrack, 10 Winsome Laddie, It Fluke. 12 Eracmar.

The !•') horses on the limit in the •vVakanui Handicap have been allotted the following positions:—l Mystery Yet, 2 Sports Review, 3 Wheat Pool, -1 Lord Axworthy, 5 Chiming Day, 6 Heather Queen, 7 Betty Jinks, 8 Cavalcade, 9 Otama Chimes, 10 Wee Wrack, 11 General Sarsfield, 12 Handicapper, 13 Dillon Queen, 14 Zest, 15 Erin's Guy. 16 Pelting. ' In the New Zealand Champion Stakes, the draw is as follows:—! Graham Direct, 2 Gamble, 3 Radiant Gold, 4 Ironside, 5 Levity, 6 Grace McEiwyn, 7 Floodlight. The draw for positions in the Mclean Handicap is as follows:—-1 Colene Parrish, 2 Camera, 3 Ruin, 4 Sylvia Sydney, 5 Marie Celeste, G Jimmy dc Oro, 7 Guyziah. In the Boxing Day Handicap, the order is:—l Wild Guy, 2 Gay Gordon, 3 Cloudy .Range, 4 War buoy. 5 Tramp;fasl, fi Major I.ind, 7 Peter Locanda. An Auckland View Hoi l'Or has been so consistent with fast times at two miles that he has only to reproduce one of his best efforts to keep the opposition stepping to some tune in the Auckland Cup, writes "Abaydos" in tho New Zealand "Herald." He has several times gone better than 4min 18sec, and on three occasions has done better than 4min 15sec, proving definitely that he possesses both speed and stamina. Roi l'Or has been successful on grass tracks as well as on the dirt, and in his present condition should be capable of a fine effort off 48yds. On the same line is Lindbergh, who has a grass track mile and a half record of Smin 13 l-ssec, and has taken a record better than 4min 17sec for two miles on the dirt. Lindbergh has, however, never shown anything like his best; form at Epsom, which is somewhat difficult to account for. Although he is back on 84yds, a lot of interest will centre in Harold Logan, who holds the world's placed record of Imin 12 2-ssec, which is one secend faster than his previous record. The great pacer retains his form remarkably well, and, even if his contract to win is too great it will be very interesting to see what lie will run the distance in tinder good conditions. With so many high-class horses engaged, the 4rnin 19 2-ssec record of Great Bingen looks like being eclipsed in next Thursday's race, for which Indianapclis, Auburn Lad, Blue Mountain, and Worthy Light promise to be well supported.

ELLERSLIE TRACK WORK

INTERESTING GALLOPS (TRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) AUCKLAND, December 22. Fine though dull weather prevailed for the semi-final gallops at Ellcrslie this morning. The course proper with the poles 53 feet out was open for fast work, and the No. 3 grass track was also available, but the going was excellent on the course proper. On the course proper Courthaven was first out, traversing a mile in Imm 43 3-ssec. Kelly assisted her over the last seven furlongs and was doing better at the finish in lmin 31 3-ssec. Both worked well, especially the j otter. Copyist, after going fast over I lie early "part, was easing up at the conclusion of six furlongs, which took lmin 25 4-ssec. . Cricket Bat, after running his four furlongs in 53sec, got to the end of a mile in lmin 45 l-ssec, running on at the end. The best five furlongs of the morning was credited to King Ford, who ran the distance in lmin 1 3-ssec. the first two being in 23 4-ssec. He carried a light-weight but his gallop was a good one. The two-year-old Bun Fight completed six furlongs in lmin 18 2-ssec, going very evenly throughout. Hunting Jay ran home from the fivefurlong post in lmin ssec, doing it comfortably. Haut Monde, who went away slowly from the five furlong post] ran the last half-mile in 49scc, doing it, well. The Khedive and Hunting Bag traversed a round in 2min 3 3-sscc. the last sex-en furlongs taking lmin 37 3-ssec, and there war not much between them at. the end. Kotou was going very freely at the end of halt a mile in 50 3-sscc, Vintage Impresses The Cup candidates, Ttockel and Vintage, completed a mile and a quarter in 2min 15 l-ssec, the final round taking 2min 4 4-ssec. Vintage, who had the outside running, covered a lot more ground than his companion, and beat him comfortably, going away at the finish. Gay Seton displayed plenty of speed while running six furlongs in lmin 16 l-ssec, a smart effort. After running her first three furlongs in 42 3-ssec, Lady Spy completed six in lmin 21 2-sscc. Good Sprinting; The Railway Handicap horses, Diatomous and Sinking Fund, galloped attractively over five furlongs. They ran the first two in 24scc. and the full distance in lmin 2 I-sscc, the last half-mile Inking 49 l-fiscc. They finished on terms. Penelope was sent half a milr\ doing the last three furlong-, in 38 l-ssec. After running his first three furlongs in 37 1-fjKcc. Sea Fox registered lmin 43 4-ssec for a mile. This hack has been working woll since his arrival. There was little between Big Dook and Dclrain at the conclusion of six furlongs in lmin 18 l-sscc. The two-year-olds, Symcony, Legatee and Parquet, jumped off at the seven furlong post and were pulled up after passing the three furlongs, the four furlongs taking 49sec. They finished as named.

Sweet Agnes worked alone over six furlongs, which .she covered in lmin 17 4-ssec. She was decidedly lame after returning to her stall and her prospects of racing at the meeting arc very remote.

King Musk beat Jacldy Karo over teven furlongs in Jmin 'M 2-sscc, the last six taking lmin 18 3-sscc. Cranford was not bustled to run the last five furlongs of his work in lmin :3 3-sscc. Over a similar distance Mother Superior registered lmin 3sec, the first two furlongs in 24see, and finished up the task in Rood stylo. I'inishcd on Terms Tunnellcr, Horn's Reef, and Final Shot finished almost in line alter runrung six furlongs in lmin 1.0 2-!ssce. Horn's Reef, on the outside, seemed to be doing the best at the end. Both Well The Cup candidates, Gold Trail and Southdown, were sent a mile and a quarter, taking 2min 14 4-ssec. They ran the final round in 2min 4 4-ssec, and the last six furlongs in lmin 20 2-ssec. Southdown finished clear of his companion, but all the same Gold Trail did" her work well. Gaysome, having her first sprint since arriving here, ran six furlongs in lmin 18sec, and went well throughout. Golden Wings recorded the best six furlongs of the morning, running the first two in 24 3-. r )sec, three in 36 4-ssoo, and the full distance in lmin 15 3-!>soc. lie was running on solidly at: the finish. Variant war; jjiven uprfiil work, run'ning tier last three furlongs in 3(1 4-r>see. A Brilliant Effort After breakfast Kiltowyn was again responsible for a brilliant gallop over a round in 2min 2 l-sscc. He covered the last seven furlongs in lmin 30 4-ssec, and the final three in 40sec. He finished in good style, and it was the best round registered so far by a Cup candidate for the coming meeting. The hurdler Verden was timed to run a similar distance in 2min 7 2-ssec. On the tan, Gay Marigold, Barascope, and King March were sent over a round in lmin 56sec, the last six furlongs taking lmin 25 2-ssec. Baroscope dropped behind after turning into the straight, and Gay Marigold headed King March before the post was reached. Crooning hit out freely to run her last three furlongs in 42 3-sscc. This filly is in capital order. Gay Broney was in front or Imamint after five furlongs in Imm Bsce, though both could have improved on Sport, was allotted useful work and was easing up at me end of his last half-mile in 56 4-ssec Great Star was also exercised, but was not doing better than half-pace, and Sporting Blood worked over a couple of rounds, but was not after time. Withdrawn Autopay was scratched from all his Auckland engagements at 12.10 p.m. to-day Dubarry was scratched from the Foal Stakes and the Nursery Handicap.

RICCARTON CANDIDATES IN ACTION

SWEET AGNES LAME [THE TKESS Special Setvlr?.] AUCKLAND, December 22. There has been a change in t'.ie weather to-day, and light rain has fallen this afternoon, but it has not been sufficient to have any effect on the tracks which would be benefited by a good downpour. The conditions were excellent for training operations this morning, and there was some attractive galloping, horses to go well including Vintage, Golden Wings, Southdown, Haut Monde, King Ford, Mother Superior, Kiltowyn, Symcony, Sinking Fund, and Diatomous. Vintage was impressive in his gallop with Rocket covering a lot of ground and finishing very resolutely.

He is in great heart, and has done everything required of him since his arrival in the style of a really good horse. » Golden Wings displayed much of his former brilliancy when he ran the best six furlongs of the morning, and it is quite on the cards that he will make an early return to the winning list. It is probable that he will be one of .he main fancies for the Christmas Handicap. Southdown finished better than Gold Trail at the end of their mile and a quarter gallop, which was a solid effort. Southdown, who looks better than when he was here last year, could have run in better time if he had not been allowed to ease up at the finish. Best Half-mile Haul: Monde displayed plenty of dash in running the best half-mile of the morning. He is a fine colt, possessed of brilliant speed, and what beats him in the Great Northern Foal Stakes should win. King Ford registered fast time over live furlongs, but he was very lightly weighted. He is a good track galloper, but unless he can show improvement upon his recent public form, he may find the class too strong for him in the Railway Handicap. Mother Superior's five furlongs was very pleasingly accomplished, and she could have made better time if she had been required. She is a greatly improved filly since she was here in the spring, and should not be without prospects in the Railway Handicap. Indications are that she is about to strike form, and she may be worth watching in her next few starts. Diatomous and Sinking Fund went attractively in their five furlong gallop, finishing on terms, and running on strongly at the finish. They are splendidly conditioned, and are speedy beginners who are both likely lo make prominent showings in the Railway Handicap. Sweet Agnes was lame after her gallop this morning and is a doubtfjJ mimer at the meeting. Probable Riders Following is a list of probable riders in the Cup and Railway Handicap:— Auckland Cup Vintage (A. E. Ellis). Solarium (H. N. Wiggins). King March (T. Green). Gay Marigold (H. Goldfinch). Gold Trail (K. Voitre). Kiltowyn (R. Reed). Spiral (P. S. Atkins). Grand Jury (W. J. Broughton). Southdown (L. J. Ellis). Rocket (A. Russell). Baroscope (E. Manson). Caliente (O. Reed). Groat Star (C. Eastwood). Gay Broncy (G. Connor). Railway Handicap Rerealu (K. Voitre). Diatomous (R. Reed). Gay Blonde 'A. Tinker). Copyist (A. Russell) British Columbia <S. Tremainl. Sinking Fund (R. W. McTavish). Grand Sport (L. J. Ellis). Imamint <H. Goldfinch). Namakia (G. Cameron). Mother Superior ff-T. N. Wiggins). Rorcpai (.1. Mclnally).

EPSOM TRAINING NOTES

VISITING HOUSES WORK WELL [THE PEESS Sped*] Service.] AUCKLAND. December 22. The Epsom tracks presented a busy appearance to-day, when good trials were witnessed. Early workers used the dirt track, but after breakfast the outside of the course proper was open. On the latter. Jewel Pointer, Lindbergh, and Roi l'Or showed fine speed over the final half-mile of a useful task. The local horse took the time honours in lmin 5 l-ssec, the fastest ever run on the outside of the track. Lindbergh went lmin 5 3-ssec, equalling Gold Jacket's record, while Roi l'Or, who led all the way of a two miles task, to win very narrowly in 4min 55sec, went his last section in lmin 6sec. Both Roi l'Or and Lindbergh had a little in reserve at the end but Jewel Pointer was hunted right out. Mataunga was always in front of Wahnooka, Moko Girl, and Autumn Lu over two miles in smin Usee, trotting his last half-mile solidly and easily in lmin 12sec. Moko Girl made several breaks, but the others went evenly. Arabond went fast in the middle stages of a two miles task, running a half in lmin 12sec, and the next quarter in 34sec, after which he was cased. Smoke Screen always had the measure of Mocast over two miles, the last mile in 2min 30scc, and the last j half in lmin 12.sec, ] Blondie registered a nice perform-1 .nice over a mile and a half in 3min 48sec, after a slow first three furlongs and he wound up with a half-mile in lmin 9 2-sscc. Pink Lady was of no use to Proletarian, who was never at top over a mile and a quarter, which he paced at a 2min 34sec gait. He ran the last half-mile easily in lmin 13sec, and final quarter in 34sec. After two attempts Star Pronto went away in front of Nellota from the nine furlongs post and staying in front all the way ran the last mile in 2min 27sec, and the last half easily in lmin lOsec. Free Logan was of no assistance to Nimbus over the last half of a mile and a half, which the latter ran at a 2min 24sec gait, the final section in lmin OJsec. Free Logan went away smartly to have a big lead early, but at the mile in 2min 29sec he was stopping badly and finished a long way back. Silver Watch made a fruitless attempt to concede Gaza three seconds start in a rnilo and a half which was run in 3min 42see. Gaza had five seconds lead commencing the last half, but the grey reduced it considerably in the run home., going lmin Usee, and Gaza lmin 14sec for the final section. Nelson Pirate was seen at his best while trotting an even mile in 2min 26sec, but Mountain Sun, one of Epsom's most solid trotters, gave a poor display. He went very fast for rive furlongs to overhaul Audo Patch, who went away with a. long lead, but when hitting the front he broke. Prince Etawah gave Worthy Chief five seconds start over a mile and a auarter, and finished with him in 3min 2sec, the last half-mile in lmin 12sec. Parrisb Belle, trotting in faultless style, covered two miles in smin, the last half soundly in lmin Usee. She has improved in staying power since the spring meeting, when Nell Volo gave her almost a furlong start and a beating. On the dirt track, Auburn Lad, going away behind Superfine and Red Hope, went 3min 23sec, and was going easily beside Red Hope at the end. Me could have improved considerably on his half-mile in lmin 6 3-ssec. Red Hope went 3min 27sec. and Superfine nine furlongs at a 2min 20sec gait. Superfine is coming along nicely, but does not appeal as a Derby proposition. Glandore was well behind Gumdigger as they passed the mile post, but with a fine finishing effort the roan almost got the leader in the finish, going 2min 13 3-ssec, the last half in lmin 5 3-ssec Gumdigger, who would not do his best, took 2min 17sec. Being allowed to take her time for half a mile, Mazda increased the speed to run the next mile in 2min 14 2-ssec, the last half in lmin 6 2-ssec. Kewpie's Triumph and Realty were not after time when they worked two miles in 4min 50sec. There was no pace on until the last circuit, which was covered at a 2min 14sec rate. Auto Machine, who has not had any

really fast tasks during his preparation, worked two miles evenly in 4min 34sec. He appears in much better health of late, and his trainer, A. Brown, expects him to run the race of his career in the Cup. Sure pleased with a steady two miles in 4min 47sec, sprinting the final section comfortably in lmin 7sec. F. C. Dunleavy, E. F. C. Hinds, W. J. Doyle, and L. A. Maidens arrived to-day with their charges and will put keen interest into the final work on Tuesday.

AT AWAPUNI

USEFUL GALLOPS ] irHSSS 4SSOCIATIO* TSLIO»AJJ.) FALMERSTON N., December 22. In brilliant weather, the majority of the gallops at Awapuni this morning were conducted on the plough. Palm, Who will- not race till the Marlon meeting, ran six furlongs in lmin 18 3-ssec. Note Issue did a similar task in lmin 19sec after taking 13sec for the initial furlong. Full Throttle showed an improvement in running six furlongs in lmin 18 l-ssec, the first three in 38 l-ssec. Taumau and a companion finished together at the end of an easy six furlongs in lmin 21 3-ssec. True Shaft finished too strongly for Discoursive, leaving half a mile behind in 53 l-ssec. Bazaine ran five furlongs in lmin B£sec, easing up at the finish. Balbus had the measure of Waitohu, drawing away to run six furlongs in lmin 20 2-ssec. the first three in 38 l-sscc. Catalogue, Blue Boy and Pango were associated over a mile. They ran the first two furlongs in 25 2-ssec, live in lmin 3 l-ssec, and the full journey in lmin 45sec. Blue Boy held to the Cup candidate, but Catalogue was running on. Pango weakened slightly in the last 60 yards. Bold Jim set the pace for Lord Moutoa and Boudoir over a mile and stayed on till the close, running the distance in lmin 47 2-ssec. He ran the first two furlongs in 26 2-ssec, and five in lmin 5 l-ssec. Boudoir, a sluggish track worker, was well back at the close. Bodyline, with a good weight up, ran five furlongs in lmin 5 2-ssec, leaving the first three behind in 38 3-ssec. Blacksmith ran seven furlongs In lmin 35sec. Unless rain comes this gelding may not run on the first day. The two-year-old Martial Lady proved too good for Hilton Gorse In a half-mile gallop on the course proper, on which the flags were wide out, running the last three furlongs in 40 2-ssec.

WYNDHAM R,C.

ACCEPTANCES Acceptances for the Wyndham Racing Club's meeting on January 1 are;— TRIAL HANDICAP, of 90 sovs. Five iurlongs.

VISITORS* HIGH-WEIGHT HANDICAP, of 125 sovs. Eight furlongs and a half. st. lb. Bt. lb. Venito ..10 9 Gransdo .. 0 0 Strong Light 10 5 Academy .. 9 O Palatinate 3 0 0 Silver Issue 0 «» Broken Rule 9 1- Johnny Thornton .. 9 6 Milford 9 0 Hot Stuff . . 9 2

AUSTRALIAN RACING

HOMER WINS AGAIN MAGNITAS SUCCESSFUL (UKITBD PRESS ASSOCIATION—BT ELECTSIC TEUGBAPH —COPYRIGHT.) (Received December 23, 5.5 p.m.) SYDNEY. December 22. The summer meeting of tlio Australian Jockey Club was held in fine weather. The track was good and (he attendance [air. The New Zealand-bred Homer registered a tine performance in winning thu December Nursery after a terrific duel with the brilliant yueenslauder lien Field. The latter, on the rails, had a blight advantage over Homer until the straight. They raced neck and neck until 50 yards from the post, when the straiu began to tell on both. Homer, displaying more stamina, won narrowly from the fast-finishing Silver Hose and Gibson, with Ben Field a head away fourth. The Queenslander, Bacbian, led all the way to win the Villiers Stakes from Turbine. The latter moved up from sixth to within half a head of the leader a furlong from home, but could get no nearer. Magnitas won the Holiday Handicap convincingly. He was patiently handled until the straight entrance, when he flew past the leaders, winning comfortably. G. l'rice, who trains Homer, had another success in the last race, when Capris ran awav from a high-weight field to win as she liked. Shortly after entering the straight in the first division of the Novice Handicap, 151 Senorila fell, and horses outside attempting to avoid her were packed up. Tellnno went down and Not Ho Bud fell out him. A. Knox, who rode Not So Bad. and C Findlav, rider of Jsl Senorita, escaped injury, but. M. McCarten. who was on Tellano, was taken 1.0 hospital with an injured rib. Results: — \ HURDLE KACE, Of "-"i0 sovs; second horse -10 sovs, and third horse 20 sovs from slake. About two miles. C. M. Sawyer's b g ABBOT'S LAD by Abbot's Trace—Columbia aged 11-2 E. JlcMenamiu 1 S. Lamond's b g Bowthorne by Spelthorne —Golden Creme syrs 9-10 G. ShoU 2 J. S. Taylor's br g Grecian Knight by Crowdennis —Greek Girl syrs 9-0 F. Fruend 3 There were 10 starters, including Clangor, who was sixth. Won by half a neck; three-quarters of a length second and third. Time, 3min 441 sec. DECEMBER NURSERY HANDICAP, Of 4UO sovs; second horse 00 sovs, and third ;>0 sovs from stake. I>' ur Iwo-ycar-olds. Five furlongs, J. S. Brunloii's ch c. HOMER by Iliad— Quadrilateral S-12 M. McCarten 1 R. C Stanton's rh 1 Silver Hose by | Rossendale—Silver Cord 8-2 ! .'- O'Sullivan 2 A. A. Wood's h o Gibson bv Constant Sun —Jet. 8-2 . . H. Russell 3 i There were 14 starters. Won by a long head: short head second and third. Time, lmin Ssec. VILLIERS STAKES, Of 1000 sovs; second horse 150 sovs, .ind third horse 75 sovs from stake. One mile. E. L. Ramsay's b g BACHIAN by Bachelor's Persse—Atria 4yrs 7-9 A. Knox 1 J. Kin£ and F. Malfred's blk h Turbine by Tippling—The Dhow syrs 8-3 • J. Pratt 2 J. Donohoe's b g Dermid by Tippler—No Belle 6yrs 8-12 . . G. Webb 3 There were 14 starters, including Lone Raider. Won by half a length; length and a half second and third. Time, lmin 37 s ec. NOVICE HANDICAP, Of 300 sots; second horse 50 sovs, and third horse 25 suvs from stake. Six fur. longs. First Division H. W. Ruttley's b m NITA S. bv M»rv. acre—Miss Soiling b\vrs 8-2 E. Barlle 1 L. S. Barnett's br f .Medusa bv Brazen ,„ —R"eco 3yrs 7-12 , .. W. Cook 2 W. B. and Mrs 31. Allen's br g Bombastic by Windbag—Dame Andria syrs 8-4 D. Munro 3 There were 23 starters, including LimauN ■\\on by a neck; short head second and third. Time, lmiu Msec. Second Division Smith and Foulsham's br f KAYLAII by Magpie—Trois 4yrs 8-12 J. Jlaxwel'l 1 i>. Campbell s -br g Glenwitch by Glenacre—Silverwiteh Cyrs 8-4 x< w c ■, ■ D. Munro 2 i. 1. Smith s blk g Rosmead by Rossendale—Lady Windeline 4yrs 8-3 », ' " J. Pratt 3 There were 24 starters, including Palady Mananui. and Nightjar. Won by a length and a quarter; length second and third. Time, lmin 13^sec.

HOLIDAY HANDICAP, Of 500 sovs; second horse 70 bbtb, ul third horse 35 sovs from stake. Oni mile and u quarter. P. Riddle's b s MAGNITAS by Magpij . —Saintly Ida (Jyrs 9-1 &. Bartle 1 Sir Hugh Denison'a br g Dark Chief ij Dark Fox—Orula syrs 7-13 D. Lightfoot I V. L. King's br g Brown Force by Higli Force—Wallas 6yrs 9-5 J. Jjfc, % There were 15 starters, including Sestoi who disappointed. ' Won by n length and a half; hajf k length second and third. Time, 2min Sjk, HIGH-WEIGHT HANDICAP, Of 400 sovs: second horse 60 8075, m third horse 30 sovs from stake. ' Om mile. C. M. Emanuel's ch f CAPRIS by Captain Bunsby—Charis 3yrs 8-4 J. Pratt 1 E. J. Watt's b c Dromos by Doric—-Sitter Vamp 4yrg 8-2 . . W. Cook J Miss L. E. Bottrell's h g Australian B«« by Honey Bee—Native Flora aged 8-3 .. .. s. Wei.l | There were 20 starters, including Low Song, fourth, and Impasto, seventh. Won by three lengths: two lengths «e«mi and third. Time, lmin 37Jsec. Dromos last week von the Eosehill Cwinthian Cup for amateur riders.

AT MELBOURNE

WIN FOR RADIANT STAR (Received December 23, 5.5 p.m.) MELBOURNE, December 22. At the Moonee Valley Compensation meeting the following were the results:— THREE-YEAR-OLD HANDICAJ, Of 300 sovs. Six furlongs. G. L Scott's ch c RADiANT STAR br Hunting Song—Spotlight 8-9 J. Mahtr 1 Mrs G. Hay's-br c Last Run by Fourth Hand—Grinello 8-5 . . Egtn i S. A. Rawdon's b c Buteman by Drakj Curleeue 7-3 .. Baile; 3 There were IS starters. Won by half a length ; length second ini third. Time, lmin 15s"c. TRIAL HURDLE HANDICAP. Of 200 sovs. Two miles and a furlong, C. V. Cox's blk g CHARACTER by Bobniak —Harmonist mare aged 9-3 Douglas 1 W. J. Winterbottom's br g Hit the Deck by Sea Crest—Barinia 6yrs 10-5 Scarlet I G. J. Docker's br g Ben David by David » —Behdalock syrs 11-9 L. J. Hyaes I There were 11- starters. Won by two lengths and a half; Jri lengths second and third. Time, 8oi» 59Jsec.

at. lb. st. lb. Capital 9 0 Lady Coat of Arms 8 11 Leigbton 8 6 Ponipax 8 10 Moneyless .. 8 '6 Euge 8 10 Gipsy Fair 8 6 Waiau Maid 8 8 Disguise 8 6 Obligemeut 8 7 Maragosa 8 6 Half Note . . 8 7 British EmChatter 8 6 pire filly 8 C DIGGERS' CLASS TROT HANDICAP, of 130 SOVS. 3min 43sec class. Or ie mile and a half. Bill Drusiis sir Mountain Lad scr Bondi Chimes scr Picotee . scr Chevalier . scr Ready Money scr Christina's Royal Drive . . scr Wav ■e sci' Silver Guy Eglinton \*. . scr Tour scr Embark scr Dame Fortune 12 Fireerest . per Fairhaven . 24 Grand Mogul scr Lucky Lee . 21 Guywin . scr WYNDHAM CUP HANDICAP, of 25 0 sovs. One : mile and a quarter. st. lb. Bt. lb. Signaller 8 8 Last Link . . 7 4 Red Boa 8 8 Totolomai ., 7 a Silver Sight 8 1 Double Shot 7 2 Aesculus 7 13 Grand Finale 7 2 Great Shot 7 12 Nightform .. 7 0 Chrysology 7 11 Travenna 7 0 Oough 7 8 Wonderful 7 0 MIMIHAU HACK HANDICAP, of 12 0 EOVS. Six i\ lrlongs. st. lb. St. lb. Colossian 9 1 Silk Arrow 7 7 Venite 8 10 Capital 7 r> Unseen 8 4 Conca d'Oro 7 3 Mayam 8 1 Silver Dart 7 a Broken Rule 8 O Coat of Arms 7 1 Slaemish . . a o Royal Pal 7 1 Beam . . 7 10 Koreign Star 7 O Lady Kate 7 7 Disguise 7 0 PRESIDENT'S HANDICAP, of 13; 5 SOVE. Sir fu irlongs. ft. lb. st. lb. Palermo 0 ft Last March 7 4 All Humbug 0 0 Enwood 7 3 Quietly 7 S Mayam 7 O Irish Birdcatcher 7 5 Wonderful 7 0 NEW YEAR HANDICAP, of 105 sov; 5. One St. lb. St. lb. Palatinate 8 1 Pompax 7 2 Daring Deed 7 13 Oliver 7 1 Valiska 7 6 Obligement 7 0 tmpala 7 6 Madam Capital 7 6 Pompadour 7 0 Bowlands 7 4 Golden King 7 0 VICTORY CLASS TROT HANDICAP, of 120 bovs. 3min 57i sec class. One wile and five furlongi Erin's Pride scr Bright Voyagf i scr Famebourn . scr Erin's Chief 12 Fairhaven . scr Erin's Star . . 13 Lynu-ood . err Happy Knight 12 Royal Guy . . srr Nelson's Fortune .12 Vologda srr Rocks Ahead ■ii Wrarkett* for