THE RACING WORLD

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 267, 6 August 1932, Page 15

THE RACING WORLD

HORSES FOR SYDNEY Teams Going South LORD VAL AND WINTER CUP Notes and Comments (By “The Watcher.”) The Zealandia for Sydney yesterday took eleven horses with their trainers and attendants. Autopay, Prince I’ombut, St Bernard, Stag Horn, and Gay Soiig went from Trentham stables, the latter pitlr being en route to G., Jones in Melbourne, already established there with a team of Mr. Kembull’s horses. J. H. Jetferd took over Cylinder and Megaphone. Megaphone is en route to Perth, where he will do his future racing in the colours of Mr. O’Hura. R. W. King brought Up Silver Ring from Riccarton, and the balance comprised the three from the stable of G. W. New, King Colossus; Sastrugi, and Pythia. King Colossus and Sastrugi have been sold by New. Pythia is owned by Mr. F. J. Nathan, of Palmerston North. For South. Seven horses went south last night on the, Rungatira—Paddon, Postman, Tranquillity, Gold Sand, Lord Vai, Woodful, and Sports King. Sports King is oh his way to bls new owner. Acceptance Missed. Lord Vai’s acceptance for the Winter Cup was intended, but it was overlooked by his owner-trainer, Mr. J. Clothier. He was not aware of the fact that there were two acceptances for the Winter Cup, and in sending the telegram for Woodful on Thursday he omitted Lord Vai, being under the impression that the previous acceptance for the Cup was the only one. . Scltooling at Riccarton. There was some interesting schooling on Thursday afternoon when the tracks thawed. Pahii (M. Nicol) went onCe round the schooling hurdles; without having any speed on, but he Jumped safely and cleverly. Motena (E. Mackie) and Pull Measure (L. Dulleu) kept together in a similar trial, but Morena proved the better. Dainty Ways (H. Turner) showed improvement on her previous effort at Riccarton ; prior to her Washdyke win. It was a good; fast work-out, and the mare improved as she went along. Okopua (A. Skipper) and. Nylotis (V. Langford) were partners in a round of the big country, the former . having a slight advantage at Cutts’s , where Nylotis niade a slight mistake, but recovered himself cleverly. It was a very satisfactory work-out on the part of both, blit Okopua showed great ability In getting clean away from his fences On landing. Nukumai In. The acceptance lists for the Nationals telegraphed from Christchurch bii Thursday night did not place Nukumai in the Grand National Hurdle Race, muring him appear a non-acccptor. According to advice received yesterday from the south Nukumai paid up all right and his non-inclusion was ah error. National Lists. Final National acceptances did not create any pronounced surprises except the absence of Lord Vai in ths Winter Cup. Lancer and Town Beauty dropped out of the Steeplechase and their absence does ndt materially affect the issue. Krom the'Winter Cup lot Lord Vai was the only one with a reasonable form chance and the reduction of the field to 22 thus obviating the necessity for a division is welcome, Conjurer 11 and Adventus dropped out of the hUrdle race, and the position there remains much as before. The fields in the minor events are well up to the mark, and taken all round the lists are very satisfactory. ‘ Dual Engagements. High Pitch still stands his ground in both the Grand National Steeplechase and Grand National Hurdle Race. v He. is the only runner in both the big events. Royal Reign is an acceptor in the National and also in the Enfield Steeples, and Merry Reel in addition to the Winter Cup has paid up also in the Avonhead. Handicap. The hurdler Full Measure is in the Trial Hurdles and also the Jumpers’ Elat. Will Be Watched. Grand National Hurdle candidates will be seen in action on the first day of the C.J.C. meeting. Full Measure, Pink Note; and Jaysoii are engaged in the Trial Hurdles, while I’ahu, Nukumai,_ Membo, Luminary, Nassock, Captain’s Gift and Full Measure are in the Jumpers’ Flat Race. In fact Raineses is the only runner in the Jumpers’ Fiat who is not a National candidate. Bloodstock Sales. Mr. T. S. Itoulston, of Hastings, the weU-known bloodstock Salesman, reports the sale of Mr. T. H. Lowry’s twb-year-old filly by Chief Ruler from Doree. The buyer is a Wellington sportsman whose name is not disclosed. The filly will he

trained by Luke Wilson, who will shift quarters to Awapuni. Mr. Lowry has also received back Nigger Minstrel from Mr. James Bell, who has had the All Black horse for three years. Mr. Lowry intends to use Nigger Minstrel for some of his best mares, and a few approved out? Side mares may also avail themselves of his services. The sale of La Moderne is still not finalised, but Mr. Kemball’s purchase of the filly is practically complete. At the original Inspection she was sore and could not be passed, but when recovered she is to bo inspected again, and if then in order the sale will be completed. . ' Riccarton Riders. At Riccarton on Tuesday, A; E. Ellis will ride Snowfall, Fast Passage. Consono, and Porlock. L. J, Ellis will be on Merry Peel. A. H. Eastwood will ride Muff and Grampian. D. Cotton fails beeii engaged for Star Raider and Sibella. B. H. Morris will be on Belvoir, Topthorn. Craigavori, and Dunraven. G. H. Humphries is to ride Beacon Fire, Juniper, and Execution. E. Manson will be on Royal Bengal. D. O’Connor will ride Lucess, Hurlingham. Ranelagh. Weatherly. and Nukumai on Tuesday, while he has also b.'eh engaged for Compris and Nine of Spades later at the meeting. J. Kerr will be on Matu. Sailor’s Love is amiss and will not be racing at Riccarton next week. 1 Gone -South. . . - , The Opaki-trained pair. Retract and Takakua, have arrived at Riccarton to fulfil engagements At the Grand National meeting.- Takakua is ih the, Cashmere Plate; and on hie form at the recent Wellington meeting he is likely to run well. Retract, the Parliamentary Handicap winner, should be seen 'to ad van tage In his engagements. ' He was very well at Wellington, and has gone on the right way since. An Exhibition Gallop. Permission has been granted to A. McAulay to give Nightmarch and True SWt a gallop during the progress of Tuesday’s programme at Riccarton. The two horses, in company with the two-yenr-old Hoere Tonu. will be shipped to Sydney on Friday. Woodful and Lord VaL A. G, Parsons, who is to ride Woodfui and Lord Vai in their engagements at Christchurch next week, visited Matamata, and was,on the track on Wednesday morping, says the "Auckland Star.” He rode both horses fast work, and they gave pleasing displays. Woodful is expected to improve on his Wellington outing, while no fault cah be found With Lord Vai’s condition. He is a game horse, and with his Wellington conqueror, Chief Link, out of the way,- Mr. Clothier made no secret of his estimate of Lord Vai’s chances before he left Matamata. Paddon Improved. Paddon, who went down to Riccarton last night, has beep doing a lot of solid work at Avondale since returning from Trentham, and he is regarded as a better horse now than he was last mohth. On Tuesday he was schooled over hurdles and he pleased the. track watchers by giving one of his best schooling efforts to date. The experience lie gained at Trentham has evidently given him increased I contidence and his jumping is now of h high standard. Paddon is carrying plenty of muscle, and, as he is a fine stamp of horsb likely to pl-ove a first-flight jumper, it is not surprising that he id the favourite for his engagement next Thursday. As kt Trentham, Paddon will again be ridden by D. J. Burgess. N.Z. Jockeys in Sydney. It was rumoured in Sydney last week —the riimour arrived from Melbourne—that the Australian Jockey Club and the Victoria Racing Club intended to take action to prevent New Zealand jockeys from riding other than Dominion-owned horses at the approaching spring meetings. When Mr; G. S. Rowe, secretary of the Australian Jockey . Club; was asked whether his club had considered such drastic action he replied that as far as he knew there was: nothing in the rumour. The Sydney writer “Cardigan” comments that while there are some New Zealand riders that Australian facing men would prefer to remain fit home, mainly because of their lack of ability, it would be unsporting to prevent New Zealand jockeys from earning a living in Australia. Not Popular. The "Empire News,” according to a cablegram received by the “Sydney Sun” on, July 29,.states: "The arrival of the Australian jockeys Ben Rosen and W. R. Johnstone ip France has caused a revival of the French, jockeys’ fetid With foreigners. Several attempts have been made to prevent Rosen Winning. He Was forced on to the rails at St. Cloud, and had, a foot Injured. Johnstone, who is retained by the Epinard fitable, was also warned that he Would be interfered with. Leading owners are complaining to the authorities and threatening to abandon racing in France if no action is taken I hgftirist tough riding.” Taking the Chance. Billy Boy was not on the tracks at Ric Carton on Wednesday, but wris exorC sed on the roads. It is hot intended to Attempt to school him again over the course proper fences. His connections bold out hopes that he will cause tio worry in Tuesday’s race, and are willing to take the chance rather than risk the consequences of. adopting further forcible tactics with him. New Zealand Cup.’ The committee of the Canterbury Jockey Club have decided that the stake ? 6st New Zealand Cup will be tIOOO, the same as for last year’s race. Ihe amount will include a cup to the value of £75 as against r £5O cup twelve ago - Nominations for the race will be taken up to Friday; August 20. the rehandicapping conditions of the next -Cup have been slightly amended to

meet the period of reduced stakes everywhere. Last year the winner of any race after the declaration of weights, to the value of £3OO or o£ any races, of the collective value of £5OO, was liable to be rehandicapped. These amounts have been altered to £2OO and £4OO respectively. Gisborne Racing Property. Reference to the regret felt by racegoers at the passing of the Gisborne Racing Club was made by Mr. K. S. Williams, M.P., in a brief speech on the lawn of the Park Course when the final meeting was held last Saturday. Mr. Williams suggested that the Gisborne Gold Cup, which in the last two years had been won by Mr. D. J. Barry’s representatives, might Well be tendered to him as a permanent memorial of his long association with and as a tribute to his personal services to the club, which Was now going out of existence after strenuous efforts had been made to save it. The town of Gisborne would be fortunate to secure control. of the park property, as was now proposed, and he urged his hearers to do their utmost to carry the proposal throrigh. Tribute to Phar Lop. Although Americans saw Phar Lap race only once, the champion made a great impression, and it is already propost d that one of the Agua Caliente races next year Will be named after him. In a letter to a, friend in Sydney one of the AguS Caliente officials says: “One of OUr principal races at the next meeting will be named the Phar Lap Handicap. It will be one of our permanent stakes and will be fun just aS long as racing lasts at our resort. It is in commemoration of the noblest horse of them all.” , Curious but Successful. The most curious reason for making a bet on the .English Derby Was probably supplied by Lord Tennyson, the Poet Laureate. He attended the 1879 meeting with a house party, but while all fais friends backed likely winners the Poet Laureate insisted on placing a modest sum on Sir Bevys, which stood at 20 to 1, because “Sir Bevys was the name of the hero of bne of my early poems.” It was perhaps a bad reason, Jilt it wab a good bet, Sir Bevys winning with, three-quarters of a length to spare, while the fancied horses were nowhere. Understandable. Monday, June 6, was settling day for those who made credit bets on the Derby. One bookmaker Who spent Sunday writing Cheques found after a while that he had been subconsciously moved to date them not June 5 but April 5. Things to Consider. At the annual meeting of the Southland. Racing Club the president (Mr. W. T. Hazlett) referred to the question of the licensing of bookmakers In the Dominion, and said he, as a horseowner, would welcome legislation to that effect. However, the delegates to the conference had expressed themselves as against such a step, the chief argument raised by the majority being that it would be prejudicial to country clubs. “The next best thing I suggest is that we urge the Government to permit double totalizator betting and the telegraphing of money to th'e racecourse,” he added. “The Incoming committee will no doubt carefully consider whether or not the time is now ripe for the introduction of a 5/totalisator. It seems that the day has Come for It, as the people have not the same money to bet with as they had in the more prosperous days. We must also consider the question of having three dividends—7o, 20, and 10 per cent. Some clubs have been successful In that direction, and after all it does not ‘ take a, very large amount from the first and second dividends to provide a third.” Continuing, Mr. Hazlett said it might also be advisable to consider the instituting of a sweepstake—an idea very prevalent in the olden days—-which would probably be much appreciated by winners in days such as the present when stakes Were small. Answer to Correspondent. “Sport,” Otaki: (1) Teller ran unplaced in the Flying Handicap at the Gisborne meeting; (2) £3/7/-; £l/13/-.

WARWICK FARM RACES New Zealanders Engaged (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.! (Rec. August 5, 7 p.m.). Sydney, August 5. At Warwick Farm to-morrow Concentrate (0..3) arid Oratoriari (7.12) will take part in a sprint event. Lavingtou (8.4) is in the Novice Handicap e.iid White Wings (8.0) is in the Park Handicap.. : ' All the New Zealand horses here are doi:/; well except Waratah, who 18 sort,, and J. Fryer’s team, the members of which were upset by the steamer trip. Mnnawheuuh and Horowheiiiiu are stayihg here now that their departure for Melbourne has been postponed. FIXTURES. August 6—Poverty Bay Hunt Club. August 9, 11, 13—C.J.C. Grand National. August 20—Pakuranga Hunt Club. Aiigiist 27—Taranaki. Hunt Club. August 27—Otago Hunt Club. September 10 —Marton J.C. September 17—Ashburton County R.C. September 22. 24—Wanganui J.C. September 22, 24—Geraldine R.C. October I—Napier1—Napier Park R.C. October I—Kurow J.C. October 7. 3—Otaki-Maori R.C. October 6, B—Dunedin J.C.

THE GRAND NATIONAL

Opinions of Trainers MAJORITY FAVOUR PARIS Tear by year the selection of a likely Grand National Steeplechase winner presents the same difficulties. Several local and visiting trainers, when invited to express an opinion of the probable result, said the race was moye open than usual, and G. Murray-Aynsley expressed himself in emphatic terms (Says the Christchurch “Sun”). “They are a bad lot,” he said, ‘‘and when you get a W field, ‘leave them alone' is sound advice. You have to take too many things on trust. A horse .1 would have selected is Lord Ranald, but he is likely to go at any part Of the race. I have seen 50 Nationals, and the present Jot is the worst I have set eyes on.” While generally agreeing with tho veteran Christchurch owner and trainer concerning the quality of the horses engaged, a number of others permitted themselves; to indulge in a little mental speculation, and there was the usual wide diversity of opinion. Some opinions in brief are appended. T. H. Gillett: Apart from the chance of getting Lord Ranald to the post, which at present is not, bright, let. alone the Winning of the race, I like Pans and Snowfall. F. D. Jones: 1 have no fancy, »« I have not seen them school; but I should not like to try to pick them on Wellington form. . , , J. B. Pearson : If the exhibition of jumping ih the race is. going to be like the Schooling that has been dohe to date, this Grand National is going to be a poor affair. One cannot say that any horse has done really well. An effortless jumper like Lord Ranald Would have it On the others, and Paris looks the next best A. McAulay: I like Paris. J. Thistletori: Although Nylotis .has not yet been over this country, he is a good jumper and a consistent performer. In 11 races this season he has been unplaced only three times. He is sound, er now than hitherto, and with his light weight I give him a reasonably good Chance. , . , ’ . R. C. Keeper: Snowfall is the best stayer and the best jumper, and he will be going on when the others are stoppug. Ellis: I regard Paris as the only horse fit to run a journey of that sort. He is the best-conditioned horse of the field and he has done well elsewhere. F. Christmas: Judged by his schooling, anil taking into consideration the fact that he is a seasoned horse; my choice is Lucess, but Ix>rd Ranald woiilu be my pick if he were sound. T. Lloyd: Paris was second last year, and the form of the . other hprses this year has not been of much account. Paris is a seasoned horse and a stayer. F. E. Jones: High Pitch ran a good race at Timaru for his first time Over the fences. He has the speed, and he should stay. Next to his chance, I prefer Lord Ranald’s. F. Shaw: Paris looks the best to me, R. Longley: All standing up; Lord Ranald and Paris look as likely as any others, and Lucess is a good prospect on his recent schooling. A. Goodman: I would place them: Snowfall, Lord Ranald, Billy Boy. W. J. McLean: Lucess Is a. good juniper, and the ground Will suit Him. He was third last year, and I think he Will run another good race.

AUCKLAND DOINGS Prospects of Paddon NOTES FROM THE TRACKS Dominion Special Service. Auckland, August 5. Hunting March, a three-year-old by Hunting Song—Star Attraction, thus a half-brother to Karaiigapai, is again a regular worker at Ellerslie. He is a member of G. Holland’s team, and during that trainer’s absence at Riccarton is doing onlv easy tasks. m ., . , H. Gray’s latest addition at. Takamni is il thr'ee-year-old gelding by Musketoon. Beyond the fact that he bails frprii tlie far north, and is practically untried, no further particulars are available about him. A. G. Parsons will attend the Riccarton meeting to ride Mr. J. Clothier's pair, Lord Vai and Woodfull. Paddon, one of the prime fancies rot the Grand National Hurdles, left Auckland on Thursday nighty the • Matamiita horses Lord Vril arid Woodfull joining tlie same train M, Frankton Junction, Paddon has made splendid progress since his return from Wellington. He was schooled on Tuesday, and gave a first-class disfilay, and is regarded by track watchers at the suburb"” track as a fitter horse than at any previous stage of the season. As his fencing seems to have steadily .improved, there is every reason to believe that he will be very hard to beat in the big event on Thursday. f The local maiden Kiltowyn continues to get through his work in pleasing style. He has made a lot of improvement since r<i'' : ”<r as a two-year-old, and a line on his future possibilities should be afforded by his showing at the Pakurariga meeting. Corinax, Thespis, Haakori, Moonfleet, Tatyoon, aud Lady Carrington are now doing their work under the supervision of J. C. Lambess, No information is available as to whether they will Contiiille in his charge, but it. is thought likely that they may go to various trainers, as all arc not in the same ownerGreftt Embleth has rejoiried L. Manson’S team after am enforced spell, during which he (vaS blistered. Unfortunately he went amiss just when he looked like developing good form. R. McTavish and J. Caminick are other Auckland horsemen With engagements at Riccarton. The former Will be on Red Heckle,. Waiwene. and Lord Masharil, and Catnmick Will ride JalotiX in the Winter Cup. A few days ;i£O Imiimint cut herselt rather severely by falling on the road. It is not yet certain whether she will be fit enough to carry out her engii’gemohts at Pakuranga. , The two-year-old colt by hirlwlmt--Hukapnph has been named Solomon. He is a half-brother to Sargon, and is a member of F. Gilchrist’s team at Ellerslie. ■ . •

TROTS POSTPONED

Metropolitan Meeting COURSE SNOWBOUND No Racing Until Monday (By “Overcheck.") The new trotting season will not be opened at Addington Until Monday, the meeting set down for to-day having been postponed on account of the state of the course following heavy falls of aribw. The fields for the fixture pre particularly strong throughout, arid tach race should be keenly contested. ■ The programme for Monday is as follows:— ' iNTRODPCTORV HANDICAP , of 150 sova.; for unhoppled trotters; 3.32 class. One mile ahd a half. First Wrack .. aer Todd Bingen .. scr Gay Paree .. scr Arctotls 24 Great Amazdri . scr Dolores ;..... 24 Katute scr To.ddLonzla .. 24 Mercs Bingen . scr All Peters ... 48 Repute ser Ambition .... CO Of those engaged In th® Iritrbductory Handicap, First Wrack, Gay Parse, Todd Bingen, and Todd Lonzia did best last season. Oh the second day of. thb June meeting at Addington, First Wrack won by‘a Head from Tofid Bingen, and they again irieet on the same terms; The firstnamed is, I .belief©, the faster of the pair, but she does not always go steadily. On the other hand Todd Bingen failed on a heavy track up north, and the chances are that the going will be heavy on Monday. Gay Paree won six races last year, and is expected to dp well this term. Todd Lonzia has the best average and generally races steadily, and on this account he may receive most support. First Wrack and Gay Paree may follow in order Of favouritism. ADVANCE HANDICAP, of 200 eova.; 2.56 class. One mile and a quarter. Avernnaset On Parade ... scr Eureka Boy sot Giro 12 hone Derby .. sef Tempbsi 21 Lord Leslie .. ser A small bht select field is engaged in the Advance Handicap. Averrius, Giro, Ou Parade, and Tempest have not raced for some time and may not yet be at tfaeir best. In the Northern Derby, Tempest won by a head from Avernus, with Giro two lengths and a half away third. Fit and well Avernus would appear to have an excellent chance of finishing in front of the ttvo others mentioned. In the Juvenile Hnfidieap at Addingtoii in February, Eureka Boy rind Lord Leslie ran sbCOnd arid third respectively to Wrecker; the first-named conceding Lord Leslie 12 yards, Eureka Boy has hgd recent racing, and should have a call Over most of th©, others bn the score of condition. On Parade started at the Relief Meeting ih a two-mile race, bu( was Unsupported on the machine. Avernus, Eureka Boy and Cir<? may go best. AUGUST HANDICAP, of sovs.; 4.29 class. Twb miles. Golden Pedro scr Lindbergh 2) Muriel de Oro . scr Red Shndow .. 24 Arethusa 12 Regal Voyage . 36 Linkman 12 Free Advico .. 4S fteremal 12 Author Jinks .; 66 Auto Machine . 24 Carmel. 60 Ring Pointer .. 24 Rof I’Or GO Th© Ahgust Handicap should pbbvide a capital coptest. Of the pair on scratch Muriel de Oro may do best, but it is questionable Whether she is capable of holding off Arethusa at a difference of only 12 yards provided that the latter iS produced in her best form. Auto Machine aiid Red Shadow appeal most of the 24 yards division. The former has not raced at Addingtoii, but has been .doing good, track work. Red Shadow is brilliant, and is reported to be in good trim. liowever, if the pace is on from the start, the last furlong may find him ih trouble as he has riot yet proved his ability to tun out a two-mile face with the uace on from end to end. Regal .Voyage, is a genuine stayer, and should go Welt Of the babk-inarkets Roi I’Or reads best. Arctjiiisti and. Regal Voyage may be right up at the finish. TRIAL HANDICAP, of 200 sots. ; 4.40 class. Two miles. Nelsonian .... scr Tactless 12 Nimbus her Wild Guy .>>; 12 Nona Blpgen scr Awa-ttl 5..... 24 Bokeria scr Gun Fire .... 24 Silver dfe Ord ;. SCr Kelp -I War Paint .. set Erin's Lynn .. 36 Wrecker scr Netta Oro .... 36 Gold Tinge 12 • The Trial Handicap contains many Useful performers, but two uiilos tahy fipd Some of them short, of breath at the finisli.VVreekef is a brilliant hbrhe, and having a record of 4.33 4-5 at 16 fuf‘ longs may be the popular selection. Gold Tinge also is a very useful sort Of whom the best has not yet been seeri. Wild Guy hag shown a marked improvement of form of late, and his chances cannot be ignored. Of tlie others the consistent Kelp arid Nettq Oto may be in inost demand. Wrecker and Gold Tinge may take a prominent part ill the decision of the race. STEWARDS’ HANDICAP, of 250 sovs.: for UhhOppled trotters: 4.40 class. Two miles. Great Nelson .. scr Ainbltion ... 30 Mountain scr Quickfire .... mO Vallodeu ;.i. Sfcr Biddy Parrish • *8 Gemlight ;... 12 Great Way ....’4B Boneta 24 Fits 00 Nelson Ata 24 Huon Voyage . 84 New Jietford .. 24 Stanley T. .... 00 Although the records show that but few,Winners come from marks so far brick as 84 yards I am inclined to disregard them on this occasion, for in Huon Voyage we have a great trotter, ariq the probabilities are that the course will be heavy, conditions which lead to :a slow run race, thus affording the back-mark-ers extra time in which to catch th© limit horses. I therefore consider (hat Huon Voyage should bo Well to the fore at the finish. Of the scratch section Moufitairi Mist is a horse of whom good things may reasonably be anticipated. Two. others that may go well are Biddy Parrish and Great Way. The latter appears to have Settled down, considerably and he may outstay Biddy Parrish. Huon Voyage, Mountain Mist, and Great AVay may all be Well ih the picture at the business end. QUEEN MARY pANDTCAI', Of 250 SOVS.: 4.35 class. Two miles. . Editor scr Niffible Direct 24 Mountain Ore . scr Ayrhiout . Nelson’s. Ghlmes SO Victory 12 Cyone, 3'* Royiil Comrade 12 Harvest Child .30 Sir Guy 12 steel All 80 Snnchild .... 12 Dillon Logan.. 48 Wilma Dillon 12 Siinny Bob ... 4S Great Parrish . 24 Pluto ud MUjOr Lind ... 24 The Queen Mary Handicap promises to be a difficult race to,win. Sir Guy showed excellent form at the Relief Meeting, and will nd doubt find plenty of supporters. Great Parrish was also in the picture for tlie greater plit't of the shine race. Ayrmont Chimes has been racing well but without luck, end I am prepared to see him go :i great race. Of the others Dillon Logan may do best;. The chances of Ayrjnout Chimes and Sir Guy may bo best fancied.

SELWtN HANDICAP, of 300 sovs.; 2.48 class. One mile and a quartet. Aleron scr Wilbur White . scr Apex set Arachne 12 Brentlight ... scr Avenger •■•••• Dusolina .... scr Baron Bingen 12 Country Kins . scr Colorado .... Eugene de Oro scr Grand Canyon . 1Herod scr Morning Sun .. 12 Morrison scr Qfiye Nelson 1Roddy scr Tarndale 1Somerby scr Wrackeeu 12 Sunny Morn .. scr Neeoro .-••••• Chance tony prove a deciding factor m the Selwyn Handicap, for in such a large field over 10 furlongs some of the contestants are almost sure to have their chances prejudiced by their inability to secure an uninterrupted passage. Country King won at the Relief Meeting, but several horSes fell rind this may have assisted-him somewhat. Sunny Morn can both sprint and stay, and he showed excellent form at the Canterbury Park meeting in winning the Pioneer Handicap of two miles in 4.25. Colorado is an improved Horse, and may cause most trouble tri Sunny Morn arid Country King. INTERNATIONAL handicap, of 200 BOVS.; 2.12 class. One mile. Belinda scr VVilmri Dillon . scr Colonial Boy .. scr Ctanleigh .... 12 Gold Country . scr Enaw.ab • Mac Dillon ... scr George Rey .. 12 Neeoro scr Impromptu ... 12 Nimble Direct scr Glenrossle .... 24 Pluto . scr Great Login ... -24 Princess Rollo 24 ..Mauritius Scr Clirmel 4a Sir Author ... her , .■. . . The pace Should be a cracker m the International Handicap, in which Gold Country, Npepra; Cranleigh, and George Rey may race prominently. Rollo, too, would be a possibility, but he is a doubtful proposition at the barrier, and this also applies in a lesser degree to Gold Country. Having been reserved for the ritce. Ctanleigh may be the popular Selection. With an even break Gold Country may be the one most likely to extend him.

A southern exchange publishes the following interesting report of a new system of selecting winners:—So consistently has . a patient in a mental home near Melbourne backed winners that the local starting-pylce bookmaker is said to be feeling the pinch. The patient, has had only one or two bets a day, and his percentage of winners has been remarkable. The winners have been quoted at long odds. Envious warders began to wonder how the patient secured such good information. They dare not ask him, because he was so secretive about the business. They noticed that he secured all the newspapers available on race days. and earefullv clipped the turf sections from them, apparently not being interested in the other hews they contained. A Watch was kept; and one Saturday morning recently the patient was seen to write the names of all the horses in one oh slips of paper. These Were carefully embedded in pieces of bread, rolled hard, hiid placed in a dish of water. Watching the Water intently, the patient did not realise that he was being observed. As soon as the first piece of bread broke and released the slip of priper he seized it eagerly. That was his winner! The bhlookers sought out the bookmaker, curious to learn the name of the horse the patient had backed. They had their little bit on, too. and- it won—at 10 to 1.

HARD WRESTLING

Demetral Beats Muir AUSTRALIAN DISQUALIFIED By Telegraph—Press Association. Nelson, August 5. Before a packed house, Harry Demetral (America) defeated Bonnie Muir (Australia) in a hard-fought bout .by ttvo falls to one. Demetral gained a fall in the third round, after a series of headlocks, with a body press. Muir evened UP in the fourth round, a fall being secured with a body press after a series of flying tackles. . The bout ended in the fifth round, Muir being disqualified for rabbit-punch-ing aftet several warnings from the referee, Mr. J. H. Thompson, of Wellington. double Event on Monday Wrestling enthusiasts Will be well catered for at the Towfi Hall on Monday night, when a double bill will be I staged. Peter Limutkin will wrestle with George Gardiner, while Anton Kooiffiari aud Len Naylor, of Auckland, are also to wrestle in a professional bout. Naylor and Koolman wrestled in a most exciting bout here receritly, when Koolman won by disabling his opponent. As the bout was one of the most spectacular yet staged in this City, the Wellihgtoh wrestling Association, as the result of numerous .requests, decided to match , the pair agairi. , / ■ ; Limutkin rind Gardiner are both in good form and their match should be a solid One. Gardiner is said to be .a very fine matman, and he will be making his first appearance here, Limutkin, who is now at the top of his form, has been training specially for the bout.