THE TURF.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXI, Issue 75, 31 March 1910, Page 2

THE TURF.

NOTES AND COMMENTS. (By Sir Bedivere.) So far as New Zealand i& concerned the racing at Eastertime is now a thing of the past ; and although surprises have been effected, accidents met with, and the heavy state of the going, in some instances, affected results, good 6port has be«n the rule rather than th« exception. Perhaps the most disappointing thing about it all is that we are still left comparatively in the dark as lo which of our young horses is actually the best two-year-old of the season. Champagne Stakes form, of course, pointed to Madam Madcap occupying this position. Her subsequent defeat at tho hands of Formby in the Challenge Stakes, however, quite upset 'ail calculations, and as Armlet was again equal to beating each of her rivals at weight-for-age, tho only conclusion we can arrive at is that collectively speaking tho juveniles are the woret lot that have b«en seen out for many a year. Personally, I have always relied upon Madam Madcap to redeem tho situation, and, despite her defeat in the seven furlongs event, I am still convinced that on her day she is a good one. Horses that have moods, howover, or for whom excuses have to be found, are not to my liking at all ; good ones, i.e. , retlly good oneo, are always on tho spot when required, and such the present season must now be regarded as particularly leaJi of. In saying this, lam of course referring strictly to tho two-year-old division. Of older horses we have at least an average number of high-class performers, and Bobrikoff's latest achievements in Australia conclusively prove that, as usual, the best animals reared in this country can at least hold their own against anything that can be pitted against them in the Commonwealth. That this should be so says a great deal for New Zealand as a breeding ground for the thoroughbred, for apart from the fact that our friends across the sea have a larger number to pick and choose from than ourselves, they havo of late years been considerably more enterprising than wo in the importation of sires and mares from the Httlo inland to which every other country must continually resort if it is to maintain tho standard of its racehorses. The news cabled regarding the yearling sales at Randwick makes interesting reading in so much as it affords proof of the continued good market thero is in Australia for well-bred blood stock. Information to tho effect that Mr. J. B. Reid had paid the immense sum of 60 guineas for a filly by Orzil, is not of a particularly momentous nnture, however, and it seems stmngo that il did not occur to tho Press Association agent to send some account an to what happened tho New Zealand-bred yearlings offered on behalf of Messrs. G. Cumo and F. Moore, of Kai Iwi. On the e^e of the publication of an important handicap, enthusiasts are usually heard speculating as to which horso will be awurded top-weight. During the past few days, however, the point seems scarcely lo have been discussed with regard to the Thompson Handicap, and in view of the exceptional quality of the field, this is all the more extraordinary. Probably, however, our attentions have been too fully occupied with a study of tho results of the Jester racing to allow of othgr matters being given a thought ; or is it rather that the problem of which horsa's name would be seen at the head of the list was such a knotty one that the prophets deemed it wiser to remum silent? Me. Pollock had a fine opportunity to turn out a pretty piece of work in connection with this year's, race, for the field contained hut the smallest percentage of rubbish. In the circumstances, there' was no reason to unduly burden tho crack performers, and in having adopted a range of no greater width than 41lb he is fully justified. Few people will be surprised tp see Crucinolla at the he^d of affairs, her recent having been brilliant in the extreme. At Christmas time, when not looking ncurly ready, she co-mad 8.11 to victory in tho Awapuiu Handicap from Full Rate 8.2, and Tumut 9.0. Since then she has won the Wellington Cup under 7.12, and the Feilding Cup under 9.5, whilst in the Summer Handicap, at Trentham, which was won by Bobrikoff, sho finished unplaced under 9.0. Her form in tho last named event, however, was too bad to bo true, and in view of the smashing stylo in which she scored at Feilding last week, she cannot now be regarded as harshly iifietl in being asked to carry 9.G. North East's latest displays have been disappointing, and, whilst fully recognising the merit of his performances at VVanganui, I cannot say that I fancy his chances of holding his own with Crucinella at even weights. Last August, when he won the Winter Cup at lticcarton, he was probably right at Ins best, but he failed to ivllow Gwendoline 101b in the Islington Handicap, find favoured with an allowance of 181b, a comparatively moderate filly in Sweet Angelas beat him over seven furlongs in tho Heathcote Handicap. The form shown by Gold Lace last November was quite suihoiently good to warrant her being considered the best sprinter of her size in tho Dominion. It is doubtful indeed if at that time any horse in the country, not excluding Bobrikoff, could ha-ve beaten her over a six-furlong course at w eight- for-age. In the Members' Handicap (seven furlongs) she carried 9.3, and won decisively Jtrom Penates, whosn burden was 9,8, and on that form .done she is fully entitled to every pound thai she has received at the hands of Mr. Pollock. In comparison with Crucinella and Gold Laco, Armlet appears to be rightly placed, and though she has yet to prove her ability to get to the end of eight furlongs, the manner in which she scored in the Challenge Stakes suggests her being able to do so. Master boult is, of course, exceptionally well in, but he is apparently far from sound, and is, therefore, extremely unlikely to be seen at the post. Etjuitas is set to carry 2lb more than she failed under at Ellerslie, and at o difference of no more than 21b I prefer the chance of Armlet. When this, pair met over six furlongs in January, Armlet was conceding 181b. Equitas beat her in hollow fashion, but Mr. Preston's filly's subsequent form, when it took her ajl her timo to allow Silkweb | 251b, und finish four lengths in front of Full Hate, who was carrying even weight with her, did not suggest her bcinn within 51b or 61b of Armlet. Iraiuu seems to have received her full chars, .-. remark that also applies to Tumut, who, however, is set to meet Armlet on 61b bettor toims than he did at Trentham, when she finiibed a long way in front of him at the end of six furlongs. Space %\ill not permit of further comment on the Thomppon Handicap in this Usuo, Bobrikoff't Intcit achievement only affords additional proof of what a really brilliant horta ho is. Il i* yet possible that he may ineot Prince Foote -n th«> A.J.C. Plat*;, thice mile*. Tho result of such n contest would, of course, largely d-spend upon the manner in which the race wan run. and if the paco rhouid happen to be slow for the firfit two-third;? of the journey, the Xow Zcnlander would nwiiedlv have ;i t?rent chance of putting down llio (link <<>!( of th<> I'oiniiioii\UMitll. Tiic t»iunti> uniting ninic !Snl 'lapkei i- to be .'hipped from Lyttolton to-duy for Sydney, wlurt »h« will b« tn«t Wy her old trainer, D. J. Price, who will I

take her on to Melbourne. Her owner, ! Mrs. R. 0. Duncan, is prepared to match h«r against Denver Huon for JGSOD asid«, and it is understood that Mr. J. Wren is, prepared to offer a substantial^ purse, in addition to a sweepstake to be put up by each of the respective owners, for a triangular contest between Sol Tasker, Denver Huon, and Dan Patch. If neither contest takes place Sol Tasker will attempt to create a new Australasian pacing record, which is at present held by the New Zealand-bred horse, Ribbonwood, who paced a mile in 2min 9sec at the Metropolitan Trotting track, Christchurch, some few years ago. PONY RACING AT MIRAMAR. A meeting of the Wellington Pony and Galloway Racing Club was held at Miramar yesterday in weather as disagreeable ns could well be imagined. Between seventy and eighty people were present, and the bookmakers doing business made four more. Some ponies ran fast and others not 60 fast as they might have done, had weather and other conditions not been unfavourable. Results are as follow :—: — Ascot Handicap, four furlongs. — Cis- [ porote, 8.4 (Hornc), 1 ; Wee Nannie, 9.10, 2; Axito, 10.3, 3. Also started: Huia 11.6, Tobias 8.7, and Mahaku 8.0. Won by three lengths. Trial Handicap, four furlongs and a half. — Emma, 11.0 (Willoughby) and Inkerman, 8.5 (Todd), a dead heat; Flying Wind, 10.2, 3. Also started : Torrent 8.8, Mcrriman 9.6. Dominion Handicap, six furlongs. — Muskerado, 10.10 (Pearson), 1 ; Petronel, 9.12, 2; Picotee, 9.9, 3. Also started : St. Helena 10.2. Won easily. Victoria Handicap, five furlongs and a half.— Merring, 8.0 (Mallowes), 1; Ciscorose, 8.11, 2; Torrent, 8.8, 3. Also started : Billy 10.0, Merrimanu 9.2, Merry Widow 8.0. Won veryoasily. Final Handicap, four furloiuzs and a half.— St. Helena, 10.4 (Simpkins), 1; Emma, 10.6, 2 ; All Gold, 10.2, 3. Also started : St, Flora 10.9,-Muskeradolo.7, Petionel 9.13, Inkerman 8.7. Won by a length and a half. NELSON WEIGHTS. Mr. J. E. Henrys has declared the following handicaps for the Nelson Jockey Club's meeting :—: — Nelson Cup.— lto 9.0, Nordoff 8.10, Lawn Hose 8.9, De Witte 8.8, North Pole and Marengo 8.5, Glen 7.7, Firet View 6.9, Prince Hass.m 6.7. Hope Handicap.— King Try 10.13, Mangrove 8.8, Awha 7.11, Clemain and Glentui 7.9, Pure Rose 7.2, Maori ixifle and Bandsman 7.0. Telegraph Handicap.— Bridesmaid 9.0, Mangrove 8.13, Surmount 8.6, Gold Top 8.5, Lares 8.2, Glentui 8.0, Love Wisely and Morisco 7.13, Balmy Breeze 7.9, Complexity, Tainini, Poke, Tamerkoa, and Miss Fevo 7.7. Grandstand Handicap. — Ito 9.5, King Try 9.4, Waiata 8.13, Glenspring 8.9, North Pole, De Witte, and Curator 8.8, Vologda 8.5, Glen 7.9, Montague 6.13, Supplement 6.10, Blessbok, Contingent, Prince Hassan, and Balmy Breeze 6.7. Welter Hack.— Marengo 10.9, Mangrove 9.5, Awha 8.10, Clemain 8.8, San Lass 8.3, Pure Rose 8.2, Ahupai and White Stone 8.0. MANAWATU HANDICAPS. The following handicaps have been declared by Mr. J. E. Henrys :—: — Linton Hurdles, one mile and threequarters. — Pikopo 11.9, Windago 11.8,. Waipunehu 10.13, Longner 10.4, Somali 9.0, Arclight 9.7, Centaur, Nightmare, Himatangi, Lothajr, Rerei-oa 9.(7. Karere Welter, six furlongs. — Emblem 9.9, Ascalon 9.8, Captain Bell 9.6, Magmilo 9.5, Rangikura, 9.3, Moree 9.2, Idealism 8.13, Idolatress and Liquid Air 8.11, Brilliancy and Waiariki 8.10, Waxy 8.9, Celeano and Lady Mouk>a 8.8, Leoianter 8.2, Blend, Miss Sylvia, and Kimmerian 8.1, Celebrity, Plantation, and Torpoint 8.0, St. Kildace, Captain, Miss Alba, and Raupare 7.13, Waibola, Voca, Puketotara, San Lass, Te Whitu, Doncghue, Stevens, Kakanui, and Epsom Downs 7.12. Telegraph Stakes, six furlongs. — North East 9.11, Lord Soult 9.7, St. Bill 9.0, Salute 8.13, Ilermia 8.7, Broadsword and Boanerges 8.3, Lady Menschikoff 7.9, Advantage and Ballarat- 7.7, Fasnakyle and Parula 7.4., Toanga 7.3, Nyland 7.2, Golden Loop 6.13, Overtime, Mulga Bill, Red Wing, Lady DoriD, Dervish, and Waicola 6.7. Longburn Handicap, one mile and a furlong. — North East 9.0, Sandstream 8.10, Sir Antrim 8.7, Sir Frisco 8.5, Kilwinning and John 8.3, Salute 8.2, Merrivonia 8.0, Woodhey, Swimming Belt, and Koran 7.13, Advocate and Flitaway 7.7, Parable and Coronelted 7.6, Truganini 7.3, Taimanupo 7.2, Mendip 7.0, Adria 6.10, Mataaii 6.9, Merrie Rofce and Ambvosian 6.8, Te Puia, Teotane. Flingot, W r ec Trinket, Passive, and Fir<-t Battery 6.7. Woodhoy Hack, seven furlongs. — John 10.10, Strathmoira 9.3, Emblem 8.10, Captain Bell 8.5,' Mulga Bill 8.4, Magneto and Attention 8.3, Liouid Air 7.8, Brilliancy 7.7, Guiding Step 7.5, Merriwinjf 7.4, Waitoto and Marathon 7.2, Royal Maid, Plantation, Moutoa Girl, and San Lass 6.7. Twikorea Welt«r, one mile.—Sharpshooter and Swimming Belt- 9.13, Bourrasque 9.11, Waikaraka 9.4, Waitapu 8.11, Teotano 8.10, Arclight 8.9, Weo Trinket 8.8, Perolina. 8.6, Marton 8.5, Golden Loop 8.4, Passive, Red Wing, Obscurity, Splash, and Stevens 8.0. METROPOLITAN TROTTING MEETING. CHRISTCHURCH, 30th March. The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club's Easter meeting was continued to-day. The totalisator investments were £BG7B, as against £10,570 10s last year. Remaining results :—: — Metropolitan Handicap, of 210 soys ; two miles. — Prince Warbeck, 9sec, 1 ; Verax, 7sec, 2; Florin, 13sec, 3. Time, 4min 46sec. Futurity Stakes, of 200 soys ; for two-year-olds ; pacers' division ; one mile. — Dillon Bell, 1; Ripon Child, 2; Galvatina, 3. Time, 2min 29 4-ssec. Easter Handicap, of 125 coys ; two miles. — Bermaline, 14sec, 1 ; Decoration, lOsec, 2 ; Repeater, 7sec, 3. Timo, 5 mm 9sec. Speedwell Handicap, of 150 soys; one mile. — Lady Clare, osec, 1 ; Ribbons, 3 sec, 2 ; Advocate, 4sec, 3. Time, 2min 19sec. Telegraph Handicap, of 135 soys; one mile. — Bell Metal, scr, 1 ; Alliance, 3sec, 2 ; Factory Boy, ssec, 3. Time, 2min 17 4-ssec. Flyers' Handicap, of 135 soys ; ono mile.— Advocate, 2sec, 1 ; Verax, lsec, 2; Gold Leaf, lsec, 3. Time, 2m:n 21 4-ssec.