THE TURF FIXTURES.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 44, 20 August 1913, Page 2

THE TURF FIXTURES.

August 28th — Amberley Steeplechase Club Annual. September 3rd-— Marton J.C. Spring. September 10th— Dannevirke R.C. Steeplechase. September 11th and 12th— Ashburton County R.C. Spring. i NOTES AND COMMENTS (By Sir Bedivere.) : The first thing that must have struck anyone examining the handicap for the New Zealand Cup was that Mr. Henrys regards Bobrikoff as the best horse engaged. Probably he is, but it seems scarcely complimentary Vto the best of last season* three-year-olds that a nine-year-old gelding should be regarded as their superior by no less than 81b, for that is. in fact, the position. Bobrikoff has received 31b more, whilst Bon Jon, Bon Reve, and Bleriot have each been let off with 51b less than weight- for- age. None of the three horses last mentioned may be a champion, but each is at least smart, and, although the conditions were admittedly against Bobrikoff at Riccarton last November, it is worthy of note that each time Bon Ton and Bon Reve met him they beat him. Bobrikoff subsequently had his revenge at Ellerslie, where he had Bon Ton, who was meeting him on 121b worse terms that w.f.a., behind him in the Auckland i Cup. He also defeated Bleriot and Bon Reve in the Islington Plate and Bon Ton in the Auckland Plate, and it is principally, no doubt, in view of his decisive victory in the event last named that Mr. Henrys has called upon him to concede Messrs.' Steads' pair and Bleriot so much weight. Bobrikoff himself could not well nave been put in afc less than 9st 61b, for, after winning the Auckland Cup, he ran third in the Wellington Cup under 9.9, but -he has been set a big task, and he will need to be at his very best in order to have a i reasonable chance of succeeding, Midnight Sun won the New Zealand Cup rather unexpectedly last November, under 8.0, and he subsequently finished third in the Auckland Cup under 8.11. He has since 6hown good form in Australia, and if Mr. Watt decides to bring him home, his chance will be fancied. The result of the C. J.C. Great Autumn Handicap is usually instructive as regards the big two-mile handicap to be run the following November, and that achieved last March is worthy of study. Bon Ton (8.4) then beat Bronze (8.8) by a head, whilst Masterpiece (9.2) was a neck away third. Mr. Henrys has now put 8.11 on Masterpiece, 8.9 on Bon Ton, and 8.5 on Bronze, and, as in comparison with the other two, Bon Ton should now be a 71b to 81b better colt, the trio ought again to finish very close together. Undecided would probably be better suited by a shorter course, for he failed dismally last year under 8.4, but Sir Solo, who won the Wellington^ Cup in good style whilst carrying 7.8, is entitled to respecfi, and Domino, who was not always handled to the best of advantage last season, must have a chance. So must the latter's stable-mate, Potoa, who ran Beeond to Cheddar in the Thompson Handicap last April under 8.0, and has al«M^tt«h Jig, would atay^ given a > great " chance" in i Ibelhg let off' with 261b less than w.f.a. Mowbray is, it may be noted, considered the best of ' the three-year-oldß, and also the next best horse to Bobrikoff engaged. » He may Btay, but bo far hid , performances have suggested that Bprinting will be his forte, and personally I prefer the prospects of Chernbini to those of any othei' candidate of his age engaged. On his return from the South Kilrain was railed to Trentham, where he will bo under J. W. Lowe's guidance. Albeit Lomond sadly disappointed his connections on the Turf, his late owner, Mr. Hulton, did well enough out o{ him. He purchased the colt for 40fl0gns, and now we are told that he has sold him to Lord Dunraven for three times this sum. Until the present season the Wanganni horseman, A. Gordon, has always ridden as an amateur. He now holds a professional rider's license, however, and won his first race •as a "jockey" on Dorando last week. v Captain Jingle, who unfortunately went amiss whilst racing in Victoria, has been presented to the wife of his former owner, Mr, Grenside, of Hast* ings, and will be brought back to New Zealand. LOMOND SOLD (Dy Telegraph.— Preks Association.— Copyright.) LONDON, 19th August. Lord Dunraven has purchased Lomond (Desmond — Lowland Aggi), the well' known racehorse, from Mr. E. Hulton, It is believed he paid 12,000 guineas for him.