NOTES ON THE RACING

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 122, 19 November 1914, Page 4

NOTES ON THE RACING

(BT TItEQRAPH.) (From "Sir Lancelot.") BLENHEIM, 18th November. A strong westerly galo blew all day at Riverlands, making matters unpleasant for visitors to the opening day of the Marlborough Racing ' Club's Spring Meeting. The present season is the driest known in the district for many years, and in consequence the course was very hard. Some of the fields were reduced by scratchings, and only in four events two dividends were paid. Some hot favourites were sent out— Plunder, Arlington, Peronilla, Lady Vladimir, and the two most-fancied trotters prevailed, but Peroneal and Gerberga failed. The Trentham-trained Plunder, who beat Chakwana on the concluding day at Trentham, was considered the best of the maiden lot. After Gold Necklace (also trained at Trentham) had led into the straight the favourite came through and won easily from Charlerose, who was ridden out, and just beat Gold Necklace for second place. Later in the afternoon Plunder was saddled up again for the Spring Hack Handicap and put up 71b penalty. The Taranakitrained Gerberga was favourite, but Plunder beat her easily- at tho finish. Plunder is leased by Trentham Trainer S. A. Crawford from her breeder, Mr. C. B. Pharazyn, in whose colours Spoil won several races. * Crawford also scored in the Electric Hack Handicap with Lady Vladimir, who was sent out a strong favourite. Gerberga was saddled up again, and was supported from the right quarter, but could only get fourth. Excitement, who ran second, paid the ' best dividend of the day. W. Bell rode Plunder and Lady Vladimir. Although there were only four runners for the Blenheim Handicap, it produced a slashing finish between three. 'Peroneal was unlucky enough to get a> bump when making her run, but Rene finished up her task very strongly. The maxim "horses for courses" applies to her. She won her first race at Riverlandsj twelve months ago, and at the Autumn Meeting ran two firsts and two seconds Out of four starts. Beacon, who took part in the hurdle race at Riccarton ( on Saturday, was allowed to lead for part of the way, but was beaten off at the finish.- . Mount Victoria got a break in the Flying and looked "like leading from end to end. Peronilla drew level in the last furlong, and won with something ,to spare. Peronilla was among the winnersat the Marlborough May Meeting. Arlington was sent out a strong favourite for the Welter Hack Handicap. He just scratched home, and appeared lucky to beat Alecto, whose apprentice rider appeared unable to keep her tstraight. The whole of the six flat races went to horses trained at Trentham, which is an excellent record. Backers picked winners of both Trots, which were tame affairs. Early Rose was objected to on the ground that M. Maher (her driver) flourished his whip and ' interfered with the second horse, Kentucky Chimes (trained in Hawera). It was decided to pay out on the winner.