THE TURF

Evening Post, Volume XCIII, Issue 130, 1 June 1917, Page 4

THE TURF

NOTES AND COMMENTS

(ti "818 LANCELOT.")

The Auckland Racing Club's Winter Meeting starts at Ellerslie to-morrow.

The Maiden Steeplechase, two miles and a-ha]f. with which proceedings open, has in previous years proved a guide to more important' events following. Ngatoa and 'Waimai, winners of the race named in the- last two years, both won the Grand National Steeplechase at Eiccarton. It will be interesting to note whether turf history can repeat itself on the present occasion. Among those engaged in the Maiden Steeplechase that are also in the Great Northern, run on Monday, are Styrax, Hereford, Record, Ulster, Czaronus, Diavolo, and St. Elmn. Czaronus did 60 well on his first appearance at Wanganui that he will be one of the most fancied runners on the day. It is thought that the Ellerslie country will net trouble Styrax as much as that at Wanganui. If either of this pair is successful he is sure to have a good following in the Great Northern, in which both are in receipt of a good deal of weight from .the more fancied ones. ,

' The big field engaged in the Jervois Handicap, seven furlongs, includes the liawkes Bay performers Parisian Diamond and Rylstone, also Sir Ralph, who won a double at Egmont. The Kiiramu representative, Hylaus, stands out as a class above tjhose engaged in the Maiden Hurdles, one mile and three-quarters. Paramahone has not done much since he won at Woodville. From the North I have received a good word about Brown Lock. He is a halfbrother to Uranium, a useful performer a few seasons back.

The distance, of the Great Northern Hurdles, two miles and a-half, is a great test to the stamina and-staying ability of the competitors. The only previous winner engaged is Te Onga, who was successful three years ago. Several of Uiose down to compete have won at two miles. Although Sir Solo has not yet won a hurdle race he was placed in the last Grand National run at Riecarton. He and Fisher, who has a. two-mile race at 'EHcrslie to his credit, have nob been overburdened hy the handicapper. In the Cornwall Handicap, one mile and a-qyarter, Toa Tero, whose performances since he returned from Australia have been of the solid order, may prove to be the best of the top weights. Hopfield has not yet reproduced the good form he showed at Randwick. His owner may get his purchase money back on the second or third days of the meeting, when the distances—seven furlongs and a mile—are more to his Hiding. Lady Penury and Housewife may bo the best of the Auckland division. Red Ribbon has been given an excellent chance with 71b above the minimum. On the whole she has proved rather a disappointment this season.

Croesus is a brilliant sprinter, but it looks as if he will go through. the seaeon without a win. In the members' Handicap, five furlongs, he is giving away just on three stone. There are a number of smart beginners engaged, such as Ring Lupin, CaTlysian, and Cardrona.

The successful sire of jumpers, Spalpeen, is represented at the meeting by El Gallo, Waimai, Troublesome, Tararu Jack, Spalperion, Spaifire, and others. The last-named ran second in a hurdle race at Hamilton. He is in the Hunt Club Hurdles, in what appears to be a weak field.

Although Mia Cara ia not to go to Otaki, it is stated that her stable companion, Gang AW, who races in different ownership, will be found competing in<kthe Raukawa Cup. He will have to carry 8.9, which is 51b more than he won with on the second day at Wanganui. In the Autumn Handicap at Awapuni Gang Awa' beat Detroit by a neck for second place, and at Otaki the latter has a stone the best of it. The going at Otaki will favour the lightweights. The form of Gang Awa' at Wanganui makes out Multaine, who defeated the Provocation geldting in the Autumn Handicap at Awapuni, to be some good. Multaine, who is only three years old, should do.well in handicap events next season.

R. J. Mason has gone to Sydney with Mr. G. D. Greenwood's team, consisting of Bimeter, Biplane, Kilowatt, and Immortelle. Bimefcer is to compete in the ■middle distance weight-for-age races. Biplane is engaged in the A.J.C. Derby. Immortelle (Martian —Everlasting), a full sister to Immer, and Kilowatt (Martian —Forked Lightning) are both maiden two-year-olds. On previous visits to Sydney Mason's team have been quartered at the Royal Hotel, Randwick, and tlmt will ag«ain be his headquarters. The well-known South Island owner of trotting horses, Mr. H. F. Niooll, will be represented at the South. Wairarapa Trotting Club's Meeting by the fullsisters, Anna and Red Empress. The former* has only started once, but is credited with having more- than an average amount of pace.