RACING NOTES.

Grey River Argus, 2 July 1914, Page 3

RACING NOTES.

From Sydney comes? word that Cherubini^ono of the recently-arrived 'New Zealanders^is early in trouble, and for the time being his preparation is suspended. The ailment may not be serious, and may yield to Test and the customary remedies.

As Expect was not weighted, in the Epsom and Metropolitan Handicaps it is presumed that G. Price withdrew him from the races mentioned before the weights appeared. This would confirm the idea tha tnone of the Highden horses will be sent to Sydney this year.

Few horses have shown such great improvement in the course of a few months as has Exotic. It may not be generally known that prior to the present season the Explosion gelding raced unsuccessfully as The Wowser at several hunt club meetings, and was subsequently sold for a mere song. Now he is one of the most discussed 'chasers in the Dominion.

The u'omi nations received for the leading events at the New Zealand Grand National Meeting are in every way satisfactory. The figures for eaeh_ race, as compared with those in 1913, are as under, this year's total being given first in each case: — Grand Natidrial Steeplechase, 28, 34; Winter Cup 53, 55; Grand National Hurdles, 41, 34; Beaufont Steeplechase, 40, 3(5; Sydenham Hurdles, 42, 38; Lincoln Steeplechase, 41, 37. Totals: 19194, 245; 1913, 234.

The Auckland Eacing Club has forwarded a remit for discussion nt the Racing Conference) which sits next month, proposing that horses shall take up their position at th ebarrier in the order in which they appear on the race card. This means that the top-weight would always have No. 1 position, and so oiir On some courses the rails is a very big advantage at certain posts, and the fairest way to allot that position is, as is done at the present time, by ballot. There are many who think that because a horse is top weight he should have what advantage there is, but while this has a lot to commend it, the present system is probably the fairest to all.