TURF GOSSIP.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 11, Issue 822, 29 January 1867, Page 2

TURF GOSSIP.

xhe prospect oi our approacmng race meeting may render a few remarks upon the horses likely to be engaged, not unacceptable. In courtesy, we first mention the strangers. Of those which have arrived, " Orlando," having recently distinguished himself at the Auckland meeting, attracts most attention. His praises have been sufficiently sounded in the Auckland papers. His performances we cannot, however, think remarkable, as an old friend, "Numa," ran him very close in the Auckland handicap ; and, considering the weights and the course, the time (3m. 56secs.) was not particularly fast. As the " Miller" will probably not put in an appearance for the Cup, and " Policy" and " Moss Rose" having declined, " Orlando" will be the only representative of the other provinces in this race, . which stake ought to remain in Hawke's Bay if our horses are in their old form. Of Orlando's stable companions, " Numa" is already well known to us, and that not very favorably. The " Count" is a flyer, but half a mile suits him better than a longer distance. His winning the Produce Stakes in Auckland must be attributed to the very moderate company in which he ran. Of George Cutts' lot, "Day and Martin" has a Melbourne reputation, which was sadly marred by his Auckland running, as well as his previous performances in Sydney. Old "Volunteer" bowled him out very easily in the three miles at. Auckland, and we expect will do so again, should they meet here at the same distance. The time, 6m. 9secs., has seldom been exceeded here. Of the filly in the same stable we know but little. She ran* a moderate third in the Auckland Maiden Plate, and we shall be surprised if she secures a better place here. The expected arrivals are, we believe, confined to " Glengarry," late " Garroter," from Auckland, and to " Volunteer," with possibly a maiden horse, from Wanganui. " Volunteer" is well known to the Napier sporting public, but we can scarcely expect to find him improved since his last appearance here. "Garroter" is a game horse but very slow, and will not have a shew for anything but the three miles. His defeat of " Orlando" in the Farmer's Plate at Auckland was not to be wondered at, as he came out a fresh horse, and the heavy weights were all in his favor. The Napier horses in training comprise "Rowdy," "Euclid," "Highlow," "Ranter," and " Warren, Hastings," whose performances are already well known to the frequenters of our annual meetings. The maiden horses will make but a poor show as regards numbers. In addition to " Warren Hastings" and " Ranter," already named, they consist of" Hikutoto," "Frenzy," and a Glendon mare in the stables of our old friend, Capt. Hunter. It will be seen from the' above that we are indebted to Auckland for being able to make up respectable fields far the various events at the ensuing meeting; indeed without the Auckland horses it seems doubtful if we should have been able to make up the requisite number of starters I for each race. Let us hope that strangers who visit us this year, will receive sufficient encouragement to induce them to do so regularly.