SPORTING.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LI, Issue 5599, 4 February 1879, Page 5

SPORTING.

NAPIER RACES. [By Telegbafh.] ITIMES' SPECIAL WIRE.] WELLINGTON, Fbb. 3. The following are the acceptances for the NAPIBB HANDICAP. Ben Nevis Danebury Sinking Fund Mufti Laertes LadyJßlen Dainty Fuogawerewere Pohokura Xantippo Lady Elizabeth Grey Momua Finflre Ika Eaupo Lara Otupai Luna WAIBARAPA races. [By Tblbgbaph.] The following entries have been received for the WAIEABAPA maiden PLATE. Knight’s Barbella I Gillies' Orphan Mur.agh’a Black Frinoe | Vallanoe’s Merlin.

WAIEAEAPA STAKES. Knight’s Lara I 'Vallanoe’s Mufti Murtagh’s Harkaway I „ Danebury Bay’s Bribery I Butler’s Laertes PEODtTCB STAKES. Hathaway's Mischief Thompson’s Sunshine Gillies’ Orphan „ Tim Whif. Bowe's Lady Ellen fler Shearman's Cornelia LADIES’ PUBSB. Bay’s Bribery I Vellanoe’s Merlin Vallance’s Eversley . | Butler’s Agent BUBBLE HANDICAP. Knight’s Boebuoh I Hill’s Ada Dissmond’s Kangaroo I Vallanoe’s Eversley „ Blue Jacket I Butler’s Agent Murtagh’s Harkaway I WAIBABAPA JACKET CLUB HANDICAP. Knight’s Ika E. Bay’s Bribery Lara Valianoes Mufti Bay’s Diver » Danebury Mortagh’s Black Prince .. Lady Ellen Hill’s Ada Butler’s Laertes DISTBIOT HANDICAP. Lara Orphan Ika Lady Ellen Barbella Pretty Girl Bine Jacket Harkaway Diver Ado WELLINGTON RACES. [Bt Thleobaph.] WELLINGTON, Feb. 3. This morning work was commenced by To Whetu, whom O’Brien sent once round half speed. Without doubt the horse’s condition is such as will enable him to win the weight* for-age race if sent. Agent, who did a Blow canter for the same distance, has dono_ little work since my visits commenced. His feet appear a little troublesome. Maritana and Bnbery did alow work twice round the course, but the mare moved in a freer man* ner than for a day or two previous. King Quail, who is better after a two days spell, wont tho Oup distance fast* Sailor did two miles slow, and I hk® his chance less than ever. Longlands and TJndine did two miles, the mare leading, and going niofly. d&e horse’s appearance did not impress, hie as first oUss® He caught a cold coming lip, which does him no good. Dundee, after a round joined in, but as the pace improved dropped behind, and continued slowly on. Laertes and Eversley did a round together

tolerably fast, after which Lady Ellon kept them company, the pace becoming much bettor The hurdle racer fell backhand the mare had far the best of the finish. Merlin, Danebury and Mufti went to the beach in Vallance’s charge, and then went two miles, the first pair fast, the latter’horse three miles slow canter. Bata was walked about the course. He appears little the worse tor his knocking about crossing the Strait; Otawa was sent two miles fast, galloping' strong and well. Grey Momfis did useful work. After Fishhook was somtohod at 3.3 G p.m. on Saturday, the betting-market became more animated. A desire to Back Lara was evinced, and when it was found- that some £7OO had been obtained by pne individual, apparently executing a commission, his price rapidly shortened to sto 1. Danebury nominally occupies the pride of place at 3. to ILaertes and Longlands 'standing at & to 1, although little backed.' The Diver and Lady Grey were also backed at prises from 100 to 3 to. 5, but at the latter little was done. The race is day by day assuming a more open aspect. Speculation on all events except the Cup is almost nil. A few disables have been laid for the Derby and Cup, and Empire Plate and Cup. For the former-Merlin is slightly the best favourite, whilst Lara is preferred for the last.