SPORTING.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 2778, 20 October 1923, Page 6

SPORTING.

FIXTURES. Oct. 20, 22—Welllngaon K.C. Spring. Oct. 20, 22.—Gore R.C. Spring. Oct. 22—Waipawa County R. C. Annual. Oct. 22—Waikato Hunt Annual. Oct. 22, —Rangiora. R.C. Annual. Oct. 22—Waverley R.C. Annual. Oct. 23—Levin R.C. Annual (at Trentham). Oct. 25, 2*7—Poverty Bay Turf Club Spring. Oct. 27—Carterton R.C. Annual. Oct. 31—Birchwood Hunt Annual. Nov. 3—New Zealajid Club. Nov. 3, s—Auckland R.C. Spring. Nov. 3,6, 7, 10—Canterbury J. C. Metropolitan. Nov. 10—Upper Clutha R.C. Annual. Nov. 14, 15—Pahiatua Racing Club. Dec. 20, 28, Jan. 1, 2—Auckland R.C. Summer. TRENTHAM TO-DAY. The Wellington Racing Club's spring meeting will open to-day at Trentham, and will be continued on Monday THE WELLINGTON HANDICAP.

A great amount of discussion has centred round the possible outcome of the Wellington Handicap, 1 mile and 3 furlongs, and the race is one of the most open description, so much so that anything of the 17 coloured is likely to return its -backers five-fold on the machine. Surveyor is top-1 weight with 0.2, and his great win at Avondalo is fresh in the minds of turf followers. A great stayer, he will only want to reproduce that form to be in the money. If the going is very heavy, however, he may be put aside Sunart (8.10) has only been out once this season and then was obviously in want of a race, buf Sunart doesn't stand up to prolonged preparation, and therefore may be better than tho form he has betrayed. Rouen (8.9) is reported to be well, and certainly tho

weight won't trouble him, but he is surrounded by class that will keep him busy at his best. Insurrection (8.6) has not been impressive of late. Mark Time's (8.6) dedisive victory in the Higgie Handicap at Wanganui will have to. be borne in mind in summing up his chances, which arc reported to be excellent. Apparently he is not weighted up to his best form, and is sure to be in the picture.' Enthus. iasm (5.5) is in with a comfortable impost, but may not bo ready, Scotch Mixture (8.4) would have had a bigger following if he had been allowed to show some raging form this season, but he is a good one over the distance, and if right, must' bo reckoned

with. Bonetter (8.4) has shown winning, form lately, but more will rely on her stable companion, Vagabond, to carry the Kemball colours to victory, Merry I>ay (S,-*) is sure to beat more than beat her, and her staying powers cannot be denied. Admiral Codringt'on is asked to carry 8.4. He has shown consistent form of late, and if he can negotiate the 'last furlong without distress, he will well up ini the held. Vagabond (S.l) is one -of the best handicapped horses in the race, and ,may still be an example to the younger set Zouave is on tne 7.7 mark. Hia track performances are said to have been most impressive, and this fullblood brother to the late lamented Sasanof has proved himself over 1J miles. Quest, with 7.10, despite recent winning form, has not beeni seriously debated, and Arch Salute (7.3), Stork (7.1), and Pilliewinkie (7.1) are in the same box. Af the bottom of the handicap is Kilbird (7.0), who has three successive wins to his credit, and will be well-fancied for an outside chance. To sum up, tho most likely arc Mark Time, Vagabond, Surveyor, and Zauave.

SHORTS HANDICAP AND OTHER EVENTS.

Of the 17 engaged in the Shorts Handicap, Thespian (9.9) appears to be weighted to the top of his form. He has, however, been very pleasing in his preparation, so probably this Absurd colt will be seen af his best, if started. Rational (9.5) is a very strong fancy, and his popularity is based on solid performance. Many Kittle and Gold Light (8.12) are on the same.mark, but the latter looks the better. Mireusonta (8.8) is in the same case as Stinart, and if tho going is really heavy may effect a surprise. Sunny Loah (8.6) has been performing well in tire south, and must be given a chance. Tukia (7.13) was brilliant last season, but up to the present has not shown improvement with age. Trainer Tilley, however, has the knack of getting his charges Tight on the day, and so Tukia may be worth consideration. Hipo (7.0) is carrying only 2lbs more than he bore to victory in the Flying at Avondale, but the company on this occasion will probably be too seasoned for him. Tho imported Gaze, worthy (7.8) represents a big query,, but rather too big for mosf to at-tempt-to answer. Lady Fingers (7.2) will be fancied on hor recent form. Some say she is even better than she has yet shown. Little attention will be given to the others in thi3 event. Summing them up, the most likely on paper are national, Gold Light. Sunny Loch, Lady Fingers.

i Form points to the following being prominent in their respective events: Taita Handicap, Voltore and Woe Marble; Walnui Handicap, Helen Rufus and Listowel; Rimutaka Handicap, Alabama and Star Ranger; First Hurdles, Comical and Sir Fanci- ■ ful; October Handicap, Elvaette and I Heathcote; Wellcslcy Handicap, Lady I Isinglass and Killocra

As the betting on-only 24 horses can be registered on the "tote" at Trentham, some of the horses m the October Handicap, which claims 37 entrants, will have to be bracketed, although not otherwise connected. It is unlikely, however, that this will have to be done in the Rimutaka Handicap, which claims 27 entrants.

Mr R. Knox, of Opaki, is reported to-have disposed of La'iy Fingers to a Taranuki sportsman. The price is be. ileved to be well mU. four figures.

It is reporUd that owing to the serious ■ ■ illness of his Sister, J. O'Shca will not attend the Wellington meeting. This means that •.mother horseman will have to be found for Rouen in the W.R.C. Handicap.

Crucielle, who was engaged in the Wainui Handicap, was scratched on Thursday. Previously Balasor, Uleaborg, Chimera, and Kllmere had been withdrawn.

Owing to some owners having more 1 than one representative in a race, and the size of some of the fields, there will be a good deal of bracketing on the machine. In the Taita Handicap, Paula and Tanadees, Slump and Bubbly. Rimutaka Handicap, Submerge and Relic, Bonowei and Parearua, Redsome and Stream. Racing Club Handicap, Insurrection, Bonetter, and Vagabond. October Handicap, Soliform and' Bugle Note, Sir Pam and Blackhead, Blonde and Hall Mark, Royal Divorce and Sottano, Anticipate and Kilminster, Imperial Spark and Piquant, Heathcotc and Pelham, Tinohari and Geranial, Martinique and Treadwell, Bright Eyes and Axle, Idanoe and Rene Mavis, Entrc Nous and Halloa, Solrino and Radiac.

NEW ZEALAND TROTTING CUP.

[Per Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, East Night.

Box Seat was scratched for the New Zealand Trotting Cup at 10 o'clock this morning

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