SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 6273, 24 December 1881, Page 6

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES. NEW ZEALAND. December 2G—lfawkes* Hay Kaces. December 27—Takapuna Jockey Club Races. Djcembcr 27 — Urury Itaees. December 2(5 ami 27—-Thames Jockey* Club Races. December G-M-tuku Anuu-.l Uncos. December 23 - Waimate Jockey Club Races. Dec-mber 30—Waiuku Annual Uaces. December -29, 3vj—»iurcury Hay Ilaees. Dec. 2(5 and Jan. 2 and -5— uoklaiul Summer Meeting. January 2— Waitara Jockey Club Knees. Jan-JHxy 2 an I 3—Martoii-KanKiukei lUces. January 11 and 12— UainbruLc Jockey Club Races. .Jaim.irv HO an VI -Tunning Annual Kaees. I'Ybruarv 2 and 3- Welliiigt-.n U. U. Summer Meeting. February 23. 24. and 2'>- Dunediu Jockey Oluo Kneed. March 9 and o—NVanganui Jockey Club Autumn Meeting. , , _ March 10 and 17—Napier Jockey Club Haees. March 3<"> and 31—Taranaki Jockey Club Races. April 10 and 11 -Canterbury Autumn .Meeting. AUSTRALIA. January I—Victoria Kaciug Club's New "ieara Meeting. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. J. (i. writes : lias the Peeress colt ever won a W S: ,J writes: "How many times has The Agent won the Auckland Steeplechase, and what weight did he carry on ertch occasion?" Agent won tlie Steeplechase in la7i> and l*sl, and carried 12st. 7lbs. on each occasion.

NOTES BY rH.-KTON

Tim first day s racingof the Aucklmdßacing Club's Summer Meeting takes place on Monday next. Although there ire fewer Southern horses engaged than has been the ease for tlie past two years, the various events have filled well, and give promise of some excellent racing. There are nineteen horses engaged in the Cup, twenty-eight in the tiacing Club Handicap, twenty-one in the Stewards' Handicap, nineteen in the Grandstand Handicap, eleven in the Publicans' Purse, nine ill tlie Selling Race, seven in the Maiden Plate, seven in the Hurdle Race, ten in the Steeplechase, four in the Derby, and three in the Midsummer Handicap. The entries for the two last named races are very small, but with Musket, Cap-a-pie, Anteros, and Hippocampus in our midst, we may, I think, look confidently to a great improvement in this class of races in the future. The coarse has been greatly improved since the last meeting, the saddling-paddock and lawn enlarged, and the indefatigable secretary has left no stone unturned in endeavouring to make the Auckland Racing Club's Meeting of 18S1-S2 the most successful yet held by the clu l '. The only thing wanting to secure this desirable end is fine weather, which requisite I hope will be forthcoming. And nosv for a few words about THE CUP HORSES. llorso. Weight. Jockey. St. lbs. ♦Foul Play, aged ... 9 0 ... J. Williams Randwiek, (jyrs. ... S 0 ... J. Wattie King Quail, Gyrs 7 4 ... fteacli Maori, aged ..7 4 ... R. McGee "Yatapa, aged 7 3 ... J. Dawson Badsworth, 4yrs ... 7 1 ... F. Carrington l.ara, aged 7 0 ... T\ Taylor Peeress Colt, 3yrs 7 0 ... Williams Stanley, aged ... (5 1"2 ... J. McGee ICeuilworth, 4yr5.... 6 S ... G. Laing Rewi, 4yrs— ... 0 8... — *<>thello, 4yrs. .. 0 7... — * Vortex, 4yrs. ... 0 5 ... — The Poet, 4yrs. ... 6 4 ... T. Thompson "Hilda, 4vrs. ... C 3 ... — *Envy Filly, .'Syr.?,... 0 3 ... — Moonstone, 4yrs. ... 0 3 ... A.Wood *i :ilderoy, oyrs. ... 5 12 ... — *Kawenata, fiyrs ... 5 10 ... — ■"Doubtful starters. The recent heavy rains have interfered greatly with training operations, and therelore a good many of the horses are short of work. Foul Play has, I hear, been troubled with fever in his feet during the past week, and has therefore been eased in his work, and treated to swimming exercise. It is very doubtful if the old horse will be fit' by the day, which is indeed a great pity, for, notwithstanding his impost, lie had a big say in the race. Randwiek arrived from the South on Tuesday last, and was taken up to Mr. Walters' place in the afternoon, so that we are entirely in the dark as to what form lie is in. From what I can gather, I learn that he is a doubtful starter, but that if he does it will only be in the interests of the Peeress colt. Ring Quail has done a couple of good gallops during the past week, which has had the effect of lining him down. He appears pretty fit, and if the groand is at all heavy, my tip is— look out for the "little sneaker." Maori has been doing his work well, and will strip as fit as hands can make him. If he can bo persuaded to race, he should prove a very dangerous horse. He has, however, on more than one occasion shown an inclination to turn it up, and_ is therefore perhaps, best left alone. \atapa is out of all form, and I therefore place him amongst the list of doubtful starters. Badsworth is very tender in his feet, and has done all his work on the plough. I very much dou'"t his ability to win. .Lara, if the Lara of old, would be a hard nut to crack for the best of them, but I doubt his ability to stand so severe a preparation as this race calls for, and must therefore pass him over. Peeress colt arrived by the Rotomahana on Monday last, and, judging by the way in which he was waltzing around, he appeared to be in great heart. Directly the colt landed, his price went up to 100 to 40, at which he now stands. His performances at the late Canterbury meeting entitle him to the greatest respect, but I fail to see the race the "great" certainty for him that some people make out. To hear some of these knowing ones talk, one would think that the race was really over, and the stakes paid to Mr. Walters. At present the colt appears to me to be the most likely winner, but I certainly do not think the race a moral for him by a long way. Stanley is pretty fit, but I think he is out of his element in a race of this description. Kenilworth is said to have answered satisfactorily the severe questions put to him by Jack Laing, and his owner has backed him to win about £700. Mr. Lennard makes no secret of the form displayed by his horse in private, and if he can do the '2.} miles in the time stated his owner will be a very happy man after the Cup is over. If the yellow jacket and black cap are carried first past the post on Monday next, the victory will indeed be a popular one. Rewi is a good colt, but has not been up long enough to be in form. Vortex is auother of the doubtful starters. The Poet has been backed by the stable to win a bit, but I cannot say that I fancy his chance much. Hilda is in the same stable as Poet, and in a two-mile gallop, ou Monday last, put the sou of Anteros through. She is a speedy filly, but I think the last quarter of a mile will fix her. Envy lilly will, 1 think, find the distance too far, and may be sent for the Maiden. Moonstone has been doing his work well, and will strip a fit horse, but I think it is expecting too much of him to win in such company as he will meet in this event. Gilderoy is out-classed in a race of this description, and Rawenata will, I think, speel for the hurdles. On the 10th December, just after the acceptances were declared, I selected the following six to beat the field :—Libeller, Peeress colt. Foul Play, Maori, King Quail, and Kenilworth, and reducing these to two, I took Libeller and Foul Play to furnish the winner. If the stable could have got their money on about Libeller at a fair price, he would, there can be little doubt, have been the stable horse, but as this could not he done, the pony was left behind in Christchurch, and the Peeress colt was, therefore put forward as the stable horse. As Libeller is an absentee, and Foul Play is in Queer-street, I think the decision of "the man in the box" will be— Peeress Colt ... ... 1 KEMLWORTH ... ... ... ... 2 King Quail ... ... 3 For various reasons, I think it advisable to withhold giving tip 3 on the other events until Monday morning, when I will be better able to understand which races owners intend to start their horses for.

The weights for the Free Handicap were declared on Tuesday last, and of the fortyeight engaged, eleven have paid the acceptance money. Old Billingsgate heads the list with 9st. 121b5., Foul Play being let off with Ost. Gibs. This is, I think, hardly fair, for on looking at the performances of these two horses, I find that the son of Traducer has beaten Billingsgate on more than one occasion over the same distance at "even" weights. Of course, Foul Play is hardly himself just now, and the handicappers have no doubt taken that into consideration in framing the handicap. I'aramera is nicely in, with 7st. 121bs. to his credit, and—but i there, I will reserve my tip uutil Monday morning.

Matau is now first favourite for both the Steepleease and Hurdle Race, and has been backed by his owners to win a big pot. A Laiug is putting the son of .Dainty Ariel through the mill, which is sufficient guarantee that he will be brought to the post fit. I have seen in print during the week a statement to the effect that this horse has a "leg." The statement is altoi gether unfounded, for the horse was never

sounder on his pins than he is at the present | time, and as he will have the services of an ; accomplished horseman may be depended on to run a great horse in both the events for •which he is engaged. King Quail did a good mile gallop yesterday morning in company with the Envy filly, of which he had all the best. Tlio Takapuna Jockey Club's Races, which take place on Tuesday next, promise to furnish an excellent day's sport. Ten horses have accepted for the Cup, eight for the Steeplechase, and six for the Hurdle Race. The entries for the other events on the programme are also very good, and I think there can be little doubt, if the club are favoured with fine weather they will have a very successful meeting. Most of the horses are also engaged at the Auckland Meeting, and the results of the various events there will give a good line to go on. The nominations for the Hawke's Bay Jockey Club's utumn Meeting are not quite so good as might have been expected, considering the very liberal prizes offered for competition. Thirty-five horses are entered for the Napier Handicap of oOOsovs., I f miles ; thirty-four for the Railway Handicap of 12550v5., ; and sixteen for the Hurdle Race of IGOsovs., 2Jmiles. Weights for the above are due 011 the 7th February, and acceptances 011 the 21st of the same month.

The acceptances for the Wellington Cup are to baud, and are very fair. Nineteen horses are left in, and of these I have the greatest fancy for the chances of Libeller, Piscatorius, and Louis d'Or.

Out of an entry of 3S for the Dunedin Cup, 23 horses have paid the acceptance money. The horses that have dropped out of the race are:—Mata (9st. Slbs.), Le Loup (9st. Slbs.) Virginia Water (Sst. 21bs.), Volunteer (7st. 121b5.), Peeress colt (7st. Slbs.), The Governor (7st.), Sir Garnet (Gst. 121b5.). Adamant (Gst. 71bs), Legerdemain (Gst. 51bs.) Gitana (Gst. slbs.), Duessa (Gst. albs.), Zealandia (6st. 51bs.), Squire (Gst.), Cathedral (6st.), Painter (Ost.), Lampooner ((ist. 71bs). Thirteen horses have paid up for the Publicans' Handicap. As several owners have more than one engaged in both races there will no doubt be a still further weeding out before the day.

" Siubad" has received a letter from Mr. G. G. Stead, in which he makes following remarks:—"l have bought a magnificent horse, Apremont, bred in Prance. He is own brother to Chamant (sold recently for £6000), out of Camelia, Rayon d'Or's dam. Auracaria, the marc in question, as you are doubtless aware, is a daughter of Pocahontas, so that I have a grandson, 011 the maternal side, of the empress among brood mares. My horse is a rich deep bay, and very handsome."

The acceptances for the Thames Jockey Club Races are to hand, and may be said to be very satisfactory. Six have declared content for the Goldlields Handicap, seven for the Publicans' Purse, eight for the Steeplechase, and seven for the Hurdle Race. The nomination for the other events of the programme are also very good, and the club should therefore have a very successful meeting. Dkwukop appears to me to be the best thing iu the Goldtields Handicap, and I shall look to old Awaiiod to furnish the winner in the Steeplechase.

The well known steeplechase rider, Jim Mllllll, has arrived ill Auckland. This plucky horseman will pilot Matau in both the Hurdle Race and Steeplechase at the Auckland Meeting. Mnnn has already competed successfully 011 the Auckland course ; for it will be remembered that he rode Baron when that horse won the Steeplechase in ISSO, and he also steered the game little Harkaway to victory in the Hurdle Race at the last Auckland Meeting.

The Waikato Turf Club have issued a very liberal programme for their summer meeting, which takes place 011 Thursday and Friday, February 16 and 17. The club give away about £400 in added money, and it is distributed as follows:—First day: Hurdle Race, of ,30sovs.; Maiden Race, of SOsovs. j Turf Club Handicap, of lOOsevs.; President's Stakes, of 35sovs.; Hack Race, of 15sovs. Second day : Hurdle Race, of oOsovs.; Publicans' Purse, of Tosovs.; Maiden Steeplechase, of2ssovs.; Flying Stakes, of 25sovs.; Consolation Handicap, of 20sovs. Nominations for Hurdle Races, Turf Club Handicap, and Publicans' Purse close 011 Friday, January 27, at 8.m., to Mr. Robert Bradley, secretary of the club.

Now that the Auckland Steeplechase couise has been altered, it is believed that the ten horses left iu the race will all sport silk on the day. If so, Aucklanders may look forward to witnessing one of the finest races that lias ever taken place in the colony. .Messrs. H. P. Lance and R. H. Vallance arrived by the Rotomahana on Tuesday last. The jockeys Wattieaiul Williams also arrived by the same steamer. "Sir Launcelot" writes:—"A Christchurch resident who attended the Dunedin races last week informs me that Messrs. Walter and Co. are still running their totalisitor at their old stand next the Empire Hotel. They are, I believe, acting under legal advice 111 thus defying the provisions of the Gaming and Lotteries Aetv— an enactment which we shall soon sec wiped from the statute-book if many more sporting men have courage enough to beard tlie lion. Mr. Abraham of Dunedin is also, I observe, advertising a consultation the same as 011 previous occasions." Owners of horses who intend to compete at the Takapuna Races 011 Tuesday, are informed that a scow will be in waiting at Byer's shipping yards, Orakci, at 7 a.m. 011 that day, for their conveyance across the water.

Tlie Syduey Sportsman warns intending investors that the injuries received by Wheatear in his fall in the Cup were more severe than they were at first thought to be, that it is questionable if he will stand a preparation for the Champion Race, and that backers should be prepared to see the pen go through his name.

ODDS AND ENDS,

Chancellor is to remain in Cutts' hands to continue his preparation for the Dunedin

Cup. On Monday last Mr. Lennard took all the 12's to -4 he could get about Kenilworth for a place. Robert the Devil has finally taken leave of the turf, and is advertised for sale as a stallion.

From " Soukar" I gather that Ely is now first favourite for the Wanganui Derby at 100 to 2.0, taken freely.

The Squire has been turned out, so that he will not compete at the Auckland Meeting. He was only engaged in the Derby. Mr. Lennard took Dewdrop to the Thames on Thursday last, but I understand that he hopes to bo back in time to sign the receipt for the Cup money !

According to Benson's chronograph, Bend Or won the Champion Stakes iu 2min. 23 3-sth sec., Robert the Devil's time last year being 2min. lOsec.

The Peeress colt, Randwiek, and Billingsgate arrived from the South 011 Tuesday last. They were all in fine condition, and left in the afternoon for Mr. Walters' place at Papakura.

Mr. Smith inadc a great mistake in not accepting with Tim Whilller for the Cup. The horse is at present going really well, and I shall expect him to win something before our meeting is over.

According to Benson's chronograph, Kermesso won the i*;iddlo Park Plate in lmin. 20 2-fith sees., St. Louis' record last year being lmin. 24sees.

It is currently rumoured in English sporting circles that there is a likelihood of the connection which has for so long existed between Mr. W. S. Crawfurd and George Fordham being severed.

The betting on the Dunedin Cap by latest advices was as follows : —IOO to 10 against The Dauphin, 100 to 15 against Lady Emma, and 100 to 14 against Mataku and Chancellor, the latter horse being heavily backed on the strength of liis St. Andrew's Handicap victory.

The American horse Foxhall won the Cesarewiteli, according to Benson's chronograph, in 4min. lsec., Robert the Devil's record for last year being 4min. 19 3-sth sees.; in 1879 Chippendale's time was 4min. lsec.; IS7S Jester's was 4min. 2secs.; Hilarious in the previous year won in 4min. Usees.; in 1870 I'oselcry's record was4inin. 9secs.; tlie Duke of Parma's in IS7o, 4min. 7secs.; and Aventuricre's in IS7-1, 4miu. GJseca,

DIiURY RACES,

The following weights have been declared for the Drury races, which take place on Tuesday next: —

Druky Handicap.—Kavenslioe, 9st.9lhs.; Bide-a-Wee, 9st. 71bs.; Skylark, 9st. 41bs.; Orakau, 9st.; Across the Grass, Sst. lOlbs.; Twilight, Sst. lOlbs.; The Lark, Sst. 71bs.; Dick, Sst. 41bs.; Lady Godiva, Sst.; Violet, 7st. lOlbs.; Polly, 7st. 71bs.; Little Nell, 7st. 21bs.; Iclioris, 7st.; Irene, Gst. 71bs.

Hurdle Race. — Bide-a-Wee, list, j Nebula, 10st.; Elsa, 9st. lOlbs.; Saint, 9st, 71bs.; Medura, 9at, 41bs,j Cato, Ssti 71bs,

LATEST BETTING. CUP. Peeress Colt(tk) 100 to 40 Othello .. ..500 to 15 Maori (tk) ..I*o to 16 Vortex .. ..500 to la Kenilworth ..100 to 15 Stanley .. ..100 to 4 Envy .. ..luOtolO Rewi .. ..100 to 2 Poet .. ..100 to 12 Moonstone ..100 to 5 King Quail ..100 to 12 Hilda .. ..100 to 12 Lads worth ..100 to 8 Gilderoy.. ..100 to 1 Foul » lay ..100tol0 Lira .. ..100to 5 Randwiek ..Jooto 0 Yatapa .. ..luOto 3 STEEPLECHASE. Clarence.. ..100 to 3.") Morning Stir ..100 to ft Lono Hand ..100 to 30 Hawthorne . ,10'Jto S Matau .. ..It):'to 40 Rawemta . .10»tol5 Sportsnun ..10>tol5 .Sledmere ..100 to 10 King Don ..100 to 35 II rkaway . .100tolu CUP AND STEEPLE DOUBLES. Foul Play and Rewi and anyanything ..100 to 3 thing .. ..100 to 2 Randwiek do ..100 to 3 Othillo do ..100 to 1 Yatapa do ..100 to 1 Vortex do ..l"i»to 1 Badsworth do ..100 to 3 Envy do.. ..100 to 3 Peeress Colt do 100 to 8 Moonstone do ..100 to 1 Stanley do ..100 to 2 Hilda do.. ..100 to 3 Lara do .. ..100 to 2 Gilderoy do ..100 tc 1 Poet do .. ..100 to 3 King Quail and C arence. and Don and Matau, 100 to 3 taken freely ; Maori and Lone Hand, and Maori and Matau, 100 to 3, both t tken ; Kenilworth and Matau. and Kenilworth and Clarence, 100 to 2A, both taben. HUUOLES. Lone to 30 Rawenata (tk) ..100 to 25 Clarence '..100to40 Toe Lark ..lOOtolft Matau ..100 to 50 Hard Times . .KOtolO Harkaway ..100 to 15