SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9030, 17 April 1888, Page 6

SPORTING.

THE A.J.C. MEETING.

From Sydney files to hand we cull the following concerning the running in the three principal events of the third day's programme : — First Foal Stakes, six furlongs.— Betting : 4 to 1 on Volley, 6 to 1 v. the others. Directly the flag fell, Pearlshell jumped away in front, and, making the pace, led Volley five lengths at the halfmile. Hales then began to move up; and, catching the New Zenland filly in the straight, won easily by four lengths, with Rosabella a bad third. Time, lmin 16Jseo. Cumberland Stakes, two miles (weight for age).—Betting : 5 to 4 and evens each on Abercorn and Australian Peer, 25 to 1 against Arsenal. When the flag fell, Arsenal went away to make the pace for his stable companion, Abercorn lying behind. At the end of six furlongs Arsenal was leading three lengths, the same distance separating the others. The pace was at this point very fast, Ellis driving Arsenal along at a great rate. At the seven furlongs Hales moved up, and along the back Power took The Peer up to the leader, the pair racing together two lengths in front of Abercorn at the five furlongs. At the half-mile Peer led a length, and turning first into the straight eventually won by a length from Abercorn. Time, 3min 36jsec. The All-aged Stakes, one mile.— Betting: 5 to 2 on Cranbrook, 4to 1 against Lonsdale, 6 to 1 Lady Betty, 20 to 1 Bonnie Spec. Directly the flag fell, Lonsdale jumped away ; but, when fairly going, Lady Betty assumed the lead, and at the six furlongs was four lengths in front of the other three. At the five furlongs they closed up somewhat, but Lady Betty again went away. Hales moved Cranbrook up at the three furlongs, and almost entered the straight on terms with the filly. A good finish home ensued, ending in a neck win for Lady Betty from Cranbrook, with Lonedale six lengths away third, and Bonnie Spec last. Time, lmin 43sec. A.J.C. Plate, three miles, w.f.a.—Betting : 3 to 1 on The Australian Peer, 3 to 1 against Abercorn, 5 to 1 against Arsenal. They left the post in line, and Arsenal, taking up the running in the interest of his stable companion, led him ten lengths past the stand, Abercorn lying half a dozen lengths from his old rival Making the pace very sound, Arsenal led until they were a little less than a mile from home, when he had enough, and The Australian Peer, taking his place, led Abercorn two lengths along the opposite side of the course, and up the hill. With the same distance between them, the two colts raced at a desperate pace to the three-furlongs post, where Power was seen to be hard on The Peer, while Hales was sitting still on Abercorn. As soon as their heads were turned for home Power sat down on the favourite, and began to ride in real earnest, but, despite his efforts, and the gallant response on the part of The Peer, Chester's gallant son kept closing upon him, like an avenger, and, as Hales was seen to be still immovable, a • wild shout went up that " The Cup winner " was in trouble ; but it was not until they were within 80 yards of the poet that Hales made a final appeal, and Abercorn, answering at once, drew up to his opponent, cut him down in half a. dozen strides, and won a great race by two lengths, -while Arsenal, who had been eased off when beaten, finished about 30 lengths away. Time, 6min 37&eec.