SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11311, 3 March 1900, Page 6

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES;

March Papakura Hack Racing Club. March 3-Waihi Racing Club. March Laie Takapuna Hack Racing Olub. March s—Thames Jockey Club. March Rotorua Jockey Club. - March 8, Wanganui Jockey Club. March 10—South Auckland Jockey Club. March 17, IS—Ohinemuri Jockey Club. March 17-Whakatane Racing Club. March 17-Tologa Bay Jockey Club. March 17, 19-llawko's Bay Jockey Club. March 21, 23. 24-Dunedin Jockey Club. March 27, 23-Napier Park Racing Club. April 16. 17, Auckland Racing Club. April 16, 17—Canterbury Jockey Club. April Thames Valley Jockey Club. May 2, Avondale Jockey Club. May 2, 4—'Wellington Racing Club. May 24, 2&-Takapuna Jockey Club. May 24, 26—Dunedin Jockey Club. June 9. Auckland Racing Club. Juno 20, 22-nawke'B Bay Jockey Club. Jnne 27, 23—Nnnier Park Racing Club. July 18, 20—Wellington Racing Club.

DATES OF COMING EVENTS. March 3—V.R.C St. Leger. March Newmarket Handicap. March 6—Australian Cup. March Wanganni Cap. March V.R.C. Champion Stakes. March Hawke's Ray Cnp. March Itawke's Bay Stakes. March Dunoilin Cup. April 16—A.R.C. Easter Handicap. April 16—A. C. Champagne Stakes. April A.R.C. Century Stakes.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. T.G.—Tasman was imported from Tasmania to New Zealand. Ho was purchased by Mr. 1). O'Brien for £120. FISHERMAN'.—SyIvia and Fanny Fisher, both direct daughters of Fisherman, wore mated with Musket while he was at the stud in Auckland.

W.M., Thames.— Artillery defeated Nelson at weight-for-age in tho Canterbury Cup of 1886. 2. Nelson ran his first race in tho spring of 1882.

NOTES BY PHAETON. The Canterbury Jockey Club brought their midsummer meeting to a conclusion on Saturday last, but though the weather, as on tho opening day, was again perfect, tho financial result was again below anticipations. As during tho two days the totalisator investments only reached to £8941 (which, it may be remarked, represents a shrinkage of £1001 compared with the sum handled at lift? Corresponding meeting held last year), the result is far from satisfactory to the Southern club. The principal event of the programme on tho second day was tho St. Albans Handicap, which was run over a mile, and for which tho top weight, Benzoin (9st 21l») was made a strong favourito. Tho confidence placed in the English-bred horse, however, proved to bo misplaced, for though ho flattered the hopes of his admirers for a good part of the journey, ho melted out of tho struggle when it came to real business, and Ben Farley |Bst 61b) ran homo in front of Rochester (8sl) and Tho Spinner (7st 21b). Ben Farley's success in this race, carrying a stone and 51b more weight than that under which ho won tho Midsummer Handicap, shows that there was no fluke about his victory on tho opening day. From his dual achievement at Riccarton it is quite evident that Ben Farley is a vastly-improved horse, and he may repay watching on a future occasion.

Blazer and Screw Gun duly met at Riccarton on Saturday last, in order to try conclusions in tlio Champion Plato. The doughty performance registered by Blazer in tho Craven Plate, run two days previously, over a like course, when the son of St. Clair carried lOst 21b and traversed tho seven furlongs in im. 29J5., constituted him in every way a fitting opponent for Mr. Stead's flyer, and somo keen judges favourable to Hotchkiss' chestnut son wero very anxious as to tho outcome of tho tussle. As was quite expected, Screw Gun had the largest following when the pair went to the post. Blazer, who is credited with being a, very much more composed horse than Screw Gun when required to stand in front of tin barrier, secured an advantage at the start, and at one time wo are told that he was leading his rival by three lengths. Screw Gun, however, was found equal to the task of coping with Blazer, and in an exciting battle up the straight the son of 1 Hotchkiss drew away from his Dunedin rival and won at the end by three-quarters of a length. That there was no loitering on tho road, ample evidence is forthcoming by the fact that tho seven furlongs were got over in Im. 28 l-sa. Whether Screw Gun may or may not be able to do over a journey, he has, by the defeat of Blazer, proved beyond an atom of doubt that ho is one of the fastest horses that has ever graced tho New Zealand turf, and with him Mr. Morrin can undoubtedly lay claim to tho distinction of having bred another first-rater at Wellington Park.

A few weeks back I made mention in my notes of a fooling of deep-rooted dissatisfaction having; arisen amongst horseowners with regard to the manner in which the starting was performed at some of the upcountry race meetings adjacent to Auckland, ami pointed out that it would be to the interests of racing generally in the district, and tend to engender a feeling of greater confidenco in the minds of horseowners, were a properly-qualified man appointed to perforin the duties. Tho committee of tho Ohinemuri Jockey Club, it is pleasing to learn, have been quick to rccogniso the position, they having appointed Mr. Georgo Cutts to perform the duties of starter at tho meeting to bo held at the goldfields township on the 17th end 19th inst. The step taken by the Ohinemuri committee is to be warmly commendcd, and I have little doubt that thoy will reooivo evidence of this in a substantial form when the receipts of tho forthcoming mooting como to be totalled up. Mr. Cutts' thorough impartiality and fitness for the responsible office of starter has been long established, and wherever he acts thero confidence may be said to reign supreme, so far as the starting is concerned.

In speakmr of the Duke of Westminster's death the Field says:—"We understand that the Duke of Westminster has bequeathed all his horses in training to his widow. As regards His Grace's breeding stud it will be found, whon his last will and testament is made public, that 12 of his best brood mares, and Orme, the famous sire of Flying Fox, aro bequeathed to his grandson and successor, the young Duke of Westminster, and the remainder of the breeding stud to the Duchess. It is to be hoped that Flying Fox and tho other thoroughbreds in training will remain under the care of John Porter at Kingselero, and run in tho same colours. Flying Fox is not only the best, and also the best looking, thoroughbred in training in any part of the world, but was regarded by that fine judge, his late owner and breeder, as the best horse over tried at Kingselero. It is well known that Ormonde, the graudsire of Flying Fox, was tried but onco during his brilliant turf careei, and that in that trial he was beaten as a two-year-old by Kendal. We doubt, however, if a l>otter Derby trial ever took place than that in which Flying Fox showed himself to bo more than 2st better over a mile and ahalf than the four-year-old Batt, who ran second to Mr. Larnach's Jeddah for the Derby of 1898. Wells, the jockey, who will always be remembered as tho rider of three of Sir Joseph Hawley's Derby winners, never lost an opportunity of asserting that the best horse ever tried for the Derby was Mr. Popham's Wild Dayrell. That experienced vetoran, tho still living Mr. - John Kent., believes that if the late Duke of Richmond's Ghillio Galium had not broken down in the Derby of 1850 ho would have beaten Lord Zetland's Voltigeur by three or four lengths. Mr, Kent regarded Ghillie Galium as 2st better than Mr. Gratwicke's Tho Nigger, who finished within throo lengths of Voltigeui. In Toddington's Derby trial he was beaten by a black fillv belonging to Sir Joseph Haw-ley named Brelm.'wlm never would give her truo form in public. West Australian, tho best of John Scott's Derby winners, was tried but once, when as a two-year-old he boat Lord Derby's Longltow, a four-year-okl, who tried in vain to givo him 171b."

An English export, writing of the Australian stallions in England, says:—"lt is possible that the immediate offspring of our visitors may fall short in the qualities which nro tested 011 an English racecourse. If so, 1 feci pretty sure that the breeder who looks out for young marcs by Carbine, Aborcorn, and the other Australian sires will reap his reward. All that I really want to impress on my readers is that the Australian liorsos evidently do possess eortain qualities which wo at pres '.it greatly need. Those who look on a thoroughbred horse as something more than an instrument of gambling, as f.hi) ultimate foundation on which the hunter, tho cavalry liorso, the gonornl utility horse must bo built up, must surely feel that our racehorses are not doing all tliey might for us, and that it is well risking a little 111 any experiment which prominoa improvement."

. :It appears.very strange that it has t»ken so long to convince people in other countries that the starting machine is one of the greatest blessings to racing folk that over was invented. As a rule, Americans are quick to. see the merits, or otherwise, of anything that is placed before them. It, however, has taken them some time to realise the advantages of the machine. : In a recent issue of the Spirit of tho Times appeared the following: "In order to test tho matter, and to satisfy the demands, of that portion of tho publin which does not believe in the starting machine, the Washington Jockey Club tried the experiment of returning to the old system of starting, simply with the flag, without a barrier of any sort. The experiment would seem to have boon a failure ns at the beginning of last week Starter Cassidy once more used a barrier in the form of a rubber band running across the track. As a result, the fields were sent away more promptly and better aligned, though the advantage of a running start was secured in one or two instances. While it might have been wiser to have continued the old system of starting till the end of the meeting, in order that the advantago of tho barrier might have been more conclusively shown, tho consensus of opinion soemed to bo de' cidedly in favour of the retention of the barrier. That tho starting machine has oomo to stay there seems little doubt, but the Jockey Club should take it upon itself to see that the best type of machino is used by the best starter that can be found."

It would seem as though the statemont that has been in circulation for some weeks back to the effect that Merriweo was showing symptoms of sorouess in his work was a fairy tale. A Melbourno cablegram that came to hand during the present week states that the son of Bill of Portland has been backed for tho Australian Cup to win £3000, from which circumstance wo may conclude that all is well with him.

By the s.s. Mararoa, which left on Monday last, Peter Chaafe set out on a trip to Sydney with Nor' -west and Crusado. When shipped the horses appeared to be in capital nick, Nor -west, of course, especially filling the eye pleasingly. In the event of the big son of Sou -wester training on satisfactorily in Australia, it may, I think, be looked as pretty certain that no will add to his winning total.

Among the many English sportsmen who have volunteered for Bervico in South Africa with tho English Yeomanry aro the Duke of Marlborough; the Earl of Dudley, the Earl of Lonsdale, the Karl of Warwick, the Earl of Haddington, Viscount Valentin, Viscount (ralway, Lord Chesham, Lord Harris, Lord Annaly, Lord Arthur Grosvenor, Lord Kenyon, Sir Elliott Lees, M.P. (winner of the House of Commons Point-to-Point Race in 1888 and 1890); Sir John Dickson Poynder, M.P.; Hon. E. S. Douglas-Pennant, M.P., Mr. Hermon Hodge, M.P., and Sir James Miller, a woll-known patron of tho turf, who early in his racing career won the Derby with Sainfoin, and moro recently secured the Oaks with La Sagesse.

In his comments upon tho horses that contested in tho Caulfield Futurity Stakes, the Melbourne scribe, "Goodwood," says:— Kinglike is a powerfully-made and stylish black, somewhat on the leg, by Wallace from Bonnie Rosette (dam of Koran, Majestic, and Majesty), by Barcaldino. He is only a two-year-old, and with racing tho somewhat babyish ap'iearance that he now has will, no doubt, soon disappear. Ho showed plenty of pace, but failed to see out the race, his stable companion, Songbird, just beating him for third place. Kinglike will probably win some good race for the stable, as such a well-bred and good-looking youngster can hardly fail to turn out a racehorse.

An English writer has remarked: "The English climate is called variable, but it is its variable character that does so much for our horses. Tho long summers and constant sunshining of the south of France are as bad as tho long winters of Russia, It is our plateaus, mixed with hill and dale, that give our English climate that diversity of breeze and freshness that I maintain has aIK to do with the vigour of our bloodstock. I should not earn what the soil was so long as they would get a good blow that freshened the brood mares and made the yearlings and foals kick and play, feel themselves and make them happy."

( The New York Snirit of the Times says: — ''Next to Ranoho del Paso and Santa Anita, Ed. Corrignn has the most extensive breeding establishment in California. At the head of his farm he has Artillery, by Musket, and Riley, by Longfellow, representatives of the stoutest and best blood lines in Australia and the United States. He has 45 brood mares, at least half of which are by Longfellow or by sons of Longfellow. Modesty, who won the first American Derby, and who was tho only filly to ever win that classic, has a yearling colt by Rcssetlaw (imp.), which promises to develop into a good two-year-old this coming season." Corrigan's entries are refused by the Califorinn Jockey Club, and lie talks of racing in England next season.

A man is said to have started for Kempton Park in the May of 1890 with only a £10 note in his pocket. In the course of the morning he was unexpectedly paid an old debt in the form of a £1000 note. Before the start for the Jubilee Stakes, wishing to back Amphion, who started at 12 to 1, he gave, as he thought, one of his £10 notes to a bookmaker, saying, " I want you to lay mo the odds against Amphion to this note in ready money." His surprise may be imagined when, on going to be paid after the race, the bookmaker, instead of giving him, as he expected, £130, gave him his own bank note for £1000 and a cheque for £12,000, with an apology for not having the full amount of ready cash to hand over.

The following description of a weight-carry-ing pony was sent by Sir R. Smyth to the famous George Selwvn in 1767. The ponyhad belonged to Dr. Thistlcthwaite, on whose decease tho animal, with other horses, was offered for sale:—"Among them is a little bay gelding, about 13 or 14 hands, with flaming long, full tail, strong enough to carry you, the Mayor, and .all the money you ever spent in elections at Gloucester, together. The doctor, some 43.5t, always shot off his back, and the keeper killed ail the deer from him. I mention this as nroof of his sedatcnoss. He goes fast enough to carry you close to foxhounds in full chase; but if your affairs do not require so much attention a snail would distance him. His figure is such that if you were to meet a tailor on his kick you would pull off your hat to him, though you did not owe him one shilling. T know 20 men of weight who want him, but the weight of metal will have him." Truly, a wonderful pony that!

The stud union of Bill of Portland and Tea Rose has a lot to answer for (writes "Javelin" in the Melbourne Leader). Still, I cannot be persuaded that a horse, bred and built like Scorn is, will not some day reproduce the form which enabled him to romp home in the Marihyrnong Plate. One of these days he will reward my persistent confidence, like Delusive did when, after numerous humiliating and disheartening failures, she ran away with the Williamstown Cup.

Major Riming'on, of the Tnniskilling Dragoons. the lender of the well-known Rimington s Scouts, in a letter written "on the way to Kimberley." says:—"l am nil right up to date. We have been in two engagements, and another little 'scrap' early this morning. I was lucky yesterday, and probably won't be in as hot a corner apain for some time. My orderly, a steeplechase jockey, paved mo by charging a barbed wire fence when we were close under a heavy and unexpected fire. He broke tho fence and fell, and his horse cleared. Then I got him up behind on my pony, and wo got out."

An excellent idea of the strength of our weight-for-age class of horses (writes "Martingale" in the Sydney Town and Country Journal) is given in the entry made for the Stewards' Plate to be run for on March 3 at Randwick. They are five in number, amongst, them being Gameboy, who could not win a Flying Handicap recently at Moorofield in a poor field. Then there is that pair of uncertain ones—Carberra and St. Clare—the other two being Hazel Girl and Brazen Lad.

Under tho heading "The Eccentrio Sporting Duchess," an English journal gays: Caroline, Duchess of Montrose, was a woman whoso piano is never likely to bo filled on tho turf. It 6eems a pity that so many of tho tales told about Her Grace would not figure well in print, says Sporting Luck, but though they aro amusing, tho lady possessed a sharp tongue, and the reminiscences recalled might not bo enjoyable to those principally concerned. Sarcasm was "Mr. Manton's great point. In tho heat of the moment tho owner of tho nil-scarlet would often say things that wcro as unjust as they were unintentional. On one occasion tho then official handicapper (tho lato Major Egerton) incurred tho lady's displeasure. "Having lumped tho weight on several of tho duchess' animals, ho was reminded of tho circumstance by tho enraged proprietor. " I presume, Major Egorton," sarcastically began Her Grace, on meeting the late weight-adjnstor at Nowmarket, " from the way you handicap my horses you anticipate riding them yourself. I can only say your ambition will not bo gratified." History does not record Major Egorton' a reply, but those who know that the gallant officer probably scaled something like 17st, will appreciate tho Doint of "Mr. Manton's" satire.

~i ;. c i -^~--2155S5SSS5| . BREVITIES.' '' St. Clements hag been put into Work'awj,' at Lllerslie. 6 •» • The Wanganui Cup is set down for H*. cision on Thursday next. .1 • % b?en engaged to steer Faronk ' in his Wangamu engagements. ■ Mr. W. K. "Wilson's stable seems to h» dead cut of form at present. •. ■•' - •!* The Rotorua Jockey Club hold their *n nual race meeting on Wednesday next The Canterbury. Jockey Club paid away in stakes over their recent summer meetingThe South Auckland Racing Club hold thai, Contrast, who has been out of wnrlr she ' failed so badly last spring, has just g taken up again. W!a Lillie and The Slave were struck out of their Ohinemtin engagements directly thai, owner perused the weights. . ■ 81 " The New Zoaland Loan and Mercantil. Agcncv Company yesterday sold the hurdle racer Verd. to Mr. E. A. Joel for 27gfi«There is a slight numerical increase in a' genera] entries for the V.R.C. Autumn Mee? ing. They total 495 as against 442 last y ear M. Harris, who is regarded as the "cm,,!," of the New South Wales horsemen, will ik ;• understood, steer Sequence in the Newm.r ket Handicap.

Missfiro, who has been off the scene for » long time past, changed hands recently J Napier. Tho son of Maxim is now the pro. pcrty of Mr. Maher, of Gisbome. The quality of the jumpers that contested at the recent Canterbury Jockey Club's meet ing must have been very poor, when Dundw in found winning under 12st 131b. Of tho horses engaged in the Newmarket Handicap, it is computed that Boquence cm nes most money One commission execJS to £8000. ,n favcur extended ' it i 5 «w3

Auric, tho half-brother to Ann™ i. : . him, as he is amongst tho missing frnmtu Sa.T<LT boN "~ ,k,IH " fa "»s m London for tho use of tho sick present him on the turf last year On, t those named Big Gun, out of Linda Vista won four races. Bla Tho totalisator investments at the Canter, bury Jockey _ Club's Midsummer m 3£ showed a shrink-ago of £1001 compared 3 the sum handled at the corresponding meeting held la3t year. 6 1

Another son of Carbine is earning a oh. racter of unreliability. This is St. Clare who recently put up an erratic performance .|>y romping home in front one day and finishing last the next.

It is stated that R. Hall, in whose hands i\or -west has scored most of his important triumphs, will probably go over to Australia in order to steer tho big son of Sou' -wester in his Sydney engagements.

The Auckland crack, Seahorse, figures amongst the entrants for the Doncaster Handicap and Sydney Cup, which events are set down for decision at the Australian Jockey Clubs meeting next month.

Knight of Athol was strongly backed in Auckland for the Woodvillo Cup, ran cn Wednesday last, but ho failed to gain a place. The winner turned up in Tortulla who scored under 9st ♦lb. • '

The Wellington Racing .Club has decided j to remove all tho disqualifications from persons and horses having taken part in un- , registered meetings in tho districts under their jurisdiction up to date.

Tho late Duke of Westminster has bequeathed all his horses in training and at the stud to his widow, except Orme and a dozen of the choicest brood mares, .which have been left to the new Duke.

Just before Peter Chaafe's departure for Sydney on Monday last he disposed of St. Elmo to a patron of W. Gall's stable, and the little soil of Castor has been transferred to his new quarters at Green Lane.

George Frederick (by Carbine-Danae) won the Koovong Handicap at the V.A.T.C. meeting on the 17th ult. in good style. The distance of tho race was seven furlongs, and the journey was got over in lm. 31s.

Tolstoi and Favona wcro taken down to New Plymouth by Wednesday's steamer cn route to Wanganui, with a view to their fulfilling engagements at the meeting to bo held at the lastnamed place during the coming week.

As Merriweo and Parthian are both expected to be out of the way in the Essendon Stakes to-day, Seahorse will probably start favourite for that race. Odds of 6to 4 were accepted yesterday in Auckland about Major George's colt.

J. Williams, a well-known Victorian jockey, who was recently injured by the horse (Freedom) which has was riding falling in a hurdle race, succumbed to his injuries without regaining consciousness. The unfortunate jockey was in the prime of life, having only completed his 24th year.

Thero are not many descendants of Nordenfeldt now on the turf. However, the name of the defunct son of Muskefc and Onyx was kept green on Saturday last by a daughter of his winning an important race in Victoria. This was Royal Purple, who won the Bond Cup of 500sovs. For the Sandown Grand Prize Hurdle Race, run on February 10, The Grafter was handicapped at 12st 21b 'top weight Soliman 121b 81b), Tornado at list 51h. and Battalion and His Grace list each. The Grand National Steeplechase winner, Manifesto, had list 121b. The Grafter was not accepted for.

A patriotio race meeting, recently promoted by tho Victoria Racing Club, and brought off at Flemington, resulted in a sum of £1500 being added to the fund l>eing raised there for the equipment of a Bushmen's Contingent. Mr. D. S. Wallace, whoso filly Model won the principal event, donated the stako to the fund.

The present Duke of Westminster, who intends carrying on the famous stud left to him by his deceased grandfather, intends to stay in South Africa and see the trouble through before returning to England, holding, as he does, that it would bo a disgrace to the house of Eaton were ho to quit the Cape prior to the success of the British arms.

In the whole 120 celebrations of the Derby, only 10 geldings have competed for the blue riband of the turf. These were:—Darus (1812). Palaemon (1841), British Tar (1844), The Old _ Fox (1849), Gholab Singh (1851), Special License (1857). Roquefort and Taraban (1876), Curzon (1895), and Ballyleck (1899). All of these were unplaced failures, except Curzon, who was second to Sir Vifto.

Says " Tarquin": Horses may come and go, but The Duke seems to go on for ever. He won the Perth Cup nine years ago as a four-year-old, and six years back annexed the Onkaparinga Hurdle Race. Now wo find him to the fore by winning the Steeplechase at Adelaide on the 3rd inst. Mr. James has reason to feel proud of the performance of the old son of Wellington, snd be deserves credit for the condition in which he sent him to the post. 'THE PAPAKURA MEETING. The newly-formed Papakura Hack Racing Club will hold their inaugural meeting on the old racecourso at Mrs. Walter's " Glenora" estate to-day, and judging from tho acceptances received for the various events of the programme, there is a prospect of some interesting iport. The following aro the acceptances:—

MAIDEN RACE HANDICAP of lOsovs. Six furlongs.—Chancellor n. 9.5. Fairy Bower 9.0, Shooting Star 9.0, Guardsman 11. 8.10, Delia Rose 8.7, Pohutukawa 7.7, Morphia 7.7, Mahogany Jack 7.5, The Fraud 6.10.

FLYING STAKES HANDICAP of 12snvs. Five furlongs—Telephone 10.6, Blairina 8.10, Blossom 8.7, Brigham Young 8.5, St. Innis 7.12, Texas 7.12, Shooting Star 7.12, Bouquet 7.6, The Archor 7.4, Dick 7.4.

PONY RACE HANDICAP of 12sovs. Five furlongs.. .The Slave, 9.6, Pipiwharauroa 9.0, Bob 8.13, Texas, 7.12, Makiri 11. 6.10.

PAI'AKURA HANDICAP of 20sovs. One mile.—Lillie 8.8. Brigham Young 8.0. Conspire; 7.7, Fourdroyant 7.5, Pipiwharauroa 7.4, Shooting Star 7.2, Dick 7.2, The Archer 7.0.

HACK RACE HANDICAP of lOsovs. Six furlongs-Chancellor 11. 9.7, Shooting Star 9.2, Fairy Bower 9.2, Bacchus 9.0, Guardsman H. 8.12, Delia Rose 8.9, Puriri 8.0, Mahogany Jack 7.7, Pohutakawa 7.7, Kowhia 7.4, The Fraud 6.10.

RAILWAY PLATE HANDICAP of 12sovs. Six furlongs. — Telephone 9.6. Lillie 2.12, Blairina 8.6, Brigham Young 8.4. Blossom 8.4. Shooting Star 7.10, Canspirer 7.10, St. Innis 7.8, The Slave 7.8, Bouquet 7.3, Texas 7.3, Tho Archer 7.0.

A special train is timed to leave Auckland at ten minutes past one p.m., arriving at the racecourse nt ten minutes past two p.m., and returning at six p.m.

THAMES JOCKEY CLUB'S MEETING. The Thames Jockey Club hold an afternoon's sport on Monday next, which promises to attract a good number of visitors to 1 tho goldfiolds township. The programme consists of seven events, the principal one of whioh is the Miners' Union Handicap.

THE VICTORIA RACING CLUB'S - MEETING. ; y , [BY phaeton.] r% . The V.R.O. will inaugurate their autumn V meeting pat Flemington > to-day, 'and the I fact of New Zealand this year • furnishing a . . champion in the list of contestants -in the shape of Seahorse, will serve to infuse a deal ifeof local interest into the gathering. i The principal event of to-day's programme is the Newmarket Handicap, for which race the following 26 horse? aro left in: ' ! . , , * st. lb. at. lb. •Veneda ... 9 g Foret ... k .. 710 Corah# ... 9 7 Songbird ... 7 9 .Stend Off ... 9 0 Pretorious ... .7 ? : Fleet Admiral 811 §Cornquist ... 7 8 Wild Olive ... 8 9 Saraiwati ... 7 6 Sequence ... 8 9 Silvermoo. ... 7 6 Olaf- 8 7 The Watchdog 7 4Amourette ... 8 6 Marie Corelli 7-3 Terlinga (late,,. Keyless ... 7 3 Tramp) ... 8 6 Venganza ... 7 0 • Veloce ... 8 3 Rock of Ages 7 0 Neva ... 8 1 fJadoo ... 7 0 Blunderer ... 8 1 Harpist ... 6 7 Once More ... 7 12 * Inoluding 101b penalty. , t § Including 31b penalty. + Including 71b .penalty.

Judging from tho tone of the betting quotations that have been cabled, tho issue in the big sprint handicap is regarded as very open. Veneda. having incurred a ~Jolb penalty, as a result of his victory in the Oakleigh Plate, the son of Escutcheon figures at the head of tho list with 9st 1011). Venech is undoubtedly a good horse, but such a severo impost as that noted, will probably prevent him distinguishing himself to-day. If one of the top weights is to score, it may be Stand Off, who figures in the list with 9st opposite his name. This son of St. Blaize is a very pmiiino bit or stuff, and he may be depended 'upon to render a good account of himself. Sequence is a three-year-old that has had a number of nice tilings written about him at various times, and his deeds under silk, it must be admitted, have been of a meritorious character. Sequence is credited with showing his party a very satisfactory trial prior to his leaving Randwick, but according to cablegrams to hand he has not • altogether given satisfaction in his work since his transportation to Flemington. Olaf (Bst 71b) has been running consistently of late, and ho must bo voted dangerous, as must also Veloce (Bst 31b). Onco More (7st 121b), a four-year-old daughter of Thunderbolt, who hails from South Australia, is one that struck me as being nicely treated directly I perused the handicap for the race under review. It was only recently that Onco More won' a good race in Adoliade under 9st in good time, and if a surprise is in store to-day she may bo tho one to bring it off. Amongst those lower down the list, Silvermoor (7st 61b), Cornquißt (7st 81b), and The Watch Dog ,(7et 41b) read to have splmdid chances. In the running of the M annish Handicap at Flemington on New Tear's Day. Silvermoor traversed tho six furlongs in lm. 14Js., and in tho same form to-day the daughter of Town Moor should certainly be found taking a hand in the. finish. Ono has not to go far back to find a recommendation for Cornquist being included in the list of probables, as it was only on Saturday last at Caulfield that tho son of Abercorn got off a rattling performance by winning the Hawksburn' Handicap. In that event Cornquist was credited with running six furlongs in lm. 145., which is a very smart trip. The Watch Dog has scored one or two successes in minor events on the Sydney side, and is credited with being able to muster up a big dash. of pace. The Watch Dog hails from Mr. W. Forrester's stable, and as the son of Gibraltar has been well backed, we may be sure that he has been well tested. A light-weight that it may not be safe to overlook is Jadoo, who distinguished herself at the recent V.A.T.C. meeting by winning tho Oakleigh Purse under fist 41b—181b more' than she has to carry iii (he Newmarket Handicap. It is, I must admit, not without n little diffidence that I approach the task of endeavouring to anticipate the placing of the judge in connection with the Newmarket Handicap of 1900; but the trio for whose chances I have most respect are Stand Off, Sequence, and The Watch Dog, who mav finish in that order. I will namo Once More as the one likely to bring off a surprise.

The St. Leger Stakes, which al?o figures cn day's 'programme,. will not be' responsible for a strong field, but as Merriwee and Parthian wi'l probably be contestants, much interest. will be attached to the result. On the.spring running -there can be no question that Merriwee was a good way in front of bis New South Wales rival. It is argued, however, that the latter has made a larsro amount of improvement, and Merriwee will, it is thought, require to bo Quite himself to deal with the son of Grand Flaneur.

The Efsendoh Stakes, which event is run over a mile and a-ou&rter, at woight-for-agc, is set down for decision to • day. The entry list shows that 11 horses are enpaged, but it is unlikely that anything like that number will be found at the post. Bobadil's recent form in the St. George's Stakes, in- which event ho finished last, shows that ho is far from the Bobadil of last autumn, when he carried everything before him, and it would'seem as though the Auckland crack, Seahorse, will find his stiffest opponent in Wait-a-Bit. Dressed in his best, Seahorse will have nothing to be afraid of from Wait-tv-Bit, and the chestnut may follow in the footsteps of his sire (who won the Essofidon Stakes of 1887), by landing the weight-for-age event. .The following is a. list of the horses engaged in the Essendon Stakes:— st. lb. St. lb. Eiridsdale ... 9 3 Geo Frederick 9 0 Wait-a-Bit ... 9 3 Merriwce ... 8 2 War God ... 9 3 Parthian ... 8 2 Carbineer ... 9 OSeahorso ... '8 2 Bcbadil ... 9 0 Shell ... 7 13 Disfigured ... 9 0

On Tuesday the Australian Cup will bo brought up for decision, ?.nd judging fiom the present aspect, matters look well for a strong field contesting the long-i istrnce handicap, as at the time of writing the following horses remain in the race:— st. lb. St. ib. Wait-a-Bit ... 810 War God ... 713 Merriwce ... 810 ferliriga ... 710 Seabo'ee ... 810 Disfigured ... 7 5 Par;hian ... 87 Li Carabine ... 7 5 Brazen Lid ... 8 1 Geo. Frederick 7 0 •Royal Purple 8 1 Carbinier ... 613 The Bride ... 8 0 Tabilk ... 6 7 •Including 101b penalty.

Wait-a-Bit has been summed up as a borso more to be feared than trusted, and when one surveys the bay son of Malua s form, it must be admitted that there is much to warrant the suspicion of unreliability that attaches to him. If Wait-a-Bit could bo depended upon to take hold of his bit in the same resolute manner as ho_ did on that unlucky November afternoon in 1893, when The Grafter beat him half-a-neck for first honours in tho Melbourne Cup, he would, tihera can be little doubt, take a prominent jiand in the settlement of the Question ; but Sifter so many disappointments I hardly care to recommend him to my readers for this Cup. Merriwee's Derby and Oup display in tho spring undoubtedly showed him up in the light of a rattling good three-year-old. An analysis of the form of his immediate attendants in the latter race, shows that Merriweo was required to cope with something pretty Strong, for Toyou, who acted as run-ner-up, and whom ho mot at a difference of only 811), subsequently triumphed in a mile and three-quarter race under 9st 41b in fas, time: wln'o Dewey, who was third, previously beat a strong field in tho CaulfieM Cup. Merriwce is paid to be a very genuine sort of colt, and though in Bst 101b (lie son of Bill of Portland has received all the weight he is.entitled to, he is such a true stayer that he will apparently only require to be quite himself on Tuesday to play a prominent part in the settlement of the question. .That Seahorse possesses the necessary qualifications to tackle such a stiff task as this Victorian race, ho has given unbounded proof. *' n 'y once this season lias the son of Nolson Mif* ferod dofeat (and who will argue otherwise than that there was a «"ke about that?), whilo his victory in the Canterbury Cup, when he traversed two miles and aquarter in 3m. 56 l-55., showed him up in the light of a truly great stayer. In being placed on the same mark its Merttwee, it cannot be argued otherwise than that the Auckland'crack has received tho full measure of his deserts, but looking at tne character of bis performances, I do not see how it could be legitimately argued that he is unfairly treated. In his initial gallops on Australian territory, Seahorse did not,, oy all accounts, pleaso, but ho has been gall ping in much improved sty o of tote, nrtd rn Saturday last was credited with puLlng lip tho fastest gallop of the season over a mile and three furlongs. Tins points to mo cliff - nut having quite recovered his form, and though he will have to meet a stronger field than ho has yet encountered, I think he ff.il be found equal to the task when the wlw are out on Tuesday. Parthian (Bsit 71b) s the particular fancy of Australian aetoa at the time of writing, and a reoen w nmng display at weight-for-age, it; must bo admitted; was much to, the credit, ortho sbn cf Grand Flaneur,, for he _ practically came in by himself in the St. Georges Stakes. , It is claimed foi Parthian that he can stay well, and if that bo so ho must be regarded as a

dangerous candidate.,,,Th» result of the running in' the St.'Leger on Saturday will,' howfever,' furriish us with a (food line ?as to Parthian' Cup prospects. - The Sydney-owned "War God (7st 131b) has lun a few fair races, though I fancy ho is still a maiden. La Carabine 5 (7st 51b) ' is mentioned as a likely one -to win, and George Frederick, on the 'strength of a recent win, has been freely mentioned. .However, to sum up the .matter; it seems to mo that Merriwee, Seahorse, and 'Parthian are the likely ones to furnish tho placed division. Tie task of separating that trio is not' an easy one, but it will not surprise me'to find Seahorse homo in the ran.

WANGANUI JOCKEY CLUB'S . -'. meeting.

On Thursday and Friday next, the Wanganui Jockey Club will hold high carnival on their pretty oours'ej and if the acceptances received for the various events of the first day g programme aro to bo accepted as a criterion, then tho success of the meeting is quite assured. Tin Wanganui Cup, which is the principal evont of the first day, has the satisfactory acceptance of a dozen; and though the list will no doubt be reduced before the time to:- saddling up arrives a pretty fair field is sure to bo found at tho post. Though Coronet lias of late shown himself to bo a much ' improved horse, -I think *he has a bit tho worst of the weights in the race with 9st 61b. Boreas has nothing: to complain of in 9st 21b, pnd if a doubt did not exist as to his staying capacity, I should have a deal of respect for his chance. Tho one, however, I take to be most dargerous is Skobeloff (7st 51b). The son of Stcpniak was seen out under Bilk at Ricoarton last week, and was only beaten by Ben Farley in a fast run of a milo. and a-half, I will take him to win. The following are the acceptances for the various events of the first day;— .

St. lb. St. lb. Coronet ... 9 6 Advanco ... 7 7 Boreas ... 9 2 Skobeloff ... 7 5 Tortulla ... 8 5 Koromaluku... 7 4 Bush Rose 8 3 S;dgebrook ... 7 4 Will-o'-tho- .Tsdoo ... 6 9 Wisp ... 7 12 Tirada ... 6 7

First Handicap Third!us, two miles and a distance: Troubadour 10.12, Light 10.12, Favona 10.11, Voltaire 10.5, Nayborn 9.12, Derry 9.11, Blackdust 9.8, Haitriri 9.0, Hinau 9.0, Straybird 9.0.

Flying Handicap, six furlongs: Advanco 8.11, Titoki 8.10, Oingo 8.8, Chasseur 8.4, Tolstoi 8.2, Cmrasotte 7.11, Donovan 7.5, Faugh-a-ballagh 7.0, Lady Lome 6.10.

Stewards' Handicap, ono mile: Bonafido 8.12, Sirocco 8.0, Toa 8.0, Tolstoi 7.12, Palaver 7.10, Jadoo 7.8, Tho Heiapio 7.7. Philanthropist 7.7, Knight of Athol 7.7, Matarawa 7.6, Cuirasette. 7.5, Lady Lcrne 7.2, The Onyx 6.11.

• Jaokson Welter, one mile and a distance First Blood 11.6, Return 10.8, Sirocco 10.6, Ruby Twist 10.3, Tho Hsmpio 9.10, Brennan 9.10, Palaver 9.9, Philanthropist 9.7, Knight of Athol 9.7, Stockado 3.3, Man-o'-war 9.0, Silvcrlock 9.0.

Hack Hurdles, one milo and a-half: The Guard 11.5, Waiwera 11.3, La Volta 10.0, Bonus 10.0, Whetu 9.13, Maporu 9.11, Heart Whist 9.10, Theobo 9.3, Sultana 9.0, Ramrod 9.0, Fiona 9.0.

Hack Flat Handicap, one milo and a distance: Whitney 8.11, Lady Spec 8.5, Trask 8.4, Legion of Honour 3.2, Rata 8.0. Lubra 7.13, Black Roso 7.9, Calceolaria 7.7, Leah 7.7, St.. Ada 7.7, Last Spec 7.3, Momohaki 7.0, Magona 7.0, Hard Work 7.0.

THE DUNEDTN JOCKEY CLUB'S AUTUMN MEETING. [by TELEGRAPH.— FRUSS ASSOCIATION'.] Dunedin, Friday. Mr, Dowse has decided tho following weights;— THE DUNEDIN CUP of 500sovs. One mile and a-half. „ st - "l st. lb Bom» 9 11 Fhlmen ... 7 12 Tortulla ... 812 .Advance ... 11 Malatua ... 810 Slcobeloff ,„ 710 Jupiter ... 8 8 E'uku 7 8 Djin-Djin ... 8 7 Paladin ... 7 'i Sant Hario ... 8 1 St. Onida ... 7 2 Dundas ... 8 0 Rod Banner ... 6 7 Strathnairn ... 7 13 PUBLICANS' HANDICAP of 150sovs. Seven furlongs. St. lb. St. lb. Blazer ... ... 10 4 Nihilist ... 712 Tortulla. ... 9 3 Cherrystone 7 7 Benzoin ... 9 1 Brisa 7 6 Jupitor Hi... 811 Decoy 7 5 Advance .w8 11 Snzennah ... 7 3 Dundas ... 8 10 Vandyke ... 7 1 Arline ... 8 5 Hod Banner ... 7 1 Ostiak ... 8 4 Peerage ... 613 Paladin ... 8 3 Geld 6 12

Eidelweiss ... 8 0 Rougemont ... 6 9 St. Ouida ... 713 Dejdbeat ... 6 9