SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11544, 1 December 1900, Page 6

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES. NEW ZEALAND. ' November 28, December 1-Takapuna Jock*y Number 29, December 1-Dnnedin Jockey Dumber 8. 11-Otahuhn Trotting Club. December 26-Bay of Plenty Jockey Club. December 26, 27-Northern Wairoa Bacraj 'December 26. 27-Gisborne Racing Club. December 26. 27-Tarauaki Jockey Club. December 26, 27-Thames «*&,5? b -™. cfar December 26, 27-Northern Wairoa .Bactng 26- 28. January J. a - AttcW " d January" Bay Jockey Clnb J "E£ 29. 30. February l-Takapnna Jockey February 13, 14-Taranaki Jockey Clnb.. February IS-Rotorua Jockey T CluD. February 16, 18-Canterbury Jockey lrab ' February 20. 21-Egmopt Kacing Club. February 21. 22— Poverty Bay Turf_ Uuti. February 27. March 1. 2-Dnneain Jockey Club. . „. . March" Thames Jockey Club. March 7. B—Wangamii Jockey ClnD. DATES OF COMING EVENTS. December 26-Great Northern Foal Stakeg. December 26—Auckland Cup. December 28-A.R.C. Summer Cup. January I—Great Northern Derby. JanSar? 2-Anckland Steeplechase. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. JM Mercer.— Bluejacket won the Great Northern Derby of 1899. _. , A . d W . M , J™ l^* foal She proved barren in 1880. Mary aieu When two years old. The only daughters of Frailty at the stud are Cissy and Edith C BOTT?bT.B.-Hiko was got by Musket from rira and he is thus full brother to Waitm. Wagkk Vaitara.-The highest weight allotted to Nelson in the Auckland Cup was 9.12. . ______ NOTES BY PHAETON. Mb. Etett on Monday posted his adjustments in connection with the Auckland Cup, Railway Handicap, and Auckland Steeplechase, and acceptances for the same veil due last night. Though Mr. Evert dealt out the steadier of lOrt 21b to Advance in the Auckland Cup. the son of Vanguard was held to be considerately handled, and he promised to be a mm public fancy. "Mr. Douglas Gordon" has allowed his horse to drop out, from which we may, I suppose, conclude that he was considered to be allotted a task beyond his powers. Another doughty one to pass out was Seahorse, but the son of Nelson's defection did not occasion any surprise, as it would have been incurring a grave risk to ask him to undertake the work necessary to fit him for the struggle so soon after his recovery from the attack of influenza which placed him hors de combat. The defection of Advance leaves Malatua at the head of the handicap with Bst 71b. Some axe inclined to think son of Malua is an over-rated horse. wertainly, his running at the recent C.J.C. meeting was of a very disappointing character, and one would require a bit of a lead in the shape of an attractive trial gallop before evincing a keenness to back him. Still, " Dan" O'Brien must consider his horses form all wrong at the recent Canterbury meeting or ho would not be undertaking the Northern trip. Fulmea (Bst 61b} has received all the weight to which he is fairly entitled. The son of Castor is, however, one of the proved stavors in the race, and on that heading he is entitled to respect. Tortulla (S?t 51b) is about in her proper place. lender a lighter inmost than she has received in the race under review, the daughter of Torpedo failed miserably in the New Zealand Cup. but I doubt her having been seen at hebest when she raced at Ricearton. Coronet (Bst «b) is about in his proper piace. In the two previous Cups the bay son of Castor acted as runner-up under 7st 91b and 7st 101b respectively. It was no disgrace to Coronet to go down before Uhlan in the race of 1898, for he was conceding the son of Cuirassier a stone that day, and what a moral the latter had on hand he very conclusively proved in'the winning of the A.R.C. Handicap under increased poundage. In the last Cup Coronet was not, it is held, handled with good judgment, and on that heading a strong excuse was advanced for his defeat. I do not know that it could validly be contended that Coronet is better now than he was last season, but if he is found equal to running as good a race as he did last year, he will be entitled to a deal ot respect. La Gloria (Bst 31b) showed herself up in the light of a really good mare at the recent A.R.C. meeting, when she won over a mile and a-half and a mile and a-quarter in very attractive style. Those who were holding watches when La Gloria won her races at Ellerslie timed her to run the last four furlongs iu 495. and 50s. respectively, and as the daughter of St. Leger won easily in each case, the merit attaching to her performance cannot be gainsaid. If I was pressed upon the point as to which distance I would rather back La Gloria for, I should probably elect to take a mile and a-half to one of two miles; but, still, with the fact of her running the concluding four furlongs of a mile and a-half in 495., and winning easily at the end. before one, La Glcria has not, it must be admitted, left much room to question her staying capacity, and I shall elect to place a tick opposite her name. Bluejacket (8s: 3!b) has not achieved' much at five years old, and, summed up on his performances this season, the son of St. Leger's prospects may not on paper look over-bright. I fancy, however, that a mistake was made with Bluejacket in demanding severe races from him before he was ready for the fray. The son of St. Leger's exertions at the recent A.R.C. meeting did him no harm, and providing he goes on all right in his work in the interval, it will be no surprise should he show himself to be a vastly improved horse by the end of the present month. Back to his best form, I would certainly give Bluejacket a chance. Miss Delaral (B.st 31b) has been allotted a few pounds more than I expected, and had she been put in at Bst it would not have spoiled the handicap. Hohoro (Sst 31b) will, I fancy, be affected by the length of the trip. Ideal (Bst) galloped her two miles all right in the New Zealand Cup, but it was under 91b less than she has been allotted in the Auckland race, and I do not fancy her. Beddington (7st 61b) I do not regard as a stayer. Of those that figure at the tail end of the handicap, the only one to whom I would be prepared to give a chance is Skobeleff (7st 41b), and in his case it is not owing to any particular deed that he has accomplished, but simply to the fact that Mr. Stead continues to hold on to the son of Stcpniak, in the face of many disappointments. The Canterbury sportsman does not as a rule house much of the " duffer" element at Yaldhurst, and the persistency with which he has raced Skobeleff would appear to point to the son of Stepniak having at some time satisfied his owner that hi can both gallop fast and stay. At the time of writing, the four I take to be most dangerous are Fulmeri, Coronet, La Gloria, and Bluejacket.

After the decision of the Cambria Handicap at tho Takapunr meeting on Wednesday last the proceedings were enlivened by an animated discussion which took place between the respective owners of Scotty and Gatclock, as to the merits of the pair, and Mr. D. McLeod. throwing out a challenge to race air. McKinnon's colt for a thousand, the plucky little Scot promptly took up the gauntlet. A deposit was immediately made, and conditions drawn ap, one of which was that £500 each had to be deposited by noon on the day following. Mi. McLeod added a little further fuel to the fire by wagering an even £20 that the owner of Gatelock did not " come to time" on the following day. Both owners were found on the scene at the Haymarket at the time appointed, and, as the money was duly put up, there did not appear to be much reason to anticipate that the whole affair would fizzle out. That, however, is what happened. There was a general shako hands, the stakes were lifted, and wagers declared " off." Tinder the circumstances it is somewhat difficult to pen an enthusiastic paragraph on the " projected thousand-sovereign match!" An authority has said that the glib manner in which people speak of thousands these days is positively appalling. Who shall say, alter the Scotty-Gatelock fizzle, that the remark ir not justified?

When old Voltigeur 11. limped away (I have heard it stated that he was practically carried away) after recording his victory in the Great Northern Steeplechase at Ellerslie last July, it was pretty generally concluded that the last had been seen of the old gray on the turf. Frank Ross, has, however, shown himself to be such a pastmaster at the patching-up process, that it is never quite safe to say that any of his team are " gone coons" until the interment has taken place. The Takapuna trainer had "Voltigeur 11. in commission at the North Shore on Wednesday last, when he contested the Hurdle Race, and though the old gray did not win, it might justifiably be contended tthat he i-an the race of his life. The old battler popped ovei the last hurdle under severe pressure with all the agility of a youthful aspirant, and throwing out a stiff challenge to Tim, the latter had to be ridden right out to win by a length. The New Zealand turf has claimed few move sturdier veterans than Voltigeui 11., and from his game display on Wednesday, it is quite evident that he is far from done with.

At one time a prejudice against first foals was entertained by many old-timers, but we have had so many illustrations of the absurdity of such a belief that it has pretty well died out The latest first foal to distinguish himself is Scotty, the two-year-old son of St Leger and Janet, who scored at Takapuna on Wednesday last in the Cambria Handicap. In considering that interesting little incident, it is worthy of note that several other members of the family from which Scotty springs have achieved like discretion. Frailty (Scotty's great grand-dam} commenced what proved to be a remarkably brilliant stud career by producing Trenton, and it will be admitted that he was a bit of a king Cissy (Frailty's daughter) threw Daystar in her first season at the stud, and he, too was a good winner. Janet (the dam of Scottv) is Cissy's first daughter to go to the utud, and it must be said she has made a very respectable contribution to the records in the bay colt that came out on top at Takapuna.

Mr. D. McKinnon's two-year-old colt Gatelock "met with a serious mishap while hem* exercised at Ellerslie yesterday morning. The colt suddenly swerved while galloping and getting rid of his rider (W. Bird) collided with the fence which surrounds the number board A large staple that was sticking out entered his chest, inflicting a gaping wound, frcm which there was a big flow of blood. On being secured, the colt was immediately taken to his quarters at J. Rae's place, and Mr. C. D. Halstead, who had been telephoned for, went' out and stitched up the wound. Gatelock's two-year-old prospects have been completely blotted out by the unfortunate accident, and there is just a fear that the colt may never be of any use for racing purposes. Much sympathy has been extended to Mr. SlcKinnon by reason of his losing the services of Gatelock.'for the Waikato sportsman was known to hold sanguine views. of his colt rendering a good account or himself. W. Bird suffered a severe shaking by hw fall, and I understand that he will be unable to ride at Takapuna to-day.

The Dunedin Jockey Club opened their spring meeting on Thursday last at Wingatui, under favourable weather conditions. Though in three instances during the afternoon the fields were extremely poor, the totahsator investments (£5001) showed an advance of £1649 on the amount handled at the corresponding meeting held last year. The principal event of the afternoon, the Otago Cup, only attracted a field of four, the Canterburyowned gelding Dnndas (Bst 41b) being made favourite. The disappointing son of Perkin ■yTarbeck re in front for some little distance, but he did not last very long, and it was left to Paladin (7st 101b) to score a hollow victory by five lengths from Jupiter (Bst 51b). This wretched display of Dundas once more demonstrated what a rotten stick his party were depending upon in the New Zealand Cup.

In my notes last week I made reference to the wonderful success of the Musket strain on the opening day of the Wellington meeting. On the second day the celebrated family were again stronply in evidence. Melwood, who is out of Ladybird (a grand-daughter of Musket), led off by annexing the Petone Handicap, and later on in the day he came home in front for the Hutt Park Spring Handicap. The Pearce Handicap found three of the family in the places— Materoa. The Shannon, and Oingo. who are all by Torpedo, finishing first, second, and third respectively-: and in the Hurdle Race Frost (by Foul=hot). Hotu (by Hiko), and Hangfire" (by Flintlock) got off a. like record. Whitney (by Foulshot) and Jewel Gun (by Needle Gun) came, homo in first and second places respectively in the Welter Handicap, and Chasseur (by Cuirassier) closed the programme bv annexing the Waiwetu Handicap. Truly might it be said that Musket's name was kept green.

I am very much afraid that we have seen the last, for some time at least, of Drum Major. When the son of Cuirassier was secured after getting rid of his rider at the last obstacle in the Hurdle Race at Takapuna on Wednesday last, it was at once recognised that he was badly lame. The seat of the trouble was in the off fore fetlock joint, and it may prove serious enough to cause his withdrawal from the turf. Some are of opinion that the weak spot in Drum Major's fetlock made itself felt prior to tho last hurdle being reached, and it is very probable that such was the case. We have had very few horsea of Drum Major's commanding stamp at the illegitimate game, and it will be a subject for keen regret should his owners lose his services in the racing arena.

Yesterday, by order of the official assignee in bankruptcy, the thoroughbreds owned by Mr. S. C. Caulton were offered for pale by auction at the Durham yards. The bay mare Porangi Potae (by Castor—Madcap) realised 90 guineas, passing into the hands of Mr. Leonard Marshall, of the One-tree Hill stud, at the figure named. The bay mare Nikau (bv Hotcbkiss—Yattaghan) fell cheaply to the bid of Mr. J. Litherland, of Darg*ville, the price paid being "5 guinea?: and the gelding Belfast (by Seaton Del aval —Lady Antrim) went to Mr. J. Davidson at 17 guineas. The cross-country horse Bradshaw was purchased by Mr. W. H. Conolly for £12.

"Whilo the two-year-old filly Ragabrash was parading the paddock at Takapuna prior to the start for the Cambria Handicap, not a few took her for Minerve. the three-year-old daughter of Nelson and Hestia, to whom she bears a striking resemblance.. The two fillies are, however, in no way related, as Minerve was got by Nelson, while Ragabrash claims Strathmore as her sire. •

St. Peter was. I fancy, a little earlier in trouble in the St. Andrew's Handicap contest than some think. \ As they ran up the back stretch the last time, I was not altogether impressed with the manner in which the bay son of St. Leger was dealing with the task in front of him, and his collapse in the straight did not, therefore, altogether come to me in the light of a surprise.

It wag at first greatly feared that Alee. Hall was seriously hurt bv his fall off DrumMajor at Takapuna on Wednesday last, as the horse seemed to strike him while galloping away. He was for some little time in an unconscious state, but, to the relief of the assemblage, the Wanganui horseman revived in the course of an hour, and it is hope,! that he suffered no more than a shaking.

Lancaster is spoken of as an equine aristocrat from his nose to his heels. A Victorian writer, in drawing a pen picture of the son of Hotchkiss, says:—Ho is a rich brown, with a good clean chiselled head, set on to a lean, reachy neck, which is let into beautiful oblique shoulders, good back, and loins, well clothed with muscles, especially so do the muscles stand out on his thighs and gaskins.

Hermosa. the little daughter Oi St. Leger and Lady Evelyn, who passed into the hands of Mr. J. B. Reid a few weeks back, was not long in giving the Eklerslie sturlmaster a good return, as at the Dunedin meeting on Thursday last she won the Federal Handicap of HOsovs. Hermosa was not at all in favour for the race she won at Wingatui, and out of £957 10s only £69£ was opposite her name, which represented a dividend of £12 6s.

While performing a fast three-furlong gallop at Ellerslie yesterday morning St. Peter collided with Winsome, who was being exercised slowly on the same track, and the result was that both horses came down and unseated their riders. The. horses galloped away "on their own," but were soon secured, and further than that St. Peter suffered a blackened eye as the result of the contretempr the pair got off scathless.

The race for the position of honour in the winning jockey list is going to be a very writer). All eves have been centred on S. Loates and L. Reiff, who head the poll, first one and then the other taking the lead. Meanwhile little Johnny Reiff has been creeping up unobserved, so to speak, and it promises to be a desperately close thing between this trio. One's sympathies are naturally with the Englishman, but there is no shutting one's eyes to the fact that his average cannot compare with that of either of tho others. It speaks volumes for the Yankees that they have ridden as many winners as S. Loates, although they have had 200 less mounts. L. Reiff, in 400 mounts, equalled as nearly as possible the score that Loates had taken 600 rides to reach. Madden is a bad fourth with 91 wins, as against L. Rciff's 117, in spite of having had 120 more mounts than the American.

Bill of Portland has been such a conspicuous success at the stud that it goes without saying there will be some strong competition for him when he goes up for sale next week; but there will, it is predicted, be more numerous commissions in the field for the purchase of the two scions of the Musket family, Havoc and Wallace, who go up for sale on the same day.

I learn from Mr. J. B. Williamson that the foalinor season has now concluded at the Onetree Hill stud. Tho last arrival at the estate is a colt by Eton from Kitty Flyun (by TriAlcestis).

Mr. A. Davis, who manages Messrs. L. D. and N. A. Nathan's stud at Sylvia Park, proceeded to Sydney by the Elingamite on Monday last, for the purpose of attending the sale of the St. Albans stud next week. I understand that Mr. Davis' visit is principally in quest of mares,

BREVITIES. Boreas was not raced at the Wellington meeting. , ; _ Coronet continues to wear a blooming appearance. *"* The St. Albans stud goes up to auction on Wednesday next. Mr. Evett estimates Hohora to be within lib of Advance over six furlongs. R. Hall will, I understand, steer Straybird in the Takapuna Steeplechase. Battleaxe contracted an attack of influenza after his return, to New Plymouth. The three placed horses in the Otago Cup were all returned as chestnut geldings. It is stated that Materoa burst a bloodvessel while contesting the Pearce Handicap. At Messrs. Dnder'e estate Annabelle (by Lionel—Anna) • has produced a colt to Cuirassier. It is understood that Fulmen is on his way North iff order to fulfil engagements at the A.R.C. Summer Meeting. At the Doncaster sales, held in September, a half-brother to the Wellington Park sire Castor was sold for 2100 guineas. It is anticipated that the Hon. Mr. Ormond will be strongly represented at the A.R.C.'s approaching summer meeting.

The Master will be offered for sale at the Haymarket next Friday, when he will be sold to the highest bidder, no reserve being fixed. To the sound pace which donesty set in the early stages of the St. Andrew's Handicap is attributed the defeat of several candidates.

It is expected that the Victorian Racing Club committee will raise the added money to the next Melbourne Cup from 3000 sots to 5000sovs.

Victorians appear to be greatly amused at the New South 'Walesites' desire to "cut out" the Melbourne Cup by instituting a bigger prize.

An interesting incident in connection with Scotty's victory in the Cambria Handicap is that the son of St. Leger won his race on his birthday. Tip burst a blood-vessel in his head while contesting the Maiden Hurdle Race at Takapuna, and his rider (A. Hall) pulled bim up at the fourth hurdle. Trainers are highly remunerated in the Old Country for their services. F. W. Day has accepted the post of trainer to Sir E. Cassel at £3000 a-year. On Friday next Mr. W. Knight will declare the weights for the various events to be run on the opening day of the Thames Jockey Club's Summer Meeting. The veteran Goldspur added another good race to his winning repertoire this week, the son of Ruberzahl scoring in the Salisbury Handicap at the D.J.C. meeting. Nominations for the various events of the Auckland Trotting Club s Summer Meeting close on Friday next. The full programme is published in another column. During the present week a rumour has been current to the effect that a prominent local sportsman contemplates leaving Auckland to take up his permanent residence in Victoria.

Mr. Byron Moore, the secretary of the Victoria" Racing Club, estimates that the Cup meeting means that £750,000 is put into circulation by tho general extra expenditure of the public.

No penalties are attached to the Auckland Cup, but in the Railway Handicap there is a condition that the winner of a handicap after the declaration of the weights shall carry a penalty of 51b.

On the day after Dayntree scored in the St. Andrew's Handicap at Takapuna his two-year-old brother Oanteon floored an odds-on favourite in Red Gauntlet in the Dunediu Handicap at Wingatui. %

Simonswood, a full brother to Mr. Leonard Marshall's sire Oyrenian, was responsible for a slashing performance at the York meeting, when he won the 20th Biennial Stakes under the steadier of 9st 101b.

Parthian, who was taken to the Old Country last autumn, is stated to have weathered the climatic change satisfactorily, and his owner, Mr. T. Muir, is sanguine of the eon of Grand Flaneur reproducing his best form.

Mr. Percival speaks in glowing terms of the colt foal by lien Godfrey from Satanella. The youngster in question is something more than half-brother to St. Paul, as Ben Godfrey is a son of St. Leger, the sire of St. Paul.

The Thames Jockey Club have received a capital list of nominations for their summer meeting, and if our goldfields friends are fortunate in tho matter of weather, they should bo able to score a pronounced success.

" Asmodeus," of the Melbourne Leader, says that if Maltster and Clean Sweep were to ran a match to-day, say over a two-mile course, at level weights, a shade of odds would in all probability bo laid on Clean Sweep.

We don't often read of two sisters fighting out the finish in a big race. Such an incident was witnessed last Saturday at "Wellington, when Materoa and Tke Shannon came home in first and second places in the Pearce Handicap.

It transpires that Sir George Clifford's colt Glenogle.' who started favourite for the Flying Handicap at Wellington, got jammed on the rails, and one of his sides was so badly out that it was deemed necessary to scratch him for his engagements.

In giving a selection in the Otago Cup, " Mazr-ppa" penned after Dundas' name, "anywhere from first to last," which is preity solid evidence that the Dunedin scribe is with those who doubt the son of Perkin Warbeck's genuineness.

The three-year-old, Finland, who contracted a dose of influenza on the eve of the V.K.C. Spring Meeting has made his reappearance at Flcmington, and is stated to look fairly well. The meeting of Finland with Maltster in the autumn will be awaited with much interest.

If England continues to draw on our jockey resources at the rate she is now doing, Bays an American writer, it is to be feared we are doomed to witness some very poor riding. Our best boys are all bitten with English fever, and looking for a chance to get to Newmarket. The first and second horses in the two-year-old race decided at the Takapuna meeting each have a dash of Musket blood in their veins. Janet (the dam of Scotty) is out of a Musket mare, while Ragabrash, who acted as runner-up, is by Strathmore, a grandson of Musket. The Takapuna racecourse and enclosures have never previously been seen to such advantage as on Wednesday last. The next flower-beds which fringe the pathway leading from the entrance down to the lawn, were a fcrfect mass of bloom, and altogether the caretaker, Mr. Fanch, is entitled to a word of warm praise for the state of the ground. AUCKLAND RACING CLUB'S SUMMER MEETING. ACCEPTANCES. The following acceptances were received last night by Mr. Percival in connection with the A.R.C. Summer Meeting: — THE AUCKLAND CUP of lOOOsovs. Two miles. St. lb- st. lb Malatna ... 8 7 Skobeleff ... 7 4 Fulmen ... 8 6 Military ... 7 0 Tortulla ... 8 5 Dayntrce ... 7 0 Coronet ... 8 4 Hengist ... 610 La Gloria ... 8 3 Paphos ... 610 Bluejacket ... 8 3 Knight of Miss Delaval... 8 3 Athol ... 6 7 Hohoro ... 8 3 Paul Scaton ... 6 7 Ideal ... 8 0 Motor ... 6 7 Beddington ... 7 6 RAILWAY HANDICAP of 300sovs. Six furlongs. J «t. lb. Bt. !b. H/bhoro ... 10 10 Winsome ... 7 6 Malatua ... 9 0 Laetitia ... 7 5 St. Peter ... 812 Formula ... 7 5 Renown ... 811 Takapuna ... *7 5 Hastings ... 711 Cuirasetto ... 7 4 The Needle ... 7 9 Tommy Atkins 7 3 St. Elmo ... 7 8 Val Rosa ... 7 2 Red Lancer ... 7 8 Bosiphele ... 6 8 Military ... 7 8 Landlock ... 6 8 Including 51b penalty. AUCKLAND STEEPLECHASE of 300sovs. About three miles and a-half. St. lb. St. lb. Nor'-west ... 12 12 Volcano ... 10 1 Straybird ... 11 3 Miss Drury ... 910 Cannongate ... 10 12 Kowhai "... 9 7 Dingo ... 10 9 Verdi ... 9 7 Voltigeur 11. 10 2 Tarragon ... 9 7 THE BETTING MARKET. After the declaration of the acceptances for the Auckland Cup last night, the following prices were quoted: — 100 to 20 agst Tortulla. 100 to 18 La Gloria 100 to 16 Fulmen 100 to 12 — Miss Delaval 100 to 11 Coronet 100 to 10 Malatna 100 to 8 Bluejacket 100 to 8 Ideal 100 to 7 Beddington 100 to 6 Skobeleff 100 to 6 Military 100 to 6 Dayntree 100 to 8 Hengist 100 to 3 Knight of Athol 100 to 3 Motor 100 to 4 Paphos 100 to 3 — Paul Seatoc 10C to 5 Hohoro

THE TAKAPUNA MEETING. > [bt FHAKTOJf J

The race meetings held at Takapuna enjoy such a wide popularity thai witii line weather a great crowd of visitors to the marine suburb can always be depended upon to assist at an afternoon's sport; and with a beautiful day to assist them the T.J.C. were enabled to inaugurate the season at the North Shore under the most favourable auspices. Those who journeyed across the water' to assist at last Wednesday's gathering were well repaid for their trouble, as the racing from first to last was of a highly interesting character, and altogether it could fairly be advanced that it constituted one of the best day's sport ever brought off at "the Shore."

When backers came to face the problem attaching to the Trial Handicap, the popular verdict was in favour of Volee (7st 31b), who was made favourite. Blaircarrig (7st 41b) however, entertained the assemblage by showing his ability to win from end to end. Though The Frenchman (Est 41b) was within a length of the leader at the finish, it was only on sufferance that the son of Crawford Priory got to within striking distance of his chestnut opponent, as Buchanan had a tight pull on his horse. It was thought that a mile was a bit too far for Blaircarrig, but the son of Blairgowrie must be accounted to have settled that little question in his favour very decisively, and he must be giwyi credit for being able to compass eight Furlongs satisfactorily.

In the field of nine that was saddled up for the Cambria Handicap, Kissaline (Bst 121b) was a prime fancy, and it was not difficult to discern that the followers of Frank Maemanemin's stable were undivided in their views as to the result. However, the outcome of the contest demonstrated once again how difficult it is even to those having a full insight into matters to gauge the position accurately, as Scotty (7st 121b), the second string of the stable, came out on top, while the fancied one never really got near the front. Of course an excuse can be advanced for Kissaline's poor display in that she got badly away, but all the same Scotty showed himself up in a light that even those connected with him were far from prepared for. The son of St. Leger was very quickly into his stride when the barrier went up, and though he was pinched at one time, he answered the question most satisfactorily undei pressure, and won his race comfortably at the end. Scotty is a bold-looking colt that carries a decidedly fighting look, and I think we can expect something furbher from him when ho is fairly matured. Ragabrash (7st 71b), who filled the role of runnerup, is an Australian-bred filly by Strathmore. _ She was picked up very cheaply in Victoria last March by Major George for 622g5. That she will see a ver- much better day I have little doubt.

It was a popular opinion prior to speculation opening on the St. Andrew's Handicap, that St. Peter (Bst) would fill the position of favourite, but when the figures were totted up at the finish Rosella (Bst 61b) was found in the post of honour, whioh I must confess came to me in the light of a surprise, for in no race that the chestnut daughter of Seaton Delaval has yet contested has she shown any liking for a distance over a mile. When the last three furlongs of the journey were entered upon Honesty and St. Peter were at it hammeand tongs, battling for the lead, and as they ran into the straight Rosella looked momentarily dangerous. However, the whole of the trio wearied of the struggle in the run home. At the distance old Knight of At hoi (7st) appeared to have the race in hand, but a little further on Dayntroe (7st 1211>), who had bean running most generously in Bird's hands, shot up, and the son of Castor responding most gamely under pressure, caught his light-weighted opponent four strides from the box, and won a really good race by half-a-length. With the exception that he seemed to be a little finer drawn than when he raced at Ellerslio at the early part of last month, Dayntree was very much the same horse in point of condition. It was a -deserved win that fell to the Dayntree party, for it cannot bo disputed that the gray has at all times been raced out. It was thought in some quarters that Sir. Knight had placed too high an estimate upon Miss Drury's capabilities in awarding her list 21b in the Maiden Hurdle Race, but the chestrut mare proved tho handicapper to lave erred, if anything, on the score of leniency, as she practically came in by herself. The Master (lOst 101b) was well backed, but he once again collapsed in a manner that showed him to be wanting in stamina. Though Takapuna. was dealt out a stiff burden (Bst 121b) for a maiden, that circumstance did not stand wi the way of his being made a warm favourite for the Hack Handicap. The son of St. Hippo never at any time gave his followers any room for anxiety, and ho fairly romned away from his opponents at the concluding stage of the journey. In the Pony Handicap Lena (Sst 121b) was the popular fancy, and though the daughter of Derringer was required to ward off a most determined "-challenge from Pipiwharauroa (Bst 81b) in the last few strides of tho journey, she answered tho question satisfactorily, and won her race by nearly three-quarters of a length. The Hurdle Race appeared to bo summed up in the light of a " good thing" for Drum Major (lOst 101b). Ido not know that I went so far as to embrace that view, but as the majestic-looking son of Cuirassier walked round the enclosure prior to the field going to tho post, I must confess to being quite in line with those who viewed his prospects in a sanguine vein, for there was no doubt as to his havisg made a deal of improvement since, he ran Tim to a head at Ellerslio on the 10th ult. The top weight, Tim (list 21b), who set out to make (ho pace, was found up in the front when the last half-mile came to bo undertaken, and he and Drum Major were cracking on the pace, stride for stride, a couple of furlongs further on. Tim had his big rival beaten ere the last'hurdle was reached, where the favourite blundered and unseated his rider. That unfortunate mishap did not, however, sap the race of all interest, for "oncie over the obstacle Voltigeur 11. (lOst 61b) shot up with a surprising run, and Katterns had to extract every ounce out of his horse to score a length victory. It was undoubtedly one of the best-contested hurdle races that wo have seen for many a day, for when the head of the straight was reached there was really iiot mere than a couple of lengths difference between Tim, Drum Major, Voltigeur 11., and Hylss, who were racing in pairs. I should say that this was about the best race that Tim ever ran, and as he was practically in the lead from start to finish it was a meritorious performance. Takapuna's runaway victory in the Hack Handicap drew pointed attention to his chance in the Cheltenham Handicap, which race was run over a similar distance, and in which the big son of St. Hippo was nicely in with 7st. He was accordingly made favourite. After Lady Dash (6>t 101b) had carried on the running for a short distance. Takapuna shot out in the lead, but, though the big fellow got home in front, he had to be ridden out to win by half-a-length from Lady Avon (6st 101b). who put in a surprising run at the finish. When Takapuna raced at Ellerslie recently he carried a babyish kind of look, and he was very slow iii finding his legs when the barrier went up. In the interval he has been sharpened up a lot, and while retaining his sedate manners at the barrier, he was quickly into his stride when required to strike out. There can be no question as to Takapuna being a promising sort of horse, and should the son of St. Hippo prove him self of the same class as his fire, it would bo a matter for much rejoicing, for tho brother? Duder, whose colours ho carries, arc sportsmen in the fullest acceptation of the term.

THE SECOND DAY'S RACING.

NOTES AND ANTICIPATIONS.

The meeting will be continued to-day, and with every promise of beautiful weather a capital afternoon's sport should result.

The opening event of the programme is the Stanley Handicap, in which race I take Takapuna and Tiki to bo the pair most dangerous, find tho latter may win.

The issue in the Hurdle Race is decidedly open. I will take Bellman to win.

In the Spring Handicap Honesty and Toroa are the pair I take to be most dangerous, .••nd to split them I will give my vote to Honesty.

The Hack Handicap should go to Motor. In the Cautley Handicap Takapuna and Tiki read a likely pair to fight out the finish, and the latter may be the one to score.

Voltigeur ii., Dingo, and Volcano stand out a likely trio to fill the places in the Steeplechase, and I will take Voltigeur to win. Previous running may be expected to throw some light on the probable result of the Welter Handicap. A pair I take to be dangerous are Honesty and Toroa.

The following is a list of the acceptances for the various events: —

STANLEY HANDICAP of oObovs. Pour furlongs.—Telephone 11.0, Kettledrum 8.10. Lady Dash 8.10, Takapuna 8.10, Clansman 7.9, Laay Avon 7.7, The Owl 7.0. The Frenchman 7.0, Kosiphele 7.0. Golden Rose 6.12, Jack :.Srown 6.10, Mara 6.7, Tiki 6.7.

HANDICAP HURDLES of 70aovs. One mile and i-uree-quarters.— 11.9, Trouoidour 11.2, Voltigeur 11. 10.9. Bellman 10.6. Hylas 10.5 Forty-seven 9.0, Princess of Thule 9.0. SPRING HANDICAP of 150sovs. One nW,e. —Dayntree 8.12, Firefly 8.10. St. Poter 8.50, Hastings 7.13. Honesty 7.13, Winsome 7.12,

Cuirasette 7.2, T0r0a6.12, Doctor 6.10, Motor 6.7. Brilliant 6.7, Balbirnie 6.7. HACK HANDICAP of 50sovs. Seven furlongs.—Takapuna 9.12, Progree 7.8. MatasnttaharaMkl 7.7, Golden Tress 7.5. Bacchus ?5, Trumpet n. 7.4. Motor 7.4, Voice 7.3, 'I he Master i.O, Crescent 6.7. CADTI.KY HANDICAP of lOOsova. Six furlongs.—St. Peter 9.8, Takapuna 8.2, vVinsjmo 7.13, Lady Avon 7.4. Cuirasette 7.4. The French. man 7.0. St. Elvn 6.12, Zealous 6.12, Paul S»aton 6.7, Deadbeat 6.7. Tiki 6.7. SECOND PONY HANDICAP of 50sovs. Five furlongs.—The Slave 9.8. Lena 9.7. -Mpiwharanroa 8.10, Texas 7.13. Nora 7.13, Ethel 7.,", Gaiety Girl 7.10, Brookland 7.7, Garnet 7.7, Mara 7.4. Chief Miss 7.4. First Whisper 7.4. Myrene 7.2, Actress 7.0, Wee Tottie 6.10 Mamoa 6.10.

WELTisiR HANDICAP of 6030Y3. One mile. —St. Ursula 10.10. Knight of Athol 10.0, Honesty 9.12. Admiral Hawke 9.2, ~>ctor 8.12, Regalia 11. 8.9, St. Lawrence 8.5, Toroa 8.4, Black Rose 8.2. Crusade 8.2. St. Elyn 8.0. Matamataliarakilci 7.9 Motor 7.8, Regains 7.7, Crescent 7.7. Brilliant 7.7. HANDICAP STEEPLECHASE of lOOsors. About three Stra.vbird 11.6, Cannonirate 11.4. Dingo 11.4. Tally-ho 11.0. Voltiijeur H. 11.9, Tim 10.12, Volcano 10.5, Drum-Major 10.2. Ritfus 9.7. Kowhai 9.7, Tommy 9.7, Tarragon 9.7, Verdi 9.7.

The first race is limed to be started punctually at one p.m.

THE WELLINGTON MEETING. [by phaeton.}

The Wellington Racing Club brought a very successful meeting to a close on Saturday last at the Hutt. The totalisator investments ran out to £20,146, and as that represented an increase of £4397 on the sura handled at the corresponding meeting last season, the club has very good reason to be satisfied with the result. The racing was throughout of a most interesting character, and some excellent finishes were recorded.

In the opening event of the second clay— the Petone HandicapWhitney (7st 71b) was a strong order, but the son of Foulshot had to strike his colours to both Melwood, (7st) and Volley (7st 51b), the first-named winning easily. Later on in the afternoon Melwood was pulled out for the Hutt Park Spring Handicap, in which he carried a like impost to that allotted to him in the Petone Handicap, and he piit down a strong favourite in Kissmary (7st 31b). ' «

On the strength of her win in the Wellington Handicap, Tortulla (9st 81b) was the popular fancy for the Pearoe Handicap, but the result proved her to be overweighted, as she faded out of Qie contest when it came to real business, and.it was left to Materoa (7st 121b) to effect a mild surprise by galloping home in front of. her three-year-old full sister The Shannon (7st lilt).

The November Hurdle Race was responsible for a. bit of a rumpus. Frost (10st), who had run unplaced in a similar race on the first day, this time came out on top, and the reversal of form was of so pointed a character as to give rise to a hostile demonstration. The stewards held an inquiry, with the result that Frost was disqualified, and Hotu (lOst 121b), who had a win credited to him on the preceding day, thus took rank as a double-event winner.

Though Whitney suffered a defeat in the Petone Handicap, that eircuinstance did not stand in the way of his being made a, warm favourite for the Second Welter Handicap, in which the son of Foulshot was weighted a* 10at. He showed the confidence to be well placed, by winning his race in good style. Chasseur (3st 111b) was the one most fancied for the Waiwetn Handicap, and the son of Cuirassier romped home in front of his field in the rattling time of lm. 2s. Though Frost was disqualified for the race in which he oame in first at the Wellington meeting, backers on the machine did not lose their money, as the stewards ordered the same to be returned in full to investors.

Torpedo came out on top amongst the winning sires, with three successes to his credit, Tortulla, The Shannon, and Materoa being his winning representatives. Foulshot claimed a double winner in Whitney; Hiko had a like distinction with Hotu; St. Leger claimed Melwood, who also won twice; while Cuirassier was responsible for Transport and Chasseur. The other sires represented on the winning list were: Tasman, Stenniak, Chain Link, Jet d'Eau, and Vanguard. NORTHERN WAIROA RACING CLUB'S SUMMER MEETING. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWX CORRESPONDENT.] Dargaville, Friday. The following weights have been declared in connection with the above meeting: — Handicap Hurdles: Corvette 11.12, Bob 11.7, Malabar 10.10, Boxer 10.7, Jack 10.4, Playboy 10.0, Khaki 10.0, Gripp 9.12, Satan 9.9. Maiden Plato Handicap: Perseverance 10.10, Aurega 9.12, Jack 8.7, Gripp 8.4, Khaki 8.0, Brigeltee 7.12, Satan 7.12. Disowned 7.12. Northern Wairoa Cup: St. Ona 10.7, St. Jack 10.0, Panoply 9.12, Commodore 9.10, Regalia 11. 9.8, Corvette 9.4, St. Lawrence 9.0, Bob 8.4, Aurega 8.0, The Barge 7.0, Malabar 7.0. Plying Handicap: Corvette 10.0, Laddio (late Snip) 9.12, Markinch 9.4, Nereid 9.0, Nightingale 8.10. Aurega 8.7, Lady Zulu 8.0. Gumdiggers' Purse : St. Ona 11.0, Panoply 10.0, Commodore 9.10, Regalia 11. 9.7, Bob 8.7, ITie Barge 6.12. Stewards' Handicap: St. Jack 10.7, St. Lawrence 9.12, Corvette 9.12. Perseverance 9.9, Markinch 9.7, Laddie (late Snip) 9.5, Nightingale 8.9, Aurega 8.6, Telephone 11. 8.6, Lady Zulu 8.4, Gripp 8.0, Trumpeter 7.12, Playboy 7.7. OTAHUHU TROTTING CLUB'S SPRING MEETING. The following acceptances have been received for the first day of the Otahuhu Trotting Club's Soring Meeting, which takes place at Potter's Paddock on Saturday next:— Maiden Pony Race Handicap, five furlongs: Lady Dnsborough 8.10, Taffy 8.4, Silent 8.0, Actress 7.10, Motukorea 7.9, Buffoon 7.9, Little Jim 7.5 Freda 7.5, Forrester 7.2. Hurdle Race Handicap, one mile and ahalf: Sprevdon 10.10, The Flower 10.6, Venus 9.12, Certain 9.12. Epsom Pony Handicap, six • furlongs and a-half: Ladv Howitzer 10.4, Talisman 9.12, Topsail 9.3, Fairy Tale 8.1, La Rose 8.0, Banshee 7.4.

Flying Stakes Handicap, five furlongs: Lady Howitzer 10.2, Certain 8.10, Fairy Tale 8.5, "Miss Lane 8.2, Spreydoo 8.2, La Rose 8.0, Aolress 7.4, Taffy 7.3, little Jim 6.12. Maiden Trot Handicap (saddle or harness), one mile:. Le Grand scratch, Co'.enso scratch, Nat Gould scratch. King scratch, Little Tom 3f1., Porangi 55., Miss ictor os., Comet 55., Bert 55., Ladv B. Bs., The Autocrat 10s., Martha 10s., Miss Emerson 10s., Miss Kno 10s., Antes 10s., Darkie 10s., Tiripipi 10s., Louio 12s. Harness Trot Handicap, one mile and ahalf: Duke C. scratch, Hollywood 235., Viscount 285., Harold AbdaHah 305., Netty 335., Pilot 365. Otahuhu Spring Trot Handicap (saddle or harness), two miles: Joker 35., Empress 165., August 165., Waite&auri 18s., Pioke 225., Cob 245., Hollywood 255., Uric 285., Viscount 305., Fibre 345., Little Agnes 40s. Telephone Trot Handicap, one mile: Yum Yum scratch, Woodbine Be., Waitekauri 95., Viscount 165., Fibrj 175., Little Agnes 20s. DUNEDIN JOCKEY CLUB'S SUMMER MEETING. [BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION', j DUNEDIN, Friday. The following are the acceptances for the D.J.C. Summer Meeting: — SECOND HURDLE HANDICAP of 60sovs. One mile and a-half.—llex 12.9. Dundee 11.11, Pipi 9.6. The Slumberer 9.3, Pioneer 9.2. SECOND WELTER HANDICAP of 70sovs. Seven furlongs.—Tsaritsa 9.11, Suzannah 8.12, Grand Shot 8.8, Red Banner 8.7, Off Chance 8.5, Rancour 8.0. ST. ANDREWS HANDICAP of 150sovs. One mile and a-Qiiarter.— Paladin 8.8, Jupiter 8.6, Dundas 8.3, Nihilist 8.1, Brisa 7.11, Edelweiss 7.3. SECOND HACK HANDICAP of 50sovs. Six furlongs.— Heine 9.7, Gladys 11. 8.9. Sally 8.8, Bracken 8.1. Benson 7.13, Mosca 7.13. Galileo 7.12, Gun Rose 6.10, Ukace 6.9, St. Linda 6.9. GRANDSTAND HANDICAP of 80sovs. Seven furlongs.—StraSnairn 8.5, Pampero 8.11, Hermosa 7.11. Benzoin 7.11, Tsaritsa 7.9, Abercrombie 7.4, Vanilla 7.3. Hellene 6.7. JUVENILE HANDICAP of lOOsovs. Five furlongs.— 8.10. Lady Babbie 7.10. iENSON MEMORIAL STAKES of 125sovs. Five furlongs.—Blaza 9.5, Koturu 7.6. Battler 6.6. FAREWELL HANDICAP .-Mosca. Abercrombie, Blackpool, Edelweiss, Hermosa, Ukase, Nihilist, Magnificent. Brisa, Orphan, Casabianca, Grand Shot, Rancour. FEILDING RACES. FEILDING, Friday. The following were the results at the Feilding meeting: — PJEST DAY. Waituna Hack Hardies: First Shot. 10.8, 1; Rimu, 9.0. 2; St. Rene, 9.0. 3. Scratched: Wharangi and Colours. Dividend, £1 18s. Spring Hurdles: Waiwera, 9.7, 1; Tui, 9.7. 2; Zither, 10.5, 3. Won easily. Dividend, £3 Bs. Flying Stakes: Perfection. 6.10, 1; Tommy Atkins. 7.10. 2; Tapani. 9.12. 3. Won by a length. Time. Im. 18 4-sa. Dividend, £22 16s. Scratched: Oracle, Whitirea, Famous, Murmur, Assaycr. Oheltenha mHurdles: Waiwera, 1; Hangflre, 2: Tui, 3. Scratched: Zither. Dividend, £3 Is. Time, 2m. 575. Rongotea Hack Hurules: Rimu, 1; Nea, 2; Estrone. 3. Dividend, £6 15s. The Fitzroy Hack Flying resulted in a win for Fitzroy. Dividend, £52. SECOND DAY. Mangahone Hack Flat: Maro. 7.0. 1; Tokotea. 7.3. 2: Myra, 7.2, 3. A close finish. Dividend, £3 ss. Time, lm. 48 2-6 a. Scratched: Queen's Guard. Railway Handicap: Perfection, 1; Murmur, 2: Palaver. 3. Scratched: The Hempie. lime, lm. 335. Dividend. £3 18s. Hack Scurry: Beau Ideal. 1: Himalaya, 2; Jingle, 3. Time, lm. lis. Dividend, £50 18s.