SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11801, 2 November 1901, Page 7

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES. November 2, 4, 6, 9—Canterbury JocKey Club. November 6, 9. 13—Auckland Racing Club. November 9—Waverley-Waitotara Racing November 9—Waipawa County Racing Club. November 9— I Taieri Amateur Turf Club. November 9, 10—VVinton Jockey Club. November 9, 11—Taratahi-Carterton Racing November 13, 15—South Canterbury Jockey Club. November 19, 22—Wellington Racing Club. ■November 21—Waitara Jockey Club. November 23, 27—OtaJuihu Trotting Club. November 28, 30 (or December 26 and 28)— Dunedin Jockey Club. November 29. 30—Feilding Jockey Club. November ou, December 4—Takapuna Jockey Club. December 4, s—North Otago Jockey Club. December 14, Christchurch Racing Club. December 18, 19—Woodville District Jockey Club. December 20—Alexandra Jockey Club. December Porangahau Racing Club. December 26, 27—Reefton Jockey Club. December 26. 27—Lower Valley Jockey Club. December 26, 27— Manawatu Racing Club. December 26. 27—Cromwell Jockey Club. December 26, 27—Taranaki Jockey Club. December 26. 27—Thames Jockey Club. December 26. 27 January I—Northern Wairoa Racing Club. December 26, 28, January 1, 2—Auckland Racine Club. December 28—Ashhurgt-Pohangma Racing Club. December 31, January Wyndham Jockey Club. DATES OF COMING EVENTS. Nsw ZEALAND. November 2—New Zealand Cup. November 4—C.J.C. Derby. „ . November 6—Great Northern f-uineas. November 6—Canterbury J.C. Handicap. November Canterbury Cup. November Birthday Handicap (Auckland). November Pakuranga Hunt Club Cup. December Great Northern Foal Stakes December 26—Auckland Cup. December 28—A.R.C. Summer Cup. January I—Great Northern Derby. January I—A.R.C. Handicap. January 2—A.R.C. Royal Stakes. January 2—Auckland Steeplechase. AUSTRALIA. Octobe:- i9—Caulfield Cup. November 2—V.R.C. Derby. November Melbourne Cup. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. I!.—Aldershot ran third in Hie New Zealand Cup the year that Impulse won that race. WAGER.— There were 41 starters for the Canlfleld Cup of 1885. That was the year in whioli an accident took place, and Donald Nicholson was killed. 2. Lochiel never started for a Melbourne Cup. He won the Australian Cup of 1898. defeating Carbine. KIA ORA. Opotiki.—l. Manton won the New aland Cup in the same year that Carbine first started in Australia. Carbine did not-, however, start for the Melbourne Cup that year. He war. scratched shortly after the weights made their appearance. 2. St. Leger was foaled to English time. _ M OSKHTHER. —The official finding of the iud»e in the Melbourne Cup of 1885 was a head in favour of Sheet Anchor, Grace Darling half-a-hcad in front of Trenton. The Derby winner Nordenfeldt was fourth, three-quarters of a length away. It was in 1886 that Trenton was beaten a neck by Arsenal. NOTE'S BY PHAETON. The American sportsman, Mr. W. C. Whitney, had another important winner credited to him on Wednesday last, when his colt, Water Shed, captured the Cambridgeshire Stakes at the Newmarket Houghton meeting. As in the case of Foxhall, who won the Newmarket race in 1881 for Mr. J. R. Keene, Water Shed was bred in the land of the Stars and Stripes, so that as the colt is trained by an American (and would most likely also be ridden by one) the victory assumes an all-round shape. It may be doubted if the win of Water Shed would cost the English ring so much gold as was the case in Foxhall's year. In times past " the Cambridgeshire," as the last of the big handicaps, wis made the medium of heavy wagering. but the ante-post betting that now takes place is of a very mild order, and though there are still some speculators amongst the American division that might be termed plungers, " they do. not get the opportunity to operate that formerly existed.

On the threshold of another V.R.O. Derby and Melbourne Cup I am tempted to look tip past records bearing on those eontests. Taking up the blue riband first for research, I find that in the last 20 contests the favourite has got home first on nine occasions. That there should have been at least three more •victories for first favourites is a point upon which there would, I fancy, be a pretty general agreement if it were put to a vote. Who could be found to dispute that Carbine's defeat at the hands of Ensign in 1883 was a great fluke? And good colt though Amberite undoubtedly was, he should never have beaten Aurum in the race of 1397. ' Taking a line through Bobadil'a running in the autumn of 1899, it would appear as though he had bad luck to succumb to Cocos. The following little table which I have compiled furnishes some interesting particulars regarding the Derby question, extending over the past 20 years: — " j Odds Act't Year Favourite. I Winner. Favourite. 1880 Progress ..Grand Flaneur 11 to 8 1831 Sonrnus.. ... Davebin .. sto 2 JBB2 Navigator ' .. Navkator . Evens 1883 Archie .. .. Martini - Henry Evens 1884 Bargo .. ..Rufn-* .. .. Evens 1835 N'orilenfeldt .. Nordenfeldt .. sto 4 r IS«J Trident.. .. Trident.. .. 2to 5 3857 Aliereorn .. Australian Peer , I'.vens 1888 Carbine.. .. l''nsign .. .. 7to 4 1889 Kreadnought .. Dreadnought .. 2to 5 1890 line-ley The Admiral .. 2to 1 1891 Strathmore ~ Stratlnuore .. Evens 1892 Camoola . .jCainoola, . • 4to 7 1893 TheSail'r Princ'j'V.rnage .. 3to 1 1894 !Dreamland ...The Harvestei 6to 4 189 {Wallace.. ..(Wallace.. .. 4to 5 1896 Newhaven ...Newhaven .. 2to 1 1897 'Aurum .. Amberite .. Ito 2 1898 .Bobadil .. Co cos .. .. 4to 7 1590 IDewey ..iMerriwee .. 7to i 1900 Maltster ..'Master ■ ■ 9to 0 The Derby winner has figured amongst th? contestants for the Cup on 20 occasions during the past 24 years, and the race has been won six times by the colt who secured the blue riband insignia. A few years back when Derby and Cup wagering was more popular than it now is, a three-year-old would be sorted out as likely to _ win the double, but, dating from Martini-Henry a year (1883), 13 years elapsed before Newhaven broke the spell. The Derby winner often finished close handy to the winner, however, and 011 one or two occasions « great performance, though not e winning one, went down to the crack three-year-old One of the greatest tasks that the Denv winner bad to take on in the Cup was undoubtedly the race of 1885. Nordenfeldt was required to meet Sheet Anchor, Graca Darling, and Trenton at a difference of a few pounds, and in a great race he was beaten less than a length. In 1893 Carnage, who had landed the Derby, led his field in the Cup until just inside the distance, when the aged Tarcoola caught him, but the Derby winner was only defeated by the narrow margin of half-a-length. The following statement shows the position occupied by the Derby winner in the Cup each year since 1876 Derby winner. Weight. Position in st lb Cup. 1676 .. Briseis .. k.. 1 4 " First 1877 .. Chester .. -• 612 .. iMrst, 1878, .. Wellington .. 5J3 .. Fifth 1579 .. fctiwarrnw.. .. (i 1 •• J bird 1380 1. a rand Flaneur .. 610 .. First '188? .. D-rebin .. .. «12 • • Twelfth lg|.> avian'or.. .. .. Did not run 1833 11 Martini Henry .. 7 5 .. First ism .. Knfiis .. .. — •• Did not run 1885 .. Nordenfeldt .. 7 5.. Fourth 186 .. Trident .. ..7 7.. Poiirtli 1887 .. Australian Peer,, 7 D .. Third igf'B Ttnsiun .. ..7 5 .. Broke down 18*9 ;; Dreadnought .. —- •• Not entered 189:1 .. The xlmiral .. 7 9.. Sixth 1891 .. Stratlni'Ore -.7 6.. ,'"™ 189-2 .. rainoola .. ..7 b.. Eleventh 1r93 .. Carnage .. ..7 7.. Second 1894 The Harvester.. .. Did not run 1895 .. Wallace .. ..7 0.. Nowhere 1896 .. Newhaven .. 713 .. niat 1897 .. Amberite.. •• £ 4 •• Nowhere 1898 . Cocos .. .. /10 .. lh lr <l 1899 .. Merriwee.. •• 7 0 .. First 1900 .. jMalster .. 711 .. Second

A* wo are promised ft screaming hot favourite for the Melbourne Cup this year in tee ahapo of Revenue, I have been tempted to go back in the records for the past 25 years to find out the fate of the respective favourites in the various eon testa, Taking 1876 as a starting-point, we find leu d'Artifice, a scorching favourite at 100 to 30,, running nowhere, and two years after an utmost equally strong fancy in Melita fared badly. If one had to single out the most heavily-backed favourite that has gone down in the Melbourne Cup during the past quarter of a, century, Sweet William, who failed in the race of 1382, would probably be cited. The son of Yattendon carried the complete confidence of New South Wales, and be was backed for a ton of money. In those days the ring betted with great force, and a horse could, and would, be backed for tremendous sums. I have spoken of singling out the greatest favourite that failed in the Cup, and now I will take up the more pleasant line of making mention of tho greatest favourite that has scored. That was Carbine, who won in 1890. The bay son of Musket will ever bo kept in remembranoe for the great feat which . he accomplished under the steadier of 10st 51b» Almost from the time

the weights made tlieir appearance for the i Cup of 1890, Carbine was in a leading place in th© hotting, and the banking accounts of f the penoillers suffered such " a depletion that | has never nines happened, and, it may be j doubted, will ever again occui. A great stake could be won from the ring in those days._ Mr, Donald Wallace, in whose colours Carbine scored his memorable victory, was alone credited with landing wagers to tho extent of £26,000 over his horse. A man might get that sum now about a horse, j but, by all accounts, it would require a deal | of raking up. The following table will give my readers all the information they require as to tho fate of the favourite in the Melbourne Cup: — , _ . Position ?«* r - Favourite. Odd?. at finish. 1876—Feu d'Artifice ...100 to 30 ... Nowhere 1877—Savana&a 4 to 1 ... Second Melita 4 to 1 ... Nowhere 1879—-Suwarrow ...100 to 30 ... Third 1880—Progress 3 to 1 ... Second 1881—Darbein 3 to 1 ... About 10th 1882—Sweet William ... 4to 1 ... Fourth 1883—Martini-Henry ... 5 to 1 .. First —Hastings ... - ... 6 to 1 ... Fourth 1885—Nordenfeldt ... 5 to 1 ... Fourth. Trident 5 to 1 ... Fourth 1887—Australian Peer ... 5 to 1 ... Third 1838—Chicago 4 to 1 ... Nowhere 1889—Melos 7 to 2 ... Third 1890—Carbine 4to 1 ... First 1891Pigeontoe 7 to 2 ... Sixth —Malvolio 6 to 1 ... Eighth 1893 Carnage 8 to 1 ... Second 3894Ttuenalf ... ... 5 to 2 ... Tenth 1895—Hova 4 to 1 ... Second 1896—Newhave 4 to 1 ... First 1897—Positano 6 to 1 ... Fifth Clarion 5 to 1 ... Twelfth 1899—Merriwee 7 to 1 ... First. Wait-a-Bit 7 to 1 ... Nowhere Lancaster ... 3 to 1 ... Eleventh

Just one more little Cup table. The Melbourne Cup has been won by horses whose names have commenced: 4 times with A—Archer (twice), Arsenal, and Auraria. 3 „ >. Banker, Briseis and Bravo. 4 „ „ C-Chester, Calamai, Carbine, and Clean Sweep. 3 „ „ Don Juan, Darriwell, and Dunlop. 4 „ „ —Glencoe, Glenloth, Grand Flaneur, and Gaulus Once „ H—Haricot. Once „ It—Lantern. 5 times with Martini-Henry, Malua, Mentor, Malvolio, and Merriwee. Twice „ N—Nimblefoot, and Newhaven. Onoa ~ Patron. Once ~ S—Sheet Anchor. 8 times with T-Tor.v Boy, Tire Barb Tim WhifHer, The Pearl, The Quack. The Assyrian. Tarcoola, and The Grafter. Twice ~ 'Warrior and Wollomai. Once „ Z—Zulu. Will the winner of the Mel-bourne Stakes this year score in the Melbourne Clip. is a question that will no doubt present itself to many minds now that we are fairly face to face with Flemington's big carnival. These two races have several times brought about some terrible facers to followers of form. In 18°5 Trenton won the Melbourne Stakes under 9st, but with 151b less to carry ho went down in the Cup; last year his halfbrother, Bancastei, scored _in the Melbourne Stakes under a like impost to that Carried by his relative, but with 171b less in the saddle in tke Cup he also was beaten. Well, now, what is passing in my mind is just this: Will Wakeful succeed in a task that proved too much for her sire? Wakeful, it may be remarked, has been awarded an impost within 41>b of her weight-forage in the Cap, while her sire carried 151b under in 1885.

Ii the St. Simon mare La Fleche lias not. achieved great fame at the stud, the long: prices that have been paid for her yearlings bring her into notoriety. At the Doncaster sales held last month a filly by her, sired by the Derby winner Ladas, was submitted, and she realised the good long sum ol: 5200 guineas. When La Fleche was purchased for him some years ago bv a commissioner. acting under instructions from Lady Sykes. at 12.500 guineas. Sir Tatton at first declined to take her; and there seemed to be a danger _ of a lawsuit, but this was averted and Sir Tatton took delivery of the daughter of St. Simon. I.a Fleche has proved a good speculation, as since she went into the hands of Sir Tatton Sykes, her three yearlings have realised 10,200 guineas. The first foal thrown by La Fleche was owned by the late Baron Hirseh, and was sold for 3100 guineas as a yearling. Counting in that sum we have a grand total of 13,300 guineas for four lots. Captain Mitchell, who is regarded as one of the beet judge of the thoroughbred in England, is said to have described the La Fleche filly offered this year as "the most beautiful "yearling I have seen since her dam was sold."

A London cablegram to. hand states > that a two-year-old daughter of the Auckland-bred Trenton distinguished herself at the Newmarket Houghton meeting. This was a filly who caj-ries the Australian aboriginal cry, Coo-ee, as her name. Coo-ee won the Old Nursery Handicap, which event is run oyer a mile and 11yds. Coo-ee has the distinction of changing hands twice as a yearling. The first time sli» came under the hammer she Was sold for 310 guineas, but on being resubmitted some few weeks subsequently she realised 650 guineas.

Royal Artillery recently took charge .of the boy that was riding him v and as a result of a gallop on the hard going lie knocked his feet about. This little escapade has caused a doubt to be thrown on the colt being a starter for the C.J.C. Stewards' Handicap, in which lie is nicely in with 7st 10lb. When the son of Hotchkiss and Rose of Wellington was sold as a yearling he gave promise of developing into a very fine stamp of the tlioroughbred, and judging from advices received from Canterbury it is by no moans unlikely that he will prove himself a better colt than his chestnut brother Seringapatam (late Screwgun). ,

Sant IlarJo (by St. Leger—Cissy) has gone to the stud, and being located at Mr. J. B. Reid's "Elderslie" estate, he will ' ave a good chance to make a name for himself earlv in his career. Sant Ilario cost Mr. Stead 900 guineas as a yearling; but he never won a race for the popular Southern sportsman. Sant I'ario was unlucky in meeting a real clipper in Seahorse, to whom he ran second in the Canterbury Derby; and in the Great Northern Derby ho was close to the winner, Miss Delaval, Later in the season Bant Ilario hsd the great Advance to contend with, finishing second to him in the Dunedin Cup and A.R.O. Century Stakes.

Annually, for several years past, in the summer season, 11. J. Mason has been able to secure accommodation at Ellerslie for Mr. Stead's team in the same boxes at the Harp of Erin. The present occupant, Mr. .T. Lennard, has, however, a team of his own in work, and the five boxes being tenanted, the application made for the accommodation of the Southern team could not be entertained. There is somo talk, however, of erecting ad* ditional boxes at the Harp.

There's going to be an interesting Derby race at Flemington after all. After the running in the Can'field Guineas (remarks " Javeiin" in the Melbourne Leader) people who had previously concluded that it would be a one-horse race, that Hautvillers was invincible, Grasspan a rogue, Ibex short of work, and Haymaker too small, must feel a bit mixed. It would be funny if Grasspan, Hautvillers, and Ibex finished in that order for the blue riband. G., H., and I. form a sequence in tho alphabet, you know, and stranger coincidences have come off before now

Something interesting can always bo expected to flow from the pen of " Reginald," !>• the Melbourne Sportsman, and the stirring battle which took place between Hymettus and Wakeful in tho Oaulfield Cup gave him fair scope. Commenting' on that never-to-be-forgotten finish between the chestnut horse and the brown mare, the Victorian scribe nays :—.'Speed,' courage, and endurance were all put to a severe test in the Oaulfield Cup, and it can with truth be said that both Hymettus and Wakeful came through the ordeal with great credit. It was a grand struggle, fought out by two good, big-hearted horses, and if wo leave it ' honours easy' between them a proper decision will probably be arrived at. In these days, when we have so many performers who run ' patchy,' it is something to have a couple like Wakeful and Hymettvin to maintain the standard of the true Aus-tralian-bred gallopers. They do not run for a hole when they see the battle coming, not they. It is the other way about. They fight on, and that finish on Saturday will always live in my memory as one of the grandest equine struggles on record. Wakeful must be a truly phenomenal mare. She was always in front; but when tackled br one of the gamost horses in the world she would not yield. Nor was he to bo beaten At it they went, and there was so little between there at the end that it would really be unfair to give one any more credit than the other. Lot the verdict in regard to honours of the race rest between them, f'r they both battled gallantly for them. ' Form' pointed directly to Hymettus and Wakeful for this Cup, und in the running there was never much doubt about which pair would show tho way home. On top of the hill, si.x furlongs from home, there was really only the two in it, and if the race were run 60 times the same pair would still be there by themselves. They were two really good horses in & comparatively weak field, and -none of the moderates had th© semblance of ft chance with them,"- s

BREVITIES. Racing at Ellerslie on Wednesday and Saturday next. Revenue promises to start a hot favouriie for the Melbourne Cup. Last year there were only a trio of contestants for the V.R.C. Derby. The Te Aroha Jockey Club will hold a hack meeting on Saturday, November 9. The three-year-old Canteen put up a good gallop at Ricarton on Tuesday morning. Lady Gertrude (dam of Euroclydon) is this year responsible foi a colt to Hotchkiss. Mr. Stead's filly San Patricia is, I should think, the smallest one ever sired by Hotchkiss.

Blue Paul and Orange and Blue were passed this week under the 14.3 standard at Ellerslie.

A three-year-old has scored four times in the last six Melbourne Cups that have been decided. Brakpan (by —Piecrust) is regarded as a highly dangerous candidate for the Maribyrnong Plate. Hymettus is stated to be the most popular quadruped that has raced in Victoria since Carbine figured on the turf. Old Firefly looks well, and can be mentioned as one likely to earn winning distinction at the A.R.C. spring meeting. One of the most commanding two-year-01-ls seen out at Randwick this season is Shot and Shell, a colt by the Auckland-bred Havoc. Heloise, who won the Debutante Stakes at Caulfield three weeks back, will have to carry a 101b penalty for the Maribyrnong Plate. The C.J.C. Welcome Stakes looks like attracting a record field. After the final payment 20 youngsters remained in the race.

It transpires that the reason of Cameo's absence from the list of New Zealand Cup acceptors was due to his having gone amiss. Cavaliero continues to please the coursewatchers at Ellerslie. Whenever he starts the son of Cuirassier will be worth watch-

ing- ... „ Old Nor'-west is striding along at Ellerslie, and the veteran bear 3 an improved appearance to what he did some few weeks back.

The Ballarat trainer, James Scobie, whose establishment last season was all-powerful, is this year chiefly responsible for the housing of cripples. It was rumoured during the week that Val Rosa had a touch of influenza. The son of Seaton Delaval must have got rid of the ailment pretty quickly. Rosella has brightened up splendidly luring the past week, and on Saturday moraing she swung once round on the tan in a very pleasing manner. Helen Fauoit, the two-year-old full sister to Daystar, is mentioned amongst the juveniles likely to distinguish herself at the C.J.C. Spring Meeting. The Melbourne Cup, set down for decision at Flemington on Tuesday next, will mark the fortieth contest that has taken place for the great two-mile event. Ideal is stated to be very well. The stable are sanguine that the little daughter of Dreadnaught will get near the winner in the New Zealand Cup. Bluejacket has been responsible for some taking work at Ellerslie, and, all going well with him in the interval, he should be heard of at the A.R.C. Spring Meeting.

Okoari displayed symptoms of lameness shortly after making her appearance at Riccarton, and her defection from the New Zealand Clip was quite anticipated. Should Fill men fulfil his engagement in the New Zealand Cup on Saturday, the son of Castor will have the unique rccord of having contested that event four times.

Mr. E. J. Watt, one of the committee of the Hawke's Bay Jockey ClUb, has proposed a motion, " That two dividends only be paid when there are six or more starters."

Mr. J. B. Joel's investment of £16,000 for Princess Melton has so far turned out a most disastrous speculation, as the filly has not earned a penny of her purchase money.

Regalia 11. has shaped nicely in what exercise he has been required to undertake at Ellerslie, and should be quite ready to play his part at the A.R.C. spring meeting. It fell to the lot of James Buchanan to steer the first pony winner at Alexandra Park under the new rule which permits jockeys licensed under racing club rules to compete. The C.J.C. Oaks has never been able to command a strong field, and though 400sovs is the added money to this year's race there are only a braes to contest the valuable race.

The weights for the second day's racing at the A.R.C. Spring Meeting will appear in the Heiiald of Thursday next. Acceptances for the same close the same' night at nine o'clock.

The biggest field that has contested the New Zealand Cup is 17, which number started in 1894 and 1P96, when Impulse and Lady Zetland scored their respective victories.

An interesting fact in connection with this year's contest for the Cambridgeshire Stakes is that the three placed horses were all three-year-olds, and the leading pair carried the same -weight.

The Auckland-bred colt, Porirus, who w.m the Hastings Stakes at Napier, is engaged in the Welcome Stakes, to be run at the C.J.O. meeting on Saturday, and he is regarded as a highly-dangerous candidate. Lady Yardley, the dam of the Wellington Park stallion Castor, is still to the fore in England. Pekin, her two-year-old colt by St. Simon, beat Lavengro at Doncaster, and at the sales a colt front her .by Kendal brought 1250 guineas.

The Royal stud is a profit-making venture now (remarks the London Sportsman),_ about £14-,000 having been taken in fees this year for the services of Persimmon and Florizel 11. The number of brood mares is likely to be increased shortly.

At the Doneaster sales several youngsters sired by colonial horses were brought under the hammer. A filly by Trenton brought 620 guineas. A colt by Carbine brought 54-0 guineas, a colt by Chainshot 570 guineas, and a colt by Patron 490 guineas.

'Die acceptance of 19 for the Melbourne Oup this year is the smallest number thai lias been received for very many years. It only requires a couple of withdrawals to make the field for the great Flemington race the smallest in point of number since 1663.

Sparkling Water, the three-year-old daughter of St. Hippo and Ellersne, is wearing a very blooming appearance at present, and I shall pxpect her to run well at tho approaching Ellersiie meeting.

That good old battler, Vanitas, who is now in his ninth year, is stated to be in excellent fettle in India, and hia party have hopes of a win in the Viceroy Oup with the son of Martini-Henry and Vain Glory.

On the opening day of the 0.J.0. Spring Meeting last year the sum of £20,258 was put through the totalisator. It will be interesting to note if the sum is exceeded this year under the two-dividend system.

In the list of acceptances for the Melbourne Oup cabled, the name of Hautvillers was missing. In a cablegram received on the following day, giving an account of the betting, the name of Hautvillers is mentioned amongst the horses backed, and we may, I suppose, conolude that his name was omitted from the acceptance list by error.

Spalpeen has been a regular attendant at Ellerslie, and has been moving in taking style in his work. The son of Gossoon will probably be in commission next week at Ellerslie, and it will bo interesting to note whether he succeeds in wiping out tho two defeats that aro down against his name. Some say the chestnut will succeed in that direction, and some say he won't.

In referring to tho defeats of Mr. It. H. Sievier's Lavengro and Sceptre at Donnas'or "Robin Hood" remarks:—" Mr. Sievier must, I should think, regret not having accepted tho £60,000 offered not long ago for his four two-year-olds, then all unbeaten, lhiko of Westminster, Sceptro, Lavengro, and Doochary. What a change in price would be on offer now for the four."

-?•" t!io names of Kahuwai and Sirius were found among the acceptors for the New Zealand Gup many were heard to express the view that the Napier-owned pair might with safety have been left out. I cannot say what there is in it, but the names of Kahuwai and Sirius were mentioned to me by a man who gets good information as a likely pair to fight out the finish.

In a review of the Melbourne Cup field in the Sydney Town and Country Journal, " Martindale" says:—To pick out the most likely half-dozen at this stage I should sclect Hymettus, Australian Colours, Lucknow, Wakeful, Revenue, Hautvillers. The above to mo really look the pick of the lot, but I may have to alter my ideas later on, and one that has not yet been mentioned that may run well is Carbineer. Ho has been over the distance, which few of the others have.

What a change has come o'er the scene. In the Oaulfield Cup of 1885 (remarks the Australasian) Mr. \V. Robinson's colt Winchester was backed to win £4-0,000 without coming below 100 to 5 in the quotations, and a few nights before the race wo saw a good horse like Sardius backed for £20,000, and leave off at 100 to 4. If the whole of Australia were operated on at tho present time it may be doubted if a man could get such a sum about his horse at what could be termed a reasonable, or indeed, a fair price.

The late Tom Hales was a most delicate punisher. Hales once said : " The whip loses many races, for it is fatal to draw it to a beaten horse any distance from home; but most horses will answer the first two strokes, when giving no response to the spur, and a couple of cuts at the right instant may got a beaten horse in front, when to flog him would only make defeat more certain."

SPRING RACING CARNIVALS.

NOTES AND ANTICIPATIONS. [by phaeton.] Turfites will have a big programme °f events to consider during the next few ays. To-day the Victoria Racing Club an the Canterbury Jockey Club will make a start at Flemington and Riccarton re spec tively with their spring fixtures, and will continue the same on three days in the following week, while the Auckland Racing Club will set the ball rolling at Ellerslie on Wednesday next in a three days' meetins'. which winds up on the 13th inst. THE V.R.O. MEETING. The big event on to-day's programme at the V.R.C. Meeting is the Derby, and with a field of half-a-dozen promised, and the issue voted extremely open, a deal of interest will be centred in the result. At the declaration of the second forfeit the following horses remained in the race — Mr. 11. Hawkins's b c Bonnie Chi el, by WalBonnie Rosette. Mr if. P. Whitty'a br c Haymaker, by ine Cardinal—Harvest Lass. . rx„„t Mr. W. Bailey's br c Hautvillers, by iiaut Brion—Narara. v A Mr. C. N. Kidman's b c Manlock, by rati lock—Menugoru. Mr. A. W. Gaby's b c Grasspan, by Gratton —Piecrust. _ Mr. W. H. Mate's ch r Ibex, by GossoonAngora. : _ „ „ , /-ii, Mr. M. Thompson's b c Rock Gun, by Gibraltar —

Hautvillers did not, it must be said, make a creditable display when he contested the Oaulfield Guineas three weeks back, and some of the critics seem inclined to question the son of Haut Brion's courage. The Caulfield Guineas has not, however, always proved a safe line to accept in summing up the Derby question. Rufus, Carnage, Newhaven and Malster each went down in the mile race, but in the Derby running there was a very different tale to relate. Hautvillers won his two races at Randwick like a racehorse, and with a mile and a-half to his credit in 2m. 37aS. and a mile and a-quarter in 2m. Bs., that is proof positive that he can get the Derby distance, and if himself I shall he prepared to find him wiping out his Caulfield Guineas defeat when he comes to tackle the Flemington event. To lead throughout and win his race Ibex may he said to have acquitted himself in good style in the Caulfield Guineas, but a fear is expressed that he will not appreciate a hardrun mile and a-half such as tho _ Derby is sure to be. From the manner _ in which Grasspan shaped after he met his defeat at the hands of Hautvillers in the A.J.C. Derby, many good judges labelled him as dangerous goods for the V.R.O. blue riband. The son of Grafton has not, however, run up to the form expected of him in the interval, and, as a result, he has lost some admirers. He has, however, been strongly backed for the Derby, and maybe he is destined to give an exhibition of improved form in the blue riband contest. Bonnie Chiel s collapse in tho Caulfield Cup with an impost of 3lb under weight-for-age does not make his Derby prospects bear a very rosy aspect, and Haymaker's disappointing display in the Kclipse Stakes (run over a mile and three furlongs) _ causes a doubt to be thrown on his staying capacity. All things considered, I. think the safest one to trust is Hautvillers. Oh Tuesday the Melbourne Cup will come up for decision. At the time of writing the following horses remain in the two-mile race : — ... St. lb. St. lb. San Fran ... *9 7 Gunbearer ... 7 a Gauleon 9 7 Grasspan / » Hymettus ... *9 1 Bock Gun ... V 4 George Frederick 8 11 Haymaker ... o " onnara Din ... 311 Aoetine 6 J Wakeful 8 10 Seaport 6 9 Australian Colors 8 9 Flagship 6 9 Carbineer ... 8 7 Rockle'gh ... 6 9 Khaki ... —7 11 Patronus... ... 6 7 Revenue 7 10

* Including 101b penalty. t Including 51b penalty. ; Of the top weights, the one I take to he most dangerous is San Fran. J.he lUio penalty which the son of Gozo earned as a result of his win in the Metropolitan Handicap gives him an impost Tib over weight-lor-ajre, and that unquestionably makes it a, tog question that is to be exacted from the isow South Wales horse. The son of Gozo is, however, a proved stayer, and that he ™ beat more than beat him can, I think, be relied upon as a certainty. I don t like letting so consistent a performer as ttjrmettus go without a complimentary reference. The son of Eiridsrvord has performed brilliantly up to a mile and a-half, and, as he won his second Caulfield Gup under only Oil) less than he is required to carry in the race under review, he may l.ave something to say at the business end of the journey on luesday. That Wakeful is a great mare she gave pointed proof in the Caulfie.d Cup, lor under 9st she ran the winner to half-a-head for first honours in record time. Of course, iii the Melbourne Cup there is an additional four furlongs to travel, but is there any good reason to doubt Wakeful'# ability to compass the additional distance which the Flemingfcon nice calls for? Got by Trenton from Insomnia (a daughter of Robinson Crusoe), Wakeful is unquestionably bred on staying lines, and, though the spring of the year is a bad time for mares, I must have Wakeful on my side for this Chip. Australian Colours (Bst 91b) must be accounted to have a good chance. In the settlement of the Sydney Cup last, autumn Australian Colours made a very creditable display, and, considering that his party had earlier in the day exacted a race from him, his second to San Fran was brimful of merit. Revenue (7st 101b) has been strongly backed, and at one _ bound leaped from obscurity into the position of favourite for the great Flemington race. The son of Trenton does not owe his position to a public performance, for lie has not yet been seen out under silk this season. Revenue's position in the betting may mean much or little. , If the move made in his favour cam© from the proper quarter, then we are, of course, left to conclude that he is the superior of his stable-mate, Wakeful. If Revenue has any pretensions to being a racehorse, he should be equal to taking a hand in tho finish under so handy a burden as 7st 101b. Possibly the Derby running may bring one of the three-year-olds into notoriety, but the trio I take to be most likely to fight out the finish are San Fran, Wakeful, and Australian Colours. If I were required to name it in one, I should give my voto to Wakeful. CANTERBURY JOCKEY CLUB'S MEETING. Judging from the acceptances which the C.J.C. have received in oonnection with their i meeting, the inauguration of the spring gathering at Ricoarton will be well in keeping with the surroundings, , The principal event on the card on the opening day is the New Zealand Cup, and in considering the list of probable starters for the twomile race it would seem that the 15 horses left in are likely to sco the post. The following is a list of the horses engaged: — bt. lb. St. lb. Battleaxe 8 11 Kahmvai ... ... 7 3 Kulmen 8 6 Melwood 7 2 Tortulla 8 1 Canteen 7 2 Ideal 8 1 Military 7 0 Palaver 7 9 Sirius ' 613 Strathnairn ... 7 8 Will-o'- tlie-Wisp 613 D.jin-Djiu ... 7 7 Glenalatlale ... 6 10 Fashion 7 7 The issue in the big Southern race is on all hands regarded as decidedly "pen. In my notes last week I made an exhaustive reference to the chances of the various contestants, and there is no need for mo to again go through the list. Fulmon and Ideal, who ran a dead heat for first honours last year, are again on the scene, and advices from Ricoarton credit the two Lays with being in splendid nick. In last year's race Fulmen was required to concede Ideal 81b, but is only 51b between them in this year's race. Palaver is given a great chance to distinguish herself under 7st 91b, if ?he can stay. There is stated to bo room for doubt on that point, but we have really no reliable line to go upon in deciding the question. Palaver has won over a mile and a-half in really good style, and she should certainly run well in this Cup under 7st 91b, for that represents 191b under her weight-tor-age. . must, however, have a proved slayer to run for mo, and to name it in one my vote goes to Ideal. Another event that figures on the opening day s programme, in the result of which a doal of ( interest will be centred, is the Stewards Handicap (six furlongs), in which the following horses arc engaged: st - lb. St. lb. Ulazor 10 2 Dimdas 8 3 Okoari 9 5 Cilenogle ... 8 3 •j!, a Vr 9 4 Royal Artillery 710 Goldspur ... 9 0 Jemima ... ... 7 9 Pampero ... 9 0 Calibre 7 8 Ostuik 8 12 Hermosa ... 7 0 The .Shannon ... 8 7 St. Michael ... 7 0 Cora Linn ... 8 7 Kealey 612 St. Denis ... 8 6 Stepina 6 12 Blazer is reported to be back to form, and if that be so the St. Clair gelding will stand in need of some beating, notwithstanding his heavy burden of lOst 21b. Gleaogle must be given a chance under Bst 31b. The three-year-old Royal Artillery is stated to know how to gallop, and, as there seems to be every reason to voto him a racehorse, lie should be able to distinguish himself under 7st 101b, and 1 shall name him to win.

On Monday the Derby will be brought up for decision. The following is a list of the Horses engaged: —

Sir Geo. Clifford's b f Windwhistle, by Clanranald—'Weathereye Mr. G. G. Stead's ch f Cruciform, by St. Leger—Forme Mr. G. G. Stead's bo Menschikoff, by Stepniak—Pibroch Mr. G. G. Stead's br c Royal Artillery, by Hotclikiss—Rose of Wellington Mr. A. Moss' gr c Canteen, by Castor— diere Mr, E. Cutts' b or br c Shrapnel Shell, by Son-of-o-Gun— Mr. D. O'Brien's b c Calibre, by Light Artillery—Sunningdale. It will be seen that Mr. Stead holds a strong hand with a trio to choose from. In the running of the Hawke's Bay Guineas Menschikoff demonstrated beyond a doubt that he has made the necessary progress to entitle him to aspire to Derby honours. Royal Artillery is stated to carry a racehorselike appearance, and I have heard at least one keen judge venture the opinion that he will likely prove himself a better horse than his full brother, Seringapatam. However, I shall elect to pin my faith to Menschikoff, who I take to be a colt of great excellence.

NOTES BY OUR CANTERBURY CORRESPONDENT. [by telegraph.! CnrtisTC'H up, Friday. To walk through the city to-night no one would think that the New Zealand Cup was to be decided on the morrow, and I do not any previous Cup eve so quiet. So far as I can discover, half-a-dozen wagers for small amounts would cover the whole of the straight-out betting, for the lay backers are either unable to pick the probable winner, or they are waiting for the two chances on the totalisator. Five to one the field is the sum total of the quotations, and absolutely no horse seems to hold a strong position. Judging by the work registered on the track there is little to choose between several of the horses. Over a mile and ahalf Fulmen has put up the best time performance, though yesterday it took him 2m. 465. to get to the end of the 12 furlongs This horse must be given a chance, and his owner and trainer make no secret of their opinion that the son of Castor will win. Hie horse could not look bettor, and competent judges affirm that he is a stone bettei this year than he was when he dead-heated with Ideal last season. Battleaxe has done nothing here to suggest that he can win, but he is well, and is probably able to stay. Tortulla has covered a fair mile and a-half and a mile, tho mare .appearing to greater advantage over the shorter distance. Ideal's track form has not given much of a line as to her chance. The little mare is wonderfully well, and I cannot ignore the fact that she can get to the end of the journey. Palaver could not be travelling better, and this mare must be extremely dangerous. The owner of Strathnairn is not at all hopeful, but Djin-I>jin might effect a surprise. Fashion looks well, as also does Ivahuwai. Fine mare though she be, I do not fancy her chance. Mel wood, who is just about as handsome as they are made, put up a nice mile and a-half gallop on Thursday, and if he can stay he will assuredly worry some of his antagonists. Canteen has done well all that has been asked of him. A great big fellow this, and several sound judges have pinned their faith to him. Military, Sirius, and Will-'o-the-Wisp are all supposed to have winning prospects, especially the lastnamed, and if the going should be softened by rain, Glennladale may be dangerous. Admitting that the race is very open, I must give my vote for Ideal, and believe that Palaver and Fulmen will prove her most obstinate opponents. Huku ought to win the Hurdle Race. Goldenmere may be found good enough to hold San Remo and Heriot in the Maiden Plate.

Twenty horses still remain in the Riccarton Welter, and if Jemima starts she may win. In her absence I would rely upon Field Battery, Stepina, and Petrovna. Of the 18 youngsters engaged in the Welcome Stakes, public form points to Porirua as a, likely winner. He does not like the barrier, however, and he may not get away quite so well as some others. Helen Faucit, Orloff and Imperator will probably represent Yaldhurst, and I fancy that the result of the race may be fought out between Mr. Stead's selected and Porirua. I like Orloff.

Hawthorn may triumph in the Shorts and Royal Artillery in the Stewards' Handicap. This is a hard race to win, and the Yaldhurst colt may experience strong opposition from Ostiak and Glenogle.

Cadet, Magnificent and Nance O'Neill may, finish in that order in the Ladies' Purse.

The races start at ; half-past twelve, ten minutes past one, ten minutes past two, three (Cup), a-quarter to four, twenty minutes past four, five minutes past five, aquarter to six.

RICOAB.TON TRAINING NOTES. [BY TELEGRAPH. —MESS ASSOCIATION.] Christohcrch, Friday. A fair number of spectators were present to witness the final work. Fulmen, who was galloped a mile and a-half yesterday afternoon in 2m. 46 2-55., was given slow work. Glenaladalo was on the course this morning, and did steady work with Windwhistle. Palaver, assisted part of the way by Shannon, galloped a mile and a-quarter in 2m. 15s. The Apremont mare has done more hard work than any other of the Oup_candidates. Djin-Djin ran nine furlongs in 2m. 8 3-55., Will-o'-the-Wisp a good half-mile. Ideal did only easy work. Tortulla beat Boreas and Fashion over a mile in _ lm. 43 2-ss. Melwood went six furlongs nicely in lm. 18 2-ss. The .Yaldhurst horses were on the course. Menschikoff, Oruoiform, San Romo and Royal Artillery did useful three-quarter-pace work, and the other members of the team easy exeroise. Ostiak moved well over a half-mile in 49 2-55., Calibre and Military taking the same time for a similar journey. ■ A large number of horses were walking and cantering. THE TIPS. The following are suggested for their several engagements: Cup : Fulmen, Ideal and Palaver. Stewards' Handicap: Glenogle, Ostiale, Blazor and Royal Artillery. Welcome Stakes: Porirua or Stead's best. Shorts : Handicap : Whirlwind or Romanoff. Hurdles: Iluku. Maiden: San Romo. Riccarton Welter: Stepina, Peerage and Pretoria. Ladies' Purse: Magnificent or Cadet,

AUCKLAND RACING CLUB'S SPRING MEETING. Everything may be said to wear a promising aspect for the success of the Auckland Racing Club's Spring Meeting, which will be inaugurated at Elierslie on Wednesday next. The rain that fell during Wednesday night had the effect of greatly improving th<? tracks, and the course now bears a very fresh appearance, while the enclosures have been all well attended to. Should fine weather prevail, a most enjoyable meeting should result. The following acceptances were receive-] last night by Mr. Pereival:— PRESIDENT'S HANDICAP of lOOsovs. One mile. 6t lb St lb Balbiraie ... 8 4 Golden Rose ... 7 6 Highlander ... 8 4 Cavalry 7 6 Donnybrook ... 8 '£ Up-to-Date ... 7 5 Pokomoko ... 8 0 Goetzer 7 4 Blaircarrig ... 7 8 Lance Corporal 6 11 Belfast ... ... 7 7 Evert 6 7 FIRST PONY HANDICAP of ?ssovs. Seven furlongs. st lb st lb Blue Paul ... 9 10 Sentinel 7 7 Orange and Blue 9 3 Werekino ... 7 6 First Whisper ... 8 11 Gladys Rose ... 7 4 St. Loanda ... 8 10 Mamoa ... ... 7 3 Stepaway ... 8 7 My Lord 6 10 SHORTS' HANDICAP of lOOsovs. Five furlongs. st lb st lb Hohora 10 8 Despatch ... 7 5 Takapiuia ... 8 12 Maroon & Gold 7 5 Solo 3 9 Lady Dash ... 7 0 Lrndlock ... 8 5 Delia Rose ... 6 11 Lid Avon ... 8 2 Little Wonder... 6 9 Zealous ... ... 7 12 Ainhantas ... 6 7 Rosipkelo ... 7 11 FLYING HANDICAP of lOOsovs. Six furlongs. st, lb st lb Tultapa 8 7 Winsome ... 7 9 Sundial 8 6 Highlander ... 7 7 Tauhei 8 4 Ragabrash ... 7 5 Solo 8 2 Doctor 7 4 Jewellery ... 7 12 Hesper ... ... 7 0 Lady Avon ... 7 10 Maroon & Gold 6 10 THIRD DAT. HUNT CLUB HANDICAP. HURDLES of Msovs. Two miles. st lb st lb Miss Drury ... 12 10 Tuirne 11 0 Tarragon ... 12 0 Marino ... ... 10 9 Woodcock ... 12 0 Freewill 10 7 Kiatero 12 0 Peter Simple ... 10 7 Tip 11 5 Boxer 10 7 Puriri 11 4 Traverser ... 10 0 HUNT CLUB HANDICAP STEEPLECHASE of 70sqys. About three miles and a-kalf. st lb st lb Miss Drury ... 13 5 Joker 12 0 Woodcock ... 13 0 Tuirno 11 0 Tarragon 12 11 Peter Simple ... 11 0 Kiatera ... ... 12 7 Marine 11 0 L Cromje 12 5 Boxer ... t .. 10 7

DEATH OF A FAMOUS JOCKEY. [ The death of Thomas Hales, the announce- ! ment of which came from Melbourne on Sun- , day last, removes another old-time figure from the Australian turf. In his day Hales won great fame in the saddle, and his feats were such as to win for him the title of " the Archer of the Australias." Born near Portland, Victoria, in 1847, Tom Hales, who was one of a family of 10, was from his earliest days accustomed to horses. They were plentiful and cheap, and Hales was wont to say that one of the first things he could remember was being one of three or fourthe party consisting of himself and his brothers j all riding the one horse, which got rid of J them one by one. "My father, said Hales ' on one occasion when being interviewed, " wanted to keep me off horses, and tried to get me to take to some trade. I was working at the saddlery trade, and as a shoeing smith, and then at telegraphy, when I was a youngster, but I got away from them all. I thought them too slowyou know what boys —I wanted to be out in the air, and on a horse if possible. We were liv- i ing at Rcbe, on the south-east coast of South Australia, at this time, and they used to have races pretty nearly every Saturday after- , noon. Yes, it's over 40 years ago since 1 j first rode in those races. My first win was on a horse called Euclid, in a match for £50 a-side, against Tommy. There was a pro- ; fessional rider on Tommy, but I boat him. 1 i wa3 prouder of that than of many a great | victory since. I felt myself the Archer of | the hour, and I believe I slept in my boots and breeches." Hales said that his father entirely disapproved of all this, and remonstrated with his son, but to such little effect that Tom cleared out, and went right to the horses— father telling him that he would ultimately go to the dogs. Tom went to live on Mr. Edward Stockdale's station, where were several thousand head of horses Here he rodo and handled all sorts, and though, of course, he admitted that practice in race-riding was highly important, it was, he said, the education he received at the station amongst the " roughs" that made him a rider. For five or six years, at the outset of his career as a jockey, Hales rode at all the local race meetings around Penoia, South .Australia. Though of light build, hurdle races, steeplechases, and fiat races were all alike to him then, and, although he never managed to win a. steeplechase, he won about half-a-dozen hurdle races, three of which were on the same horse, Tatiara. It wasn't, however, until he was five-and-twenty years old that Hales distinguished himself in a big race. In '72, when in the service of Mr. T. J. Ryan, he made his first appearance at Melbourne, whither lie brought- over The Ace. Kingfisher, Benvo'io, and Leo. He rode. The Ace in the Melbourne Cup that year, but could get no nearer than second to The Quack. Journeying to Ballarat, he won the handicap on The Ace, and at the following V.R.O. March meeting won the Autumn Handicap with tho same horse. Hales got what might he termed his first great chance in 1875, when Mr. Eli Jellett engaged him to ride Richmond. The great horseman and Richmond perfectly understood each other, and the record the pair put up was a quintette of wins —the A.J.C. Derby, V.R.O. St. Leger, Australian Chip, Champion Stakes, and Town Plate falling to them. After this Hales rode for Mr. James "Wilson, sen., formerly of St. Albans, and the association was a very fortunate one. The Derby and Oaks on Briseis (who holds the unique honour of having won the Derby, Cup, and Oaks at one meeting), two Champion races on First King, the Australian Cup and the Sydney Cup on Savanaka, two Sydney Cups on Petrea and Progress, the Oaks on Pardon and Royal Maid, the Geelong Cup on Linda, and other victories. _ Parting company after about four years with Mr. Wilson, Hales engaged with Mr. W. A. Long, M.L.C., of Sydney, and for that gentleman lie and Grand Flaneur put up a record. That fine colt won both the A.J.C. and V.R.O. Derbys, the Melbourne Cup, the Champion Stakes, the V.R.C. St. Leger, and other races. Next Hales was found as chief horseman for Mr. Ettie De Mestre, and for that sportsman he rode many winners, such as Navigator, who won he V.R.C. Derby, Sires' Produce Stakes, St. Le-ger, Australian Cup, and the A.J.C. fit. Leger. In 1883 Hales joined the most famous racing stable the Australian turf has ever known— of the late Hon. James White. He remained intimately associated as first | jockey with Mr. White's turf enterprises I until that gentleman's death in 1890, and j during the six years he was riding Mr. 1 White's horses lie had a large share in bringing about the unparalleled victories which those horses achieved. It is not necessary to recapitulate the many races won by Hales on the Kirkham horses, but it may be said that they won every great classic race and every important handicap, except the Oaulfield Cup and Hawkesbury Handicap, in Victoria and Now South Wales. On one occasion, at the V.R.C. Autumn Meeting of 1888, he rode 11 winners out of 14 rides, a- performance which is not | likely to be excelled. Four of these winners were ridden in succession on the first day of the meeting. They were: —Carlyon in the Essendon Stakes, Volley in the Ascotvale Stakes, Abercorn in the St. Leger, and Cranbrook in the Newmarket Handicap. In a statement made up of Hales' feats in the saddle when wearing the blue and white jacket of Mr. White, it is shown that out of a total of 302 mounts, between the seasons of 1883-4 and 1889-90 he steered no less than 137 winners, which represented in stakes £76,944.

During the 21 years he was riding Hales had 1645 mounts, won 490 races, was second 326 times, and third 190 times, so that during his whole career he was much more frequently in a place than out of it. He won in stakes a sum of £166,770, with only one Melbourne Cup in the modest form of a stake of the value of £1485 to swell the total. It was amongst what are known as classic events, such as Derbys and Legers, that Tom Hales reaped his richest harvest. Between Randwick and Flemington he won 13 Derbys and 17 St. Legers, or, counting in four South Australian events. under the same historic turf title, a St. Leger for every year of bis 21 years' riding. Tom Hales' biggest year for stakes was the season of '89-90, when he won £17,183: but taking average and stakes together, '87-88 was an exceptional season, for he won 35 races in 75 rides, and was only 18 times unplaced. When Hales retired from the saddle he had a very comfortable competence, and was a partner in a large station property on the banks of the Lachlan.

STUD NEWS. The hors« that is to take the place as champion sire of New Zealand now that St. Leger is gone will no doubt give rise to much discussion in turf circles. I heard an excellent judge of the thoroughbred this week venture the opinion that is one of the most likely young sires to gain this position. Stepniak, who was got by Nordenfeldt from Steppe, is at the Elderslie stud in Canterbury, and as Mr. Reid owns a number of good mares, the black horse will have a good opportunity to score. Fishgirl (dam of the Wanganui Cup winner Swordfish II.) is this season to be mated with Cuirassier. Nautilus, the dam of Cynisea, the treble Wellington Cup winnei, is this year responsible for a filly to Musketry. The daughter of Traducer, who is now in her 24th year, , is to be mated with Multiform this season. j Ileloise, who distinguished herself in the ! V.A.T.C. Debutante Stakes, run recently at ! Caulfield, claims a pretty strong dash of Fisherman blood. She has no less than five strains of the famous blood (three on the sire's side and two on the dam's), and the pedigree will furnish i the student with much food for thought. The following foalings have been, announced during the present week: — Mr. T. Morrin's Edith Cureton, by CastorFrailty, colt to Hotchkiss. Hon. G. McLean's Lady Gertrude, by Oatlo—No Name, colt to -Hotchkiss. Messrs. L. D. and N. A. Nathan's Cantiniere, by Musket, colt to Seaton Delaval. Mr. Leonard Marshall's Windmill, by GoldsWhirlpool, colt to Cyrenian. Mr. Leonard Marshall's Welcome, by The Dauphin— colt to Cyrenian. Mr. G. R. Hutchinson's Butterfly, by LeoBrassolis, colt to Eton.