SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12401, 24 October 1903, Page 6

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES. November 7, 9, 14-Auckland Racing Club. November 7.9. 11. 14-Canterbury Jockey Club. November 14, iB-Olahubu Trotting Cluo. November 21-Waihi Hack Racing Cmb., November 23, December 2-Talcapuna Jockey

December 26. 29. Jan. 1. 2-Anckland Racing

Club. , , ~. . December 25, 28-Thames Jockey I'lao---December 26, 23-Northern - airoa Ea*nff C.ub. January 29, 30, February 3-Takapuna Jockey Club. • . , „, . March Thames Jockey Club. , March Northern Wairoa Racing Club. March 26—Kawakawa Sports.

DATES OF DOMING EVENTS. NEW ZEALAND. November 7—New Zealand Cap. . November 7—Great Northern Guineas. November 7—A.R.C. Welcome Stakes. November 9—A.R.C. Birthday Handicap. November 9-C.J.C. Derby. November 11— Canterbury Cup. . . November 11-Pakuranga Hunt Club Cup. December 26—Great Northern Foal Stakes. December Auckland Cup. December A.R.C. Summer Cup. January I—Great Northern Derby. January 1-A.R.C. Handicap. ■ January 2—Auckland Steeplechase. January Takapuna Cap. Anril 2—Great Northern Champagne Stakes. April A.R.C. Easter Handicap. April 4—A.R.C. Century Stakes. April 5-A.R.C. Autumn Handicap. June 3—Great Northern Hurdle Race. June B—Great Northern Steeplechase. AUSTRALIA. October 31-V.R.C. Derby. November 3—Melbourne Cup. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. HUTA —We hate no recollection of an Aus-tralian-bred two-year-old of the name of Mascotte racing in Auckland. AUCKLANDER.—I. It was in the Auckland Gun won bv Foul Plav that King Quail and Libeller fell. 2. Musket died at Sylvia Park in 1885 'same year as Nordenfeldt won. the A.J.C. and V.R.C. Derbie's. . WAtTARA— Okoari carried 7st 121b mtne ARC Handicap, run at F.Uerslieon New Years' Day last. Rosalia (7st 121b) won by two lengths from. Blue jacket (Bat)., the latter being three-quarters of a length in front of Okoari. „ _ , W.M, Te Awamutu.— Mr. Stead purchaser. Menschikoff at auction as a yearling for 210 guineas. At two years old Menschikoff'wfin £2515 in stakes, and at three years old £1775. 2. Mr. Stead paid 1400 guineas for Royal Artillery. NOTES BY PHAETON.

Another Oaulfield Cup has gone into the records, and " defeat of the favourite" has once again to be written in connection with the groat mile and a-half race. Elderslie, who hails from the same stable as Wakeful, and who on the second day of the meeting distinguished himself by winning the Coongy Handicap, was the ruling favourite at the post, but the account of the race cabled does not make a single mention of his name, and we may accept it as pretty certain that the son of Wallace was never at.any time in a position to flatter the hopes of his admirers with the prospect of a win. Though the absolute first favourite went down, it was a well-backed candidate that got home first in the shape of Sweet Nell, who was only deposed from the leading position in the betting in the closing stage. Prior to Sweet Nell earning distinction in the Caulfield Guineas on the opening day she had been strongly supported for the Cup, and from that we may assume she' had been well tested by her trainer (J. Scobie) to get to the end of 6. mile and a-half in fast time. The cabled account of the race shows that Sweet Nell was always taking a hand in forcing the pace, and going to the front just inside the halfdistance she lasted long enough to win by half-a-length from The Idler. As the 12 furlong' wore cut out in 2m. 5515., there is pointed evidence of the paoe being a cracker from start to finish, and altogether Sweet Moll's performance shows her up in quite brilliant colours.

The victorv of Sweet Neil in the Caulfield Cup carried my mind back to that beautiful summer afternoon at Wellington Park in January, 1093, when her dam, then known as the'Nordenfelt—Ouida filly, went under the hammer. A filly of medium size but of most blood-like appearance, she took shape as one that a lover of the thoroughbred could never tire gazing upon. Her head was of that -beautiful blood-like type that might be expected from one bred on such lines, and altogether it might truly be said that at 14 months old the brown filly would have furnished an ideal subject for a painter to commit to canvas. Tho late Mr. Michael Power, who came down from Sydney as the representative of Mr. Samuel Hordern, had his commissioners well placed, and at 900 guineas Ouida s daughter was knocked down to the New South Wales sportsman. Novelette 11. did not have an extended career on the turf, but the amount realised for her youngsters leaves her well on the right side of the ledger at 900 guineas. The following are the lines of Sweet Nell's pedigree : — • ■' .

r Oalopin, by Vidette o St. Simon St. Angela, by King Tom m Brother to Strafford, by & Bonnie Young Melbourne. & I LaSBiB Chieftain's Daughter, by 3 Lord of the Isles •A . 1 — £< H ' Musket, by Toxopholite W f . Nordenfoldt Onyx, by Angler Y< g __ — go w Yatteadon, by Sir Herri „ ~ cules 5 ' Gulnare, by Little John "A " —

From the present aspect of matters it looks very much as though the V.R.C. Derby would be a tussle between the horses owned by the brothers Clarke. Sir Rupert Clarke has a double string to bis bow in the shape of Sweet Nell and F.J.A., while Ins brother, Mr. Ernest Clarke, claims the ownership of Emir All three horses are trained in the one stable, and. though that circumstance will no doubt tend to sap the impending contost of some of its interest, we may expect to hoar that both brothers are keen to win the blue riband. Sweet Nell, by reason of her doughty dual winning achievement at Odulfiekl. has most form to recommend her for the Derby contest, and. the fact of Emir having to be thrown out of work some littletime back, owing to an accident, may, of course, stand in the way of his being so ready for the fray as his stable male when Ihe race comes up for decision on the 31st inst. Should Emir and Sweet Nell bo set to tackle the Derby question, and both be in a position to register their best form, it will be an event in brotherly rivalry that will add a great dash of piquancy to the Derby, and give the Australians a good opportunity to rise to that pitch of enthusiasm which seems to come so naturally to them.

Acceptances fell due last night for the New Zealand Cup, ami the list of contestants as if, now stands consists of 18. ' The number of horses left in is hardly so large as was anticipated, but there is ample material to keep up a. keen interest in the big race. The top weight, Achilles, it is pleasing to note, is still in the race, and though the son of Medallion has not yet been supported by Ins party I suppose we can now regard Lie chestnut as a nrobable starter. Once a move is made from the proper ouarter in favour of Achilles the position of favourite will not be 'eft much in doubt. During the week several candidates for Cup honours were seen out under silk. Wairiki was slipped for two races at the North Otago meeting, but as the distance was in each case a sprint one, and his opposition decidedly weak, it was of little value in so far as throwing any light either on his Cup chance or giving us an idea as to his condition to stay out a stronglyrun two miles a fortnight hence. Wairiki won his first race under 9st 91b, but on the second day, when conceding 211b to St. Denis, was beaten. St. D'enis is an accomplished sprinter, and too much should not be made of the defeat which Wairiki received at his hands. This much can, however, be viewed with satisfaction in so far as Wairiki is concerned—ho has had a couple _ of races in public and has not disgraced himself. The racing at the Wellington meeting may not be worth a great deal, for there is some reason to believe that there were a few " waiters" at the Hutt. Kelburn ran a decent race in the Wellington Handicap, but somehow or other T. do not care to ally myself with the New Zealand St. Leger winner. Shrapnel, who got into third place in the Wellington Handicap behind Pallas and Kelburn, is considered to have been improved since he met with defeat in the Wangamn Stakes in the early part of the month, and there is now a more healthy ring about his name for the Cup. Mel wood appears to have run a good race in the Pearee Handicap, but a win in a nine-furlong race is quite a different matter to one at two miles. Still, now that the son of St. Leger has struck winning fcrm, I suppose we shall have to respect his Cup chance, for two years ago, it will be remembered, he acted as runner-up to Tortull* when the black daughter of Torpedo won. Advices to hand from Rieearton speak very hopefully of Roscal. . The son of Handsome Jack is reported to be in groat buckle, and the two-mile journey will not, it 13 /saicL. k: against him.

Mr Hugo Friedlander has solved the little nrnblem which confronted him in regard to the Great Northern Guineas and C.J.C. Oa'-s by purchasing Ropa. The running in the \vondale Guineas showed the Canterbury sportsman, pretty conclusively that if he was to nave a chance of annexing the Great Northern Guineas it would be necessary for llirn to kee P Rose Shield in Auckland, and as he wished to send the sister to Royal Artillery South with a view to her contesting the C.J.C. Oaks, it will be recognised that he was placed in a bit of a quandary A final survey.of the situation led to overtures being made to Mr. Darlot for the purchase of Ropa. The West Australian snort=man was quite prepared to sell, but as he wished to close up-his Auckland affairs he made it a condition that his other pair, Poran'n and Torchon, should be included in the deal. Naturally recognising that Ropa was worth more to himself than to anyone eke Mr. Friedlander closed for the purchase of the trio, and the horses were transferred to their new quarters at J. Thorpe's on Tuesday last. With Ropa now bis property, Mr Friedlander is in a position to send Rose Shield South, and the daughter of Hotohkiss will, I understand, be shipped to Lyttelton on Tuesday next with a view to fulfilling her engagements at the C.J.C. Spring Meeting, and she may be accompanied by Kamo, who is engaged "in the Stewards' Handicap with 7st 101b.

Viewed from a racing standpoint, it could have been wished that Ropa and Pvose Shield 'should have remained in separate interests, for in that case the issue in the mile race would at least have borne an open aspect as between the chestnut gilding and the brown filly.' As matters now stand, the race appears to be entirely' at the mercy of Ropa.' No one could, of course. begrudge Mr. Friedlander a win in the classic race of the spring at Ellerslie, for he has at all times shown himself to be a very plucky man m the purchase of horseflesh, and though he has suffered some sharp reverses no one can say that he has ever filled the role of a crier. All the same,' one does not like to see a race such as the Great Northern Guineas suddenly transformed into a certainty by the purchase of -i candidate that stood in the way. Still, in considering- the question, .it must be always borne in mind that Mr. riedlander desired to have two shots where under a different sot of circumstances he could only have one. The finding of an accommodating man in Mr. Darlot ready to surrender the position is the little bit of bad luck that has to be counted into the Great Northern Guineas of 1803. At the date of the second forfeit 23 horses remained in the Guineas, but a perusal of the list would reveal to anyone that it betook of an act of downright flattery to leave several of those engaged in the list. As the final payment of ssovs is not due until the day of'the race, we must, I suppose, expect the list to continue heavily encumbered with improbables for some time yot. The only horses hailing from outside the Auckland district engaged in the Ellerslie race are Melodeon and Slarshoot, who both figure in the name of Mr. E. J. Watt. Starshoot managed to win a decentrace over a sprint course at Hastings, but he subsequently met with defeat at Napier and Wellington, and with a defeat clown against Molodeon's name each time he ha 3 started this season, there is, I fear, some reason to entertain the opinion that Mr. Watt will allow the Ellerslie-trained ones to fight it out in the Guineas without the intrusion of his pair.

When it is stated that no less than font horses rank as equal favourites for the Melbourne Cup, and the pries on offer about each is 8 to 1, it may not only be assumed that the issue is regarded as open, but. that several stables have made a move in the backing of their candidates. That Abundance is likely to score heavily at four years old is an opinion held all along the line, j and though he has 41b over weight-for-age in the Melbourne Gup his party are known to assess his chance highly; in fact, his position at the head of the quotations is known to be very largely due to the heavy support that has been conferred upon him from " the proper quarter." Fit and well on the day, there is good reason to anticipate that Abundance will take a powerful hand in the settlement of tho Cup question. We have not heard much of Emir since he came home behind Abundance and Postillion in the Caulfield Stakes, but, as he is now training at Elemington, wo may be quito sure that he is going on all right, or he would not occupy the position he does in the Cup quotations. That Emir is a high-class colt is an opinion extensively entertained, and in the event of the son of Wallace winning the Derby we may expect to see him ruling a strong favourite for the Cup. Hauturier, who figures in the Cup with 6st 12lb, is a three-year-old son of Hant Brion and Trieste, and, though in a separate interest, he hails -from the same stable as Emir. He finished a'good second to Sweet Nell in the Cauilficld Guineas, and also acted as runner-up to Wakeful in the Eclipse Stakes. He has been galloping well in the interval, and is looked upon as a promising three-year-old. Lord Cardigan, another who takes a place at the head of the Chip quotations, is a three* year-old son of Positano and Lady Trenton, and lie figures in the race with 6st 91b. Lord Cardigan showed himself up in decent colours at Randwick last month, when he boat Wakeful in the Randwick l»ate. The distance of that race was two miles and aquarter, ami though the timo (4m. 17£s.) is nothing to boast about it has to be remembered that the race was run in heavy going. The four-year-old Postillion, who is in the Elemington race with Bsfc 61b, is one that receives a good word from several keen judges. Postillion, who was got, by Positano from the . Loohiel mare Citronelle, showed himself to ; be a stayer as a three-year-old by winning • Tattersall's Cup at Randwick, on which oci casion he galloped in by himself in 3m. 29js. In the decision of tho Caulfield Stakes a | fortnight back Postillion made a. good fight i of it with Abundance, and on figures ho can justifiably be labelled "dangerous."

Early' in the present week Mr. Evett issued the weights for the City Handicap and Manukau Hurdle Race, which events are set down for decision on the opening day of (he A.R.C. .Spring Meeting. The leading place in the City Handicap was appropriately conferred upon Golden Rose, and at Br,t 111b sire was given a good chance to repeat the victory which she recorded in the mile and a-quarter race last year. Mr. Lynch, however, apparently held a different view, for he allowed the St. Leger mare to drop out of her engagement. Idas, with Bst 61b, had none the best, of the deal with the top weight at a. difference of only 51b, but now that Golden Rose has dropped out her chance has been greatly improved. , Muskerdale lias yet to show hi? ability over a. mile and aquartcr....but.l think h<? will find the distance within his power, and at 7st 121b I give him a chance. Lower down the list, Jewellery (7st 71b) reads nicely in, and nicked into her best condition I will expect her to get closeto the winner. In casting the handicap for the Manukau Hurdle Raoa Mr. Evett, I think, erred on the side of severity in fixing the standard weight in the jumping moo at 12st 101b, and he could, I have no hesitation in saying, have commenced 51b lighter without endangering his work. Haydn, who figured at the head of the list, was withdrawn shortly after the weights were dedared, and Up-io-Date now heads the list with lOst 111b, Spalpeen following at a difference of a pound. When Up-to-Date and Spalpeen had their first meeting at the A.R.C. meeting in June the former, with 91b the worst of the weights, won by a length, but at the second trial, with an additional Tib against him. Spalpeen won by a like distance. ' Up-to-Date has not been seen, out in the interval, so that it is a little difficult to say whether Mr. Evett is right in placing only a pound between the bay gelding and the chestnut horse. On figures, a case could no doubt be built up to show that he is wrong, but convinced, as ho no doubt is, that Spalpeen is an improved horse, he has, 1 think, taken the proper course. Of the light weights, Gatelock (9st 61b) and Frances Love joy (9st 51b) stand out as having good chances.

The mail which arrived this week brought us details of the running for the Doncaster St. Leger. The field that lined up at- the post for the time-honoured race or the Town Moor on September 11 only numbered a quintette, and that circumstance in t«elf marks the race of 1903 out for special distinction, for one has to go back over a hundred years to find a smaller field. Rock Sand, by reason of his Two Thousand Guineas and Derby victories, was, of course, a staunch favourite for the Doncaster race, 5 to 2 being laid on his ability to win. The son of Sainfoin never allowed his great body of followers to experience any serious anxiety as to the result, and when "Dan" Maker called upon him to go on and win his race* it was all over with his opponents. So ended (says a writer in the Sportsman) one of the most uninteresting St. Legers any living sportsman has witnessed. There was an entire lack of the warmth of anticipation which should be inseparable from historic events, and the race of 1903 has nothing of interest woven into it further than that it gave Rock Sand a place amongst "triple crown heroes."

In another column will be found published the programme put forth by the Takapuna Jockej Club in connection with their spring meeting, which is fixed to be held on Saturday, November 28, and December 2. The total sum allotted in stakes to tho lb races is £1455, the St. Andrew's Handicap of 200?ovs (one mile and a-auarter) and the Spring Handicap of 150sovs (one mile) being the principal events. Nominations for all events oJose on Friday, November 6, at nine- p.m.

BREVITIES. ! The V.R.C. Derby comes up for decision on Saturday next. ■"-:. , Golden Rose is going on nicely in. her preparation at EUerslie. Nominations for Tc Arolia races close on Monday next at five p.m. The privileges for the meetings to be- held at EUerslie during the present season realised £1686. , .. , Rose Shield and Kamo are to be shipped South on. Tuesday next by the !.»- \Vostralia. „ ■ . ,- ~" u ' A yearling colt ,by Carbine was sold by auction in England last month for 12C0 guineas. ■ , , .£ As was pretty generally predicted 'the critics, Ibex failed to stay out the Caulfield Cup journey. - • ... The Sweet Nell party arc credited with winning a big stake over the victory of their filly in the Caulfield Cup. Idas is training on well at EUerslie, and 1 shall be quite prepared to see her make another return to George Wright before long. From the manner in which matters are shaping it looks very much as though the Victorian trainer, James Scobie, would again have a big record tins second. Since the present season opened Sweet JNeU has carried silk on four occasions, and her record is the taking one of two seconds and two firsts. , , , Sweet Nell is making a handsome return to Sir Rupert Clarke for the outlay of 4UU guineas which he made in her purchase when a yearling. . -'«,'• , ' Th* Victorian tramor, J. Scobie, has. great string of. fthree-year-olds in his hands. They comprise Emir, F.J.A., flautuner, Sweet Nell, and Siunang. ■' , : . Hotchkiss' sturdy little son, Field Battery, made a satisfactory ■'commencement in his five-year-old career''by winning his first race (the W.R.C. Shorts Handicap)' tondefftstV ' Lavalette is reported to be gallopin~ well at Riccarton, and his party are credited i with harbouring a hops of the son of faoaton Delaval prevailing in the New Zealand Gup. I The Caulfield Cup has been won by a three- j : year-old four times during the last nine years, viz., Waterfall (7st 31b). Ambente (7st , ! 71b). Dewey (6st 121b), and Sweet ell (6st; "Sweet Nell's victory in the Caulfield Cup is the first occasion that one of the weaker sex has triumphed in the big handicap since Grace Darling brought off her celebrated surprise in 1835. " ' Sweet Nell has incurred a 101b penalty for the Melbourne Gun by reason of her victory in the Caulfield Cup, which will have the effeot of raising her impost in the two-mile race from 7st to 7s 101b, or Sib over weight-for-age. . • Koss Heaton lost one of his team tins week by an unfortunate accident. A three-year-old filly by Leolantis jumped forward when the breaking-in gear was put on her, and a false step brought her down, with the resultthat she" fractured one of her legs. When the weights for the Melbourne and New Zealand Cups first mad their appearance I picked two " A's"—Abundance and Achilles. From the way matters are shaping there are more unlikely things than the two chestnuts scoring at Flemington and Riccarton in their respective two-mile races. The contractors for the Thames Jockey Club's new grandstand are making capital headway with the construction work, the building being now well under way. When completed the stand will, I am informed, be second to none owned by any country club in this island. The Thames Jockey Club have issued the programme in connection with their summer meeting, which is fixed to be held on the 26tk and 28th December. The prize money allotted the 16 events amounts to the liberal sum of £850. The principal events of the programme are the Goldfields Gup of lOOsovs (one mile and a-qnarter), and the Thames Stakes of 80sovs (one mile). The jumpers have been well catered for, and there are two Hurdle Races, each of 65sovs, and. a brace of steeplechases are endowed with 75sovs and 80sovs respectively. .Nominations close on Friday, November 20, at eight p.m.

STUD NOTES. [BT PHAETON.] Sons of Robinson Crusoe have not been marked successes at the stud; indeed, wita tho exception of Sunrise, none have, I think, achieved what could be termed noteworthy distinction as sires. Maybe, unsatisfactory positions have had something to do with the result, for it cannot be said tint any of his descendants received what could be termed a great chance in Australia. Trident proved himself a great stake-earner for the late Hon. James White, but the th.m owner of Kirkham was prepared to allow the game chestnut to drift up to the- back blocks rather than give him a chance with the highclass lot of mares he owned. When the Hon. J. D. Ormond sent a commission Jo Australia some few years back to purchase a stallion, and the horse selected for him was The Officer, somo were inclined to ilimk from the indifferent success of the Robinson Crusoe horses at the stud that the owner of Karamu had not the best of the deal. However, matters appear to be shaping satisfactorily for The Officer to make a name for himself as a sire. At the Napier Park meeting last week his descendants were strongly in evidence, and they captured no less than six of the 16 events which figured on the programme, while at the Wellington meeting this week his winning record was further increased. In his first two seasons at the stud at Mr. Ormond's estate The Officer had a great chance to make a name for himself, but with the imported Birkenhead, who is also owned by Mr. Ormond, now on the scene, Robinson Crusoe's son is not likely to he used so extensively; but still it can be said that he is well positioned, for there are a great number of marcs in the Karamu Stud.

Though sons of Robinson Crusoe have not scored heavily as sires, the pages of the Stud Book show that several daughters of the Angler horse have earned great fame as matrons. Copra, (the dam of Coil and Cocoa) is a Robinson Crusoe, and so also is Madcap (the dam of Mai vol and Malutna), Insomnia (dam of Wakeful), La Tosca (clam of F.J.A.), and Emmie (dam of Emir) are other winner-producing matrons that claim the Angler horse as parent. There are not a great number of Robinson Crusoe mares at the stud in New Zealand, but two that have achieved notoriety in Maoriland are Hippona and Campania, the first-named being responsible for St. Hippo, while Campania is the dam of Miss Delaval. There is another one credited to Robinson Crusoe that should not be overlooked. This is Fleurefcte, the dam of Rose of Wellington, the latter being responsible for three good ones in the shape of True Blue, Screw Gun, and Royal Artillery. Robinson Crusoe, it may be remarked, served his last seasons at the stud in New Zealand, and as he was stationed at Hawke's Bay for about three years there is no doubt a number of young mares by him in that district.

Forme, the dam of Cruciform, bar, this season been mated with Bluejacket, who now occupies the box at Wellington Park tenanted for so many years by his defunct sire, St. Leger. Bluejacket must be accounted extremely fortunate in having such a gem of the stud as Forme entered on his list 'it the outset of his career as a sire. The result of the union of the two browns will be awaited with keen interest in order to show whether Forme will nick as well with the son as she did with his sire.

Repulse," who won the Caledonian Handicap, and Forest Ranger, who scored in the Two-year-old Handicap at the Napier Park meeting 'last week, are interesting studies to those, who follow the thoroughbred family. Both are out of the same mare ''(Dryad), Repulse being got by Robinson Crusoe, while Forest Hanger was got by The-Officer- (a- "Ron of Robinson Crusoe). That, however, is not the most interesting point in their breeding. Dryad, it may be remarked, is a daughter of Woodnymph, who is out of Sylvia. Now. Sylvia--and Chrysolite (darn of Robinson Crusoe) were half-sisters, the firstnamed being by Fisherman, while Angler, the sire of Robinson Crusoe, was also got by the same sire. It will therefore be seen that both Repulse and Forest Ranger are strongly inbred to the famous Heron horse.

The first yearling sired by Flying Fox to go under the hammer in England was submitted to auction at Doncaster la3t month. This was a filly from the' Hermit mare, Lonely, and she brought the good price of 3500 guineas. The filly was knocked down to S. Darling, the well-known trainer, but it is understood that he was only acting for Mr. G. F&ber. Lonely, it may be remarked, won the Oaks in 1885 in the colours of Lord Cadogan, and with Flying Fox taking rank as a triple crown winner it will be recognised that the filly referred to above is bred on cla.ssio lines. The following foalings have been announced from Auckland studs: — Messrs. L. D. and N. A. Nathan's Ellerslie, by Trenton—First King mare, colt to San. Francisco. Messrs. L. D. and N. A. Nathan's Keepsake, by St. Leger—Bangle, colt to Explosion. Messrs. L. D. and N. A. Nathan's St. Loire, by St. Leger— Chavente, filly to Seaton Delaval. Messrs. L. D. and IS. A. Nathan's Toitoi, by Sweet William—The Thorn, filly to Explosion. Mr. T. Morrin's Problem, by St. Hippo— Ellerslie, filly to Phoebus Apollo. Mr. T. Morrin's Cressy, by Hotchkiss—Crescent, filly to Mensohikoff. Mr. T. Morrin's Lady Marion, by Fs.lna.~Wanda, colt' to Hotchkiss.

THE BETTING ring^ : Business has, boon P re 'Y 0 up, and quite . a week on the Now Zealand Uup. t;eci . Wainumber of horses wave WtZjjgi, Melwood, riki, Shrapnel, Kcrturn, Acn ft in _ Bandmaster, and Bo* g£%l the past few quired after and backed during: este rday bis days. After M«lwood *««. y 12 to L price shortened from *» «• wa nled about Early in the week 12 to 1J" \ ff and Shrapnel, but 10 to 1 was the-Dew Baud . he subsequently shortened wo OQI to x master was backed for £2000 * tmo ted last and 2. The following prices were quo* niffhfc: airikioff.,8 stk 8 to 1- Rosea,!, off.. 10 *> w lu * 8 to 1 Shrapnel, off. 8 to 1 Pampero, off. 10 to 1 Canteen, off. 12 to 1 Achilles, off. 12 to 1 Kelbura. off. 12 to 1 Melwood, off. 14 to 1 Stmthavon, off. 16 to l Hinetanra. off. 16 to 1 Mars. off. 16 to 1 Lavalettc. off. „. . fe 16 to l Count of Kolmar, off.. 20 s tk. 20 to 1 General Symons, off. 25 to 1 Bombardo, off. 25 to 1 Loonore, off. 33 to 1 Kingman, off. Machine Gun is a pronounced favourite in the Stewards' Handicap, and is coupled with all the horses supposed to have a chance in the Cap.

AUCKLAND RACING CLUB'S SPRING MEETING. The following acceptances and nominations were received last night in connection with the A.R.C. Spring Meeting:—' , ACCEPTANCES. ■ MANUKAU HURDLES.: On* mile and three- . , .. quarters, v ." , ~;'. st in •.-,.. »■■■■<,. st lb Up-to-Date ... 10 11 Crespin 9 & Spalpeen ... 10 9 Gate-lock ... 9 6 Bufas ... ... 10 6 -Vanquish ... 9 5 Haatapu ... 9 12 Frances Lovejoy 9 5 Lingard ... 9 10 Irish 9 0 Kanaka ... 9 9 Mokomoko ... 9 0 Lady Bell ... 9 6 CITY HANDICAP. One mile and a-qnarter. st lb ' st lb Idas 8 6 Jewellery ' ... 7 7 Putty 8 2 Mara 7 7 Maskerdale ... 712 Military ... i • The Needle ... 7 11 Miss Lottie ... 6 12 Battleaxe ... 7 10 Soultitsh ... 6 4 St. Olga ... 7 8 Bastion 6 0 NOMINATIONS. MAIDEN" HURDLE ' RACE. One mile and three-quarters.—Sly -Miss, Fencer, A.8.N., Pukerimu, Lockard, Vnl Rosa. Hipstone, Mishap, Puffing Billy, Marine, Tuni, Crespin, Irish, Coma, Waimany. HUNT CLUB CUP STEEPLECHASE. About three miles and Mangere, Star, Major, Perseverance, Mangramahaki, Riot, Boxer, Tuni, Cloister, Flower of Cold. ASCOT HANDICAP. One mile and a-quar-Despatch, Golden Rose, Idas, Maro, Kopa, The Needle, Kosella, Onewa. Military, Bonhour, Nonette. Muskerdale, Biaircarrig. Soultlis.ii, St. Olga, Putty, Dolores, Jewellery, Miss Lottie, Borneo.

MAIDEN PLATE. One mile and a-quarter. Kongoa, Coronation, Sly Miss. Bonomiana, Cyrus, Hipstone, Onewa, Cyclone, Simple Simon, Bobs, Coma, Geordie, lan, Redeemed.

PONY HANDICAP. Six —Cuisine, Lady Lottie (late Lottie). For Lb, Freda, Annoyed, Avalanche, Step-away, Shrewsbury, Sonoma, Vulpine, Sentinel, Girton Girl, Little Mabel, Sweet Marie, Orange and Blue. EPSOM HANDICAP. Six furlongs.-Silica, Coronation, Numa.* Bonomiana, Paratutn, Bona. Wr.ipunu, Austerlitz, Glasgow, Military, Merry Soult, Mishap, Crecy, Delania, Cordon Rouge, The Middy, Marshall Soult, Cygnet, Hohoro, St. Olga, Lady Bobs, Idasa,, Seatonia, Borneo, Agrapus. PENROSE HURDLE RACE. Two miles).— Lady Bell, Up-to-Date, Fencer, A.8.N., Bautaim, Rufus, Gate-lock, Lingard, Crespin, Francis Lovejoy, Irish, Spalpeen, Vanquish, Coma.

MUSKET STAKES. Four furlongs-Grenade, Romola,, Promotion, Conclusion, Lualla, Kilmarnock, Gladstone, ', El.iin, Gneniad, Beau Seaton, Brown Rose, Wairakau, King Paid, Cabaret, Lovo Link. Muthoma. OJNKHDNGA STEEPLECHASE. About three miles.—Perseverance, Dingo, Gatelock, Polly, I'uftlng Billy, Marine. Nor'-west, The Pullack, Kanaka, Tuni, Mokomoko.

WELTER HANDICAP. One niile.-Ronsoa, Lady Bell, Lavadel, Jack BroWn, Numa, Despatch,, Annoyed, The Doctor, Maro, Cyrus, Torchon, Defender, Rosella, Hostage, Bonhear. Maroon and Gold, Bastion, Blaircarrig;, Cavalry, Soultfish, St. Olga, Geordie, lan, Dolores, Redeemed, Miss Lottie, Bwagsman, Up-to-Dato. HUNT CLUB HURDLES. Two miles.Star, Major, Perseverance, Tahae, Fencer, Mangamahaki, Pukerimn, Lockard, Tip, Cyclone, Marine, Francos Lovejoy, Hipstone, Flower of Gold. Khama.

PONY HANDICAP. Seven furlongs.-Lady Lottie (late Lottie), Forth, Annoyed, Avalanche, Stepaway, Shrewsbury, Sonoma, Sentinel, Girton Girl, Little Mabel, Sweet Marie, Orange and Blue. FLYING HANDICAP. Six far-longs.—Silica. Green and Gold, Paratntn, Waip-una, Austerlitz, Glasgow, Military, Nonettes, Delania, Marshal Soult, Cygnet. Camille, St. Olga, Geordie, Dolores, Mary Seaton, Romeo, Agrapus. . SPRING HANDICAP. Ssven furlongs.Green and Gold, Despatch, Maro. Torchon, Defender. Waipiuxa, Rosalia, Military. Hos-. tage, Bonheur. Muskerdale, Cordon Rouge, Blaircarrig, Camille, Soultfish, St. Olga, Lady Annie. Mary Seaton, Miss Lottie, Swagaman, Cuirassier —Lady Asrnes colt. NURSERY HANDICAP. Four furlongs.— Grenade. Romola, Promotion, Conclusion. T.ualla, , Kilmarnock, Eljen, Rambler, Rose Seaton, Gwoniad, Brown Rose, Soult Maid, Wairakau, King Paul, Cabaret, Love Link, roan git. HARKAWAY STEEPLECHASE. About three miles.—Lady Bell. Dingo, Gatelock, Polly. Puffing Billy, Marine, Nor'-west. Tuni, The Pollack, Kanaka, Mokomoko.

PUBLICANS' HANDICAP. Six furlongs.— Silica, Green and Gold. Coronation, Bonoiniana, Paratntu, Ropa, Waipuna, Austerlitz, Glasgow. Military. Merry Sonlt, Muskerdale, Crecj, Delania. Cordon Rouge. The Middy, Delia Rose. Newtown. Marshal Sonlt, Cvernet. Camille. Hohoro, Bloodstone, Maoriland, Lady Annie, Mary Seaton, Romeo, Orange and Bine. Asrapus. PRESIDENT'S HANDICAP. One mile.Rongoa, Lavadel. Coronation, Cyras. Defender, Waipuna, Mishap. Bon.heur, Bastion, Bob!-', Soultfish, Geordie, Maoriland, Seatonia, lan. Swagsman, Cuirassier—Lady Agnes colt, Military. WELCOME STAKES. Five furlongs.—Grenade, . Romola. Promotion, Conclusion, Kilmarnock. Lualla. Gladstone. Gweniad. Beau Sent.on. Brown Rose. Love Link. Muthema. SHORTS HANDICAP. Five furlongs.— Paratnfu, Noma. Vivandel. Bonomiant, Paratutu. Austerlita. Glasgow. Crecv. Delania. Cordon Rouse. Black and Gold. Delia Rose, Newtown, Marshal Soult. Cygnet, Camille, Coma. Bloodstone. Lady Bobs, Aerapus.

OTAHUHU TROTTING CLUB'S SPRING MEETING. The fallowing nominations have heen received in connection with the Otahuhu Trotting Club's meeting, which takes place at Alexandra Park on November 14 and 18:— FIRST DAY. MAIDEN TROT.—Elba, Lady Love, Albertorious, Le Rosier, Clove, Nat Gould, Adelaide, Black Diamond, Redleaf, Berlinwood, Bert, Keteonetea, Wanganui. Green Lavender, Kidney Pai, Miss Vol a-. Carbolic. SUBURBAN TROT.—Belladonna, K.D., Sir Robert, Snip, Duchess of Rothschild, Eric, Imperator, Little Ben. SPRING PONY HANDICAP .-Freda, Lady Lottie, Annoyed, Sentinel, Orange and Blue, Little Mabel.- ' HARNESS TROT.--Mooress. Harold Abdallah, Le Rosier, Rosalind, Sir Robert, Polly 11., Duchess of Rothschild, Lusitania, Miss Huon, PONY TROT.—Miss Munro, Da.vstar, Rushlight, Bert, Sea-cole, Lynton. Eric, Victor Hugo, Belle Irvington, Nell Gwynne, Kidney Pai. ELECTRIC TROT.-Miss Munro, Taihna, Nat Gould, Bryn, St. John, Duchess of Rothschild, K. 0., Isabel. Rebel Boy, Miss Huon. PONY TRAMWAY HANDICAP.-Freda, Lady Lottie. Annoyed, Kyra, Vulpine, Sentinel, Soult Bush, Solitary, Garnet, Orange and Blue, Little Mabel. NOVEMBER TROT.-Typewriter. Taihoa, Rushlight, Sir Robert, Baxter. Waitekauri, Duke C., Eric, Colenso, Happy, Empress, Little Ben. SECOND DAY. TRIAL TROT.-Elba, Lady Love, Albertorious, Dan O'Conner, Miss Dunmore, Le Rosier. Cleve, Rosalind, Nat Gould, Donizetti, Black Diamond, Redleaf, Beriinwood, Bart, Keteonetea, Nell Gwynne, Wanganui, Kidney Pai.' Miss Vola. Carbolic. ~ , .;

. CLASS HANDICAP TROT.-Tvpe writer. Harold Abdallah, Taihoa, K.D., Sir Robert, Baxter, Polly 11., Waiteltauri, Dulse C, Lusitania. Little Ben.

EPSOM PONY.-Freda. Lady Lottie, Annoyed, Sentinel, Solitary, Orange and Blue, Little Mabel.

OTAHUHU SPRING TROT.-Belladona, Cora Victor, Daystar, Rushlight, K.D., Sir Robert, Miss Munro, Eric, Victor Hugo, Colenso, Happy, Imperator, Empress, Miss Huon.

SECOND HARNESS TROT.—Moor-ass, Le Rosier. Rosalind, Duchess of Rothschild, Snip, Sir Robert, Lady Florence, Erie, Victor .Hugo, Lusitania. Little Ren.

FLYING STAKES.—Lady Lottie. Annoyed. Danebury. Kyra, Vulpine, Sentinel, Soultbush. Solitary, Garnet, Grange and Blue, Nerahere, Little Mabel. TELEPHONE TROT.—Taihoa. Rushlight, Nat. Gonld. Brvn, St. John. Duchess of Rothschild, Bert, Gay Belle, K. 0., Isabel, Rebel, Boy, Imperator, Miss Huon.

CANTERBURY JOCKEY CLUB'S SPRING MEETING. [BY TELEGRAPH. —PR.TCSS ASSOCIATION.] Chrtstchtjrcu, Friday. The following acceptances ami nominations have been received in connection with the Canterbury Jockey Club's Spring Meeting: — NEW ZEALAND CUP or 15G0sov S . Two miles.—Achillea 9.6, Wiririki 9.2, Shrapnel 9.13. Kelbnrn 7.13. Canteen 7.12, Hinetaura (including olli penal 7.11. Pampero 7.10. Mel wood (including Gib penalty) 7.10, Mars 7.7, Strathavon 7.7, Kingman "7.2. Heroism 7.0. General Symons 6.13. Rosea! 6.11, Count of Kolmar (including 31b penalty! 5.10, Lavalette 6.9, Bomnardo 6.7, Leonore 6.7.

STEWARDS' HANDICAP of sQosovs. Six fonks.— A.cTiille<: 10.7, Pallas (including lOlh Penalty) 9.9, Pt. Denis 8.10, Machine Gun 8.9. Pampero 3.6. Westward 5.5. Petrovna 8.3. 'Red Gauntlet (including s'b penalty) 8.1. Blazer 7.15. Knmo (including! 511) penalty! 7.10. Oannie Cliipl 7.9. Golden Vein 7.7. Madrigal 7.6. Syolmni 7.3. Gladsome 7.0, Rose Shield 7.0, Lolali 6.12. Idea (including bib penalty) 6.12, Hoy Fusiliei 6.7

WELLINGTON RAGING OLUB'B > SPRING MEETING. . , /„' [BY TELEGKAPH.-PRESH ASSOCIATION.") - Wellington, Friday. Visitors to the Hutt course for the second day of the Wellington, Racing Club's Spring Meeting agaixi experienced magnificent wjft. thor. The sum of £10,&49 wag put, through the machines, making £20,878 for the meeting, as against £13,413 handled"at lest Jtm'n spring meeting;. The results are as follows;— . ..

PETONR HURDLE HANDICAP of lOOwn; second hofEs to /receive lOsovs from the stakes. One mile and a-half. 228—Mr. A. Attwood's br g Kiliarney, aged, by Vanguard— Cripple, 10st Gib (J. McAleer) ... ... \ 91— S. Brown's eh g Defiance, aged! 9st 2!b (J. Rcxworthy) 3 171— F. Armstrong's b m Evening, aged, lOst 101b (A. Hall) ... * J Also started: 55, Mourner, 9st 101b- 87 Smithy, 9st 41b; 118 Levant, 9st 51b; 99, ()sl borne, 9s* 41b (including 41b overweight) s 184, The Dauber, 9st._ Killarney won easily by three lengths. Levant lost her rider at the start. Time, 2m. 49 l-ss. On tolalisator, £1033. Dm. dends: Kiliarney, £3 Is; Defiance, £2 lis. I

TAR ARC A HACK HANDICAP of TOsovs; second horse to receive lOsovs from the stakes. Seven furlongs. 256—Mr. W. Telford's c.h g Stepson, 4yrs, by Britomarte, 7»t lOlh (D. Cameron) i 361— J. tfamman's ch g Hydrant,' 4yrs, .fist 71b (H. Carmont) ... J> . 255— "A. Laing's br m Iriiss-o'-Gowrie, 4yr3,|7st 121b (T. O'Brien) ... % Also started: 133. Sir Galahad, 7st 51b; 126, Thunderer, 7st 31b; 48, Serin, 7at 21b; 149, Cumulus, 6>t 121b; 43, The Romany, 7st 41b (cArried 81b overweight). Cumulus was badly left at. the post. Stopson won comfortably by a length. Timo, Ira. 30 3-ss. On totalisator, £1376. Divi' dends: Stepson, £3 12s; Hydrant, 17s.

PISARCE HANDICAP of SOOsovs; second , horse to receive 40.=ovs and third lOsovw from the stakes. Nine furlongs. 184— Mr. W. Davics' eh g Melwood. 6yrs, i by St. —Ladybird, 7st ' Blb (G. Price) ... \ 49—Mr. F Watson's b g Battleaxe, aged, 7st 51b (R. Milne) ... ... ... 2 463— C. Maohcll's ch h Pallas, syra, 9st 81b (L Hewitt) 5 Also started: 242. Shrapnel, Bst 111b; 81, Terrapin, 7st 111b (carried lib overweight); 149. Float, 7st 71b; 181, General Svinons, 7st 51b; 189. Black Reynard, 7st 51b; 96. fihoorka, 7st2lb; 72, Maro, 6st 13lb; 84. Itingman, 6st 91b; 23, Heroism, 6st 91b; 52, Will-o'-the-Wisp, 6st lOib (carried 31b overweight). Melwood won. easily by two lengths from ijattloaxej who was a neck . in front of Pallas. _ General Symons was fourth and Fioai fifth'. Time, lm. 55 2-ss. On totalizator, i £1850. Dividends: Melwood, £6 15s; Eattleaxe, £5 9s Od. SPRING ITSOAIf STAKES of 80sovs; second horse to recajve lOsovs from the stakes. Six furlongs. J 241 —Mr. ,T. Monk's ch c Sea, Lion, 3yrs, by Medallion—Nereid, 84 lib (Hewitt) 1 137 Mr. T. Hi Dowry's b m Rose Madder, syrs, it 101b (G. Price) 2 —Mr. D. Wilkinson's ch g Serin, syrs, Bst 1311) (A. McMorrin) ... ... 3 Also started: 149, Trent, 7st 121b; 37, Torbrina, 7st]l2lb. Sea Lion won by two lengths. Time, lm. ' 17s. On totalisator, £602. Dividend: Sea Lion, £2 4s fei. j HUTT PARK HANDICAP of 150.W6; second hofhe to receive 20.?0vs from the stakes. Seven furlongs. 211—Mr. G. E. (J. Richardson's br g Gold ! Seal; 4yrs, bv Gold Reef— Bst 51b (T. Wilson) ... ... ... I'■ 291—Mr. \V| Davics' br'h Field Battery, syrs,-9>t (G. Price) Z 379H0n. .f, D. Ormond's br f Idea, 3yrs, 7st 31b (0. Kirk) 3

ISI Mill \\>. J-VII-v; ... ... ... o Also started: 284, Kawiri, Bst; 109, Perfection, 7st 61b; 56, Fakir, 7st lib; 141, Li" vonia., 6st 101b. Gold Seal won very easily by two lengths. Time, lm.iSO l-ss. On totafisator, £1471. Dividends:! Gold Seal, £4- 14s; Field Battery, £1 23; 6d. RUAHTNE HAOE HANDICAP of COsovs; . second horse to reoeiv« lOsovs from th« stake. Six furlongs. —Mr. A. Laing's br m L&ss-o'-Gowrie, 4vrs, by SoultLady Musket, 7st, Uli (T. O'Brien) 1 82—Mr. W. Telford's b h Good Spec, . syrs, 7st 131b (D. Cameron) ... 2 333— J. Paul's cli g Contingent, 4yrs, 4 Bs*.. 131b (B. Towers) ... ... 3 Also started: 275, Australasia, Bst ?11>; 282, CatspawJSst (carried 31b overweight); 113, Delight, Ist; 81, Waipai, 7st 21b (carried 61b overweight): 60, St. Alba, 6st 101b; 25, Linklock, 6st|3.olb (carried 31b overweight). Lass-o'-Gowrie won by two lengths and ahalf. Time, lm. 16 3-ss. On totalisator, £1430. Dividends: Lass-o'-Gowrie, £5 7s 6d; Good Spec, £3 18s.

JUVENILE HANDICAP of lOOsovs; second j horse to receive 103ovs from, the stakes. Five furlongs. i 225—Mr. J. H. Prober's br g Gold Grown, \ 3yrs, by Gold Reef—Nymph, Bst ' 31b (Hewitt) ... 1 376—Mr. ; J. Harris' ch 0 Purdcy, 2yrs, ,Bst (T. O'Brien) 2 309H0n. J. D. Ormond's b g Sir Percival, 2yrs, Bst 31b (F. Davis) ... 3 Also started: 150, Albufera, 7st 71b; 77, Promotion, 7st 61b; 126, Miss Hamilton, 7sfc 31b; 42, Unawares, 6st 101b; 25, Stepmar, 6st 71b Gold Grown won by a length and a-half. Time, lm. 2 1-59. On fcotalisator, £1330. Dividends: Gold Crown, £3 18s 6d; Purdey, 15s 6d. 1

NALNAI HANDICAP of lOOsovs; second horse to receive lOsovs from the stakes. Five furlongs. 306—Mr. T. H. Lowry's br m Madrigal, ' • 4yrs, by »Stepniak—Madder, 83t 101b (T. Wilson) ... 1 347— E. J. Watt's br o Staraboot, Syrs, 7st 131b, carried 51b overweight (Hewitt) 2 263— E. A. Laurent's b g Full Cry, , syrs, 7st 41b (B, Towers) 3 Also started: 319, Platypus, 7st 101b; 200, I Te Taialia, 7st; 195, Maluku, 6st 131b; 127,, ; Pure Silver, 6st 9!b (carried 21b overweight). Madrigal won after a great finish by a, head, a similar distance between the second and third horses. Time, lm. 2 4-ss. On totalisator, £1757. Dividends: Madrigal, . £3 17s; Starshoot, £1 2s.

CANTERBURY NOTES. [bt telegraph.—own correspondents.} ChriStchcroh, Friday. The feature of the North Otago meeting this week was the presence of Wairiki, the Cup, favourite. On the first day at six furlongs he had a very easy task. One of his opponents, Tsaritsa, broke a blood vessel in the race. The other, Antigone, was never able to extend Mr. Bradley's oraek. Though the.opposition was so weak the performance was regarded as a very creditable one, aa Wairiki was under a strong pull most of the way. A lm. 19s. race under the circumstances was very good. On the second day Wairiki was opposed by St. Denis, who was in receipt of a stone and a-half. To concede so much weight to a good sprinter was a big undertaking, and over-night St. Denis was the better fancied of the pair. The supporters of Wairiki were, however, confident of his ability to win, while the St. Denis party were just as sanguine about the chance of the Otago sprinter. Wairiki sweated profusely before the race, but his owner was inclined to put this down to the heat of the box he ocoupied on the course, and it was worthy of note that when he pulled up he had dried off. St. Denis was first away, but Wairiki immediately drew level, and at the end of a furlong he com-' m&nced to forge ahead, gradually increasing his lead. He was about three or four lengths in front when three furlongs had been covered. There was little change in the next furlong, Gainsford riding Wairiki quietly in front. Then St. Denis began to reduce the gap. A furlong from home he put in a fine run, and a hundred yards from the post the pair were level, St. Denis winning by about three-quarters of a length. Wairiki appeared to make a very feeble response when he was collared, and he has not gained any friends by the display. Though the pair finished so close together, 1 fancy St. Denis won with a good deal in hand. McComb rodo a nice race on him. I fancy Gainsford thought he was winning very easily when he dropped St. Denis early in the race, and it is possible that ho would have done better had he made more use of his horse while he had the advantage. At the same tirno it was no disgrace to be beaten at such a difference in weights. St. Denis has more than once shown his ability to foot, it with the best, and he is generally regarded as one of our best sprinters. NeUh'' l ' Mr. Bradley nor Gainsiord is at all downcast at the result. As Mr. Brack ley said,, the two gallops at Oamaru will probably do the horse a world of good. Though no quotations are available, th*w seems a disposition since the payment to back Achilles, and the opinion prevails that he will be; installed in the position of favourite before many days are over. Whether the stable has secured any money about Win I do not know, but he has been the medium of quiet backing for sever?! weeks, and there seems a disposition now to assess his chancy, very highly.