SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12663, 17 September 1904, Page 6

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES. NEW ZEALAND. September 17, 21, 24—Avondale Jockey Club September 21 and 22—Eangitikei Racing Club September 22—Waimate Racing Club (hack) September 21) and Geraldine Racing Club September 29 and 30— Wonganui Jockey Club October 5 and 6—Marlborough Racing Club October 5 and Hawke's Bay Jockey Club October 6—Oboka and Eyreton Jockey Club October 11 and Napiei Park Racing Club October 12 and 13—Otaki Maori Racing Club October 12 and 13—Dunedin Jockey Club October 15 and 19— Auckland Trotting Club October 20 and North Otago Jockey Club October 20 and Wellington Racing Club October 2fi and Gore Racing Club October 27 and Poverty Bay Turf Club November 5, 7, 9, 12— Canterbury. Club November 5. 9, 12—Auckland Racing Club November 26—Waihi Hack Racing Club, WailiS. December 20, 29, January 2 and 3— Auckland Racing Club AUSTRALIA. September 17—Australian Jockey Club. October 8, 12, 15, Victoria Amateur Turf Club. October 29, November 1, 3, 5, Victoria Racing Club. DATES OF COMING EVENTS. NEW ZEALAND. September Avondale Stakes. September 21—Avondale Guineas. November -Great Northern Guineas. December 26— Auckland Cup. January I—Great Northern Derby. January 2— Auckland Steeplechase. AUSTRALIA. October B— Caulfield Guineas. October 29—V.R.C Derby. November I—Melbourne Cup. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Musket, Onehnniro.— field for the first Welcome Stakes decided at Elleralie was composed as follows: —Wapiti, Mitrailleuse, Nelson, Snider, and Musketeer. Wager. Thame?.—Libeller -was owned by the late Mr. Bobbett when he won the A.B.C. Handicap. Libollei ran second for the Wellington, Wfmganui, and Dunedin Cups when carrying the colours of the Into Mr. Walters. Local, Ponst»roa Waterbury was got by Mutator from Sunshine (a daughter of Day Dawn). He won the Now Zealand Grand National Steeplechase in 1393. He was subsequently taken to Australia and at the Australian Jockey Club's Spring Meeting of 1895 won two steeplechases at Randwick.

NOTES BY PHAETON.

A WEIGHT-FOE-AGE HEROINE. The result of the Spring Stakes at Randwick on Saturday leaves Now Zealand once again in the proud position of having, bred a heroine of weight-for-age class, and with a fresh time record put up the merit of the victory achieved cannot be gainsaid. Gladsome was the one destined to this year win honours for Maoriland in the weight-for-age class, and with the pace a cracker from the start in the mile and a-half race, she beat her field in fine style, winning by two lengths in the great time of 2m. 355., which, it may be remarked, is a second and a-quarter faster than that recorded last year when Cruciform clipped Wake-ful's wings in the mile and a-half race. This performance on the part of Gladsome tends to show her up in the most striking colours, and affords proof, if any were wanting, of how fitting it was that she should wear the Derby insignia at ERerslie on last New Year's Day. There is just one little thing in connection with Glatlsomo's win that causes on© to feel a little crestfallen, and that is that the. New Zealand sportsman, Mr. J. E. Reid, should have sold such a pearl as this chestnut daughter of Seaton Delaval and Miss Gladys undoubtedly is. The fact of Gladsome being bred in Maoriland is an honour that we cannot be deprived of, but we could have wished that the chestnut mare was still carrying New Zealand colours when she sailed home in front of her field in the weight-for-age race at Randwick on Saturday last. THE A.J.C. DERBY. The 40th A.J.C. Derby was decided at Randwick on Saturday last, and the distinction of wearing the blue riband on the New South Wales side fell to a colt bred in that Slate, but owned, I think, by a Victorian sportsman. Mi-. Agar Wynne supplied the favourite with the uncertain Koopan, but he had to strike his colours to Mr.,R. G. Casey's representative Sylvanite, who was bracketed equal with Warroo in the betting. , That the race was run solidly from end to end is pointedly demonstrated by the fact that the mile and a-half was completed in 2m. 37i5., which constitutes a fresh record for the. Randwick race. Sylvanito was pulled out on five occasions a* a. two-year-old, and though he only scored once lie showed himself up in decent colours, as he was only beaten a neck for first honours in the Maribyrnong Plate under a 101b penalty, and half-a-head only separated him from the winner of the Ascot vale Stakes, in which event he also was called upon to carry 101b additional. _ The pedigree of Sylvanite is one that will afford the student of breeding plenty of food for thought, for he is very closely inbred on the dam's side. For instance, his dam (Gold Dust) was got by Niagara from . Goldlike, by Trenton, which must be termed a bold stroke in inbreeding. Niagara is a son of Frailty (by Goldsbrough), and a half-brother to Trenton, while, interesting to note, Aureola was closely related to the dam of Goldsbrough, inasmuch as the latter'ii mother (Sylvia) was by Fisherman from Juliet, and Aureola's dam was by Angler (.son of Fisherman) from Chrysolite, by Stockwell from Juliet. Great stayers are not looked for from such inbreeding, but apparently Sylvanite can gallop to the end of a mile and a-half in firstclass stylo, and with a fast Derby down to his credit we may yet have to accept him as a two-miler. The following are the leading linos in Sylvanite's pedigree: —

Vedette, by Voltigcur % Galopln F':/lng Dnchees, by Flying r" Dutchman < £ 'i ~; i -«■.„;„. Hampton, bv Lord Cliltlen, H j Maid Marion Qniv^ ; ' y xoxophilite 4 •■- ; , < c, j Anteros, by Loiterer, by P I* Niagara Stoekwell to p, ' Frailty, by Goldsborough' " Trenton, by Musket - Gokllikc Frailty, by Goldsborougli, J Aureola, by Angler. THE METROPOLITAN STAKES. Randwick is somewhat notorious for the number ol surprises that are sprung there in big handicaps. The Metropolitan Stakes, run on the A.J.C. convincing ground on Monday last, once again emphasised the glorious uncertainty of racing. A strong favourite was made of Tartan, a four-year-old daughter of Lochiel, who figured in thsj mile and a-half race with 7st lib. Tartan was in front when the distance Was reached, but a little .further oil an outsider in the shape of' Alias "made his appearance on the scene, and those who were backing the favourite had to ohew the cud of discontent, for Alias floored the popular fancy. Alias, who is a four-year-old gelding by . the defunct Clan Stuart, was apparently considered out of his class in such company, as he figured in the 100 to 1 division pretty well all through the piece. The fact that the mile and a-half was' cast behind in 2m. 54£s. (which, it may be remarked, is half a second faster than the previous record) shows that the pace was a cracker, and clearly proves that Alias is no slouch. The Now Zealand-owned pair, Martian and Grand Rapids, were amongst the contestants, and the first-named, on the strength of his Spring Stakes display, was sent out second favourite. The son of Martagon was taking a hand in the settlement of the question in front in the early stages, but i he failed to get near the leaders in the closing stage. THE CRAVEN PLATE. In the face of Gladsome's brilliant display in the Spring Stakes it would have been a surprise had the Auckland mare not filled the position of favourite for the Craven Plate, However, she was destined to have her wings clipped in the mile and a-quarter race, which fell to Emir, whose immediate attendant was Fitz-Grafton. _ The full list of starters for the Spring Stakes was not cabled, so that we are left in doubt as to whether Emir was amongst the crowd that Gladsome silenced in the 12 furlongs race on the opening day, but I think we may assume that he figured amongst the also ran" division on the opening day, and if that be so he has given us a reversal of form. Who- Emir came out in the autumn and won the Essendon Stakes, the Loch Plate and Champion Stakes at Flemington, great things wore predicted of him at the A.J.C. Meeting set down for the following month, and with 9at lib opposite his name for the Sydney Cup he was actually sent out at 5 to 2 for that race. The confidence was, however, sadly misplaced, as he finished :>:r back in the field. It has always been contended that age would do something for Emir, and it will be interesting to note whether lie is to be a good four-year- , old. i

THE CAULFIELD CUP.

The brilliant feat registered by Gladsome in the decision of the Spring Stakes at Randwick on Saturday last would, it was anticipated, have the effect of causing her chance foi the Caulfiekl Cup to be further loudly proclaimed, but a Sydney cablegram to hand states that the subsequent defeat which she met with in the Craven Plate has caused her to ease in the betting on the mile and a-half race. This may mean vory little. The Auckland-bred mare figures in the Oaulfield Cup _ with Bst 131b, or 41b more than she carried to victory in the weight-for-age race last Saturday. There is not a vestige of doubt, as to Gladsome's ability to gallop out 12 furlongs with the best in the land, and there is some reason to accept the view that she is fully mistress of Bst 131b Still, experience shows that the Caulfield Cup is a very difficult race to win, even when a horse is in at a stone under weight-for-age. Howevor, with a good run a fine performance may be expected from the Auckland mare, and if she gets that and is in a position to register her best form on the day, it' may fail to her lot to. be.the first on© bred in Maori'.and to score in the Caulfield race. Sylvanite, who won the A.J.C. Derby on Saturday, arid registered another brilliant feat under difficulties in the Grantham Stakes, is engaged in the Oaulfield Cup with 7st 121b. That does not seem a prohibitive weight for a colt that won his Derby under Bst 101b in 2m. 37i5., and with the steadier of 9st 12lb in the saddle broke lm. 40s. for a mile. It may be remarked, however, that no three-year-old has yet won the Caulfiekl race under such an impost, Amberite holding the record with 7st 71b. With the V.K.C. Derby engagement , before him, the owner of Sylvanite may not care to risk his colt in a race which has at times proved a dangerous errand.

THE NEW ZEALAND CUP. Matters in connection with the New Zealand Cup remain in as dull a state as that commented upon some 'weeks back. Whether tho performances of Mr. Stead's team in Australia will have the effect of livening up matters in the big Southern race remains to bo seen. The victory registered by Grand Rapids in the Sydney Handicap mulcts him in tho maximum penalty of 7lb for the New Zealand Cup, but even with that addition to his original impost the Gipsy Grand gelding has still the comfortable burden of Bst 51b, and he may not be out of court under the increased poundage. Whatever he may or may not be able to do over two miles, there can be no doubt as to Grand Rapids being equal to galloping down a mile and a-half in clipping style. Martian ran a good horse in the Spring Stakes under weight-for-age (9st); but with 101b less over a like journey in the Metropolitan Stakes he failed to • show up at the business end. As there is some reason to believe that Martian's public trial in the Spring Stakes was perfectly reliable, it may be as well not to pay too much value to his defeat in the Metropolitan, and we may some day hear that ho was hampered in the handicap race, Martian has the same impost (Bst 51b) to carry in the New Zealand Cup as that which is down opposite the name of his stable mate Grand Rapids. Nightfall does not incur a penalty by reason of her victory in the Grantham Stakes, and her impost will therefore remain at 6st 111b. It is a severe task to set a three-year-old filly to wjn a Now Zealand Cup in the spring of the year; and Mr. Stead does not as a rule shape his course that way; but still he enedavoured to win the big Canterbury race with Ich Dien in 1893, and he may be tempted to secure a record in that respect, for no three-year-old filly has yet succeeded in landing the New Zealand Gup. Further thaw that there is an occasional mild nibble at Achilles, little comes to light regarding Mr. John Monk's crack. Just prior to the first acceptance a rumour was current that the son of Medallion was not intended for tho New Zealand Cup; but if we have not been told in the interval that the doughty chestnut can bo counted upon as a probable starter, we have not had it dinned into our ears that he is not intended for the big race of the spring. All being well with Achilles in November we can, I think, expect to find him on the scene when the New Zealand Cup rolls round; but that opinion, I may say, rests entirely on the ground that I fail to see wherein an advantage would lie of playing a waiting policy with "the flying chestnut." Satisfactory accounts continue to come to hand from Napier regarding the manner in which Melodeon is shaping -in his training work at "Hastings, and that the Auckland pencillers are not prepared to take any liberties with Mr. Watt's horse something like pointed evidence is forthcoming in that the b«wn son of Medallion rules favourite in the local market.

LEAVES FROM MY NOTEBOOK. The Multiform— Notts filly Nightfall, who forms one of the contingent sent to New South Wales by Mr. G. G. Stead, was not considered of much account, but she succeeded in showing herself up in very much more attractive colours than was considered probable. After filling the role of runner-up to Demas in the New Stakes (a mile and. a-quarter) on the second day of the A.J.C. Meeting, she ,was pulled out on the third day to try conclusions with the Derby winner Sylvanite. in the Grantham Stakes, which event is run . over a mile under a special scale of weights, with penalties and allowances, and she got borne just by a neck in the clipping time of Im. 39|s. Of course the fact has to be borne in mind that Sylvanite was loaded, with a 111b penalty, while Nightfall had a 51b maiden allowance, as well as her 51b sexual allowance. Still, the time registered shows that Nightfall is a very much better filly that some were inclined to think.

When it became mooted about last month that the veteran Dingo was to be taken across to Sydney with a view to contesting the brace of steeplechases set down for decision at the Australian Jockey Club's Spring Meeting, not a few doubted the wisdom of the step even in the face of it being a known fact that the horses engaged in crosscountry work on- the New South Wales side are of a very moderate character. However, the brothers Coleman, who own the Sou'-wester gelding, had the best side of the argument on Monday last, for the old chestnut sailed home in front in the First Steeplechase, and as the stake attaching to the race in question amounts to 300sovs, Dingo has placed himself veil on the right side of the ledger in his first race this season.

Northumberland, the chestnut full brother to Miss Delaval, who was purchased in Auckland in 1902 on behalf of an Indian sportsman and*transported to the East, died there recently. When submitted to auction as a yearling at Sylvia Park in the summer of 1901, there was some strong bidding for him, and if I remember rightly he went to 700 guineas, but there was a reserve of 1000 guineas on him, and he went back' to bis box unsold. Northumberland did not fulfil anticipations. As a, two-year-old he was pulled out no less than 14 times, and a brace of nursery handicaps was the sum total of his captures. At three years old he managed to win the St. George's Handicap of SOOsovs, but he only scored by a head from Wairiki, who was conoeding him a couple of stone, and it has always been held by a large number that the verdict should have been the other way about. Judging from the tone of the Sydney training notes, it would appear safe to conclude, that we shall not find an excuse 'on the score of condition urged for Lord Cardigan in the pronounced defeat that he met with in both the Spring Stakes and Craven Plate. ... I clip the following reference to the son of Positano from the Sydney Mail of last week: — may not be too much to say that Lord Cardigan is the best-con-ditioned horse at Randwick, and the critics who prophesied that he would lapse agaitt into that angular, museleless horse he was last autumn are altogether wrong in their reckonings, for he is as round as an apple, and carries double as much muscle as he had on Sydney Cup day. The Ballarat trainer, James Scobie, has not, apparently, been deserted by Dame Fortune in his racing business, though the serious accident that befell him last February still keeps him on crutches. Soobie's team were strongly in evidence at the A.J.C. Spring Meeting. Sylvanite credited the stable with their third A.J.C. Derby, Demas won the New Stakes, Emir accounted for the Craven Plate, while Sweet Nell accounted for the Wycombe Stakes. It must be said that Scobie has a very strong team in his hands with which to assault Caulfield and Flemington next month. Golden Rose, who, it will bo remembered, went amiss last December while- being put through her faoings for the Auckland Cup, is again back at Ellerslie under the charge of K. Heaton When the bay mare went off the scene the breakdown was stated to be a bad one, but from the fact that Heaton journeyed to Coromandel in order to advise Mr. Lynch on the matter of putting the mare into training, find that he brought her back with him, we may, I think; safely conclude that there is a good promise of her standing & preparation. -

The ■ three-year-old stable companions, Monoform and Dunmore, were pulled out to run six furlongs on th© court* proper at Ellerslie on Saturday last. They ran from the mile and a-half post to the six-furlong post, which, of course, is not conducive to a fast record, but, even allowing for this, the gallop was of no account from a time-test point of view. Both these colts mon well. but at present they appea. to be devoid of brilliancy. The time test in racing is undoubtedly a great puzzler. In the Metropolitan Stakes (one mile and a-half), run on • the second clay of the A.J.C. Meeting, Grand Rapids was easily defeated in 2m. 34|5., while in the Sydney Handicap, run over a similar distance on the third day of the Randwick meeting, the sou of Gipsy Grand fairly romped home in front of his field in the same time as that recorded in the race in which ho met with a pronounced defeat, and that, too, under an increased poundage. A horse well spoken of last year, but one who failed to boar out the remarks made about him, was -Sojourner, a five-year-old ! son of Pilgrim's Progress and the Goldsbrough mare Winifred. Sojourner is now receiving his preparation at the hands of Walter 'Hickenbotham, and he is making such improvement that a victory for him in one of the cups is considered a likely event to happen. Sojourner is weighted at Bst 71b in the Caulfield Cup, and he has 21b less to carry in the Melbourne Cup. ' In referring to th© fact that Cruciform is engaged in the Band wick Plat© (two miles and a-quarter), "Terlinga," of the ' Australasian, says:—"l do not forget Mr. Stead telling me last year that if there was one thing more than another that he fancied Cruciform at it was staying." Cruciform has only once attempted a long- journey, and that was when she won the Canterbury Cup as a four-year-old. The time (4m. 9 2-55.) was, however, slow. The A.J.C. Spring Stakes has fallen to a mare each time during the last three years, and each time the one to triumph*carries a dash of Musket blood. Wakeful (by. Trenton), who won in 1902, is a grand-daughter of the famous sire, while Cruciform and Gladsome, who scored respectively in 1903 and 1904, rank as great grand-daughters on the dam's side, Forme (the dam of Cruciform) being by Nordenfeldt, while Miss Gladys (the dam of Gladsome) is a daughter of Cuirassier.

At present the idea of substituting a mile race on the line 3 of the Two Thousand Guineas for the A.J.C. Derby does not meet with general favour (says the Australasian). Presumably the advantage of having one Derby and one St. Leger for Australia is not considered sufficient compensation to the A.J.C. for the loss of its Derby, even though the beginning of September is palpably earlv for a race in which colts and fillies not vet three years old have to carry Derby weights over a mile and a-half. So far as the Australian Jockey Club's Spring Meeting has progressed the descend- 1 ants of English sires have not had matters all their own way, honours" being in favour of the colonial-bred horses by nine to seven. The colonial sires represented on the winning list are:—Wallace (two), Medallion, Gipsy Grand, Multiform, Climax, Epinicion, Bargo, Sou'-wester. The first prize (£6000) in Tattersall's sweep • on the Metropolitan Stakes came to Auck- ! land, Mr. H. Wallen, a telegraph operator, who up to a few weeks back was engaged' at the cable station at Doubtless Bay, being the fortunate holder of the number that drew Alias. Mr. Wallen, 1 understand, resigned his appointment at Doubtless Bay some six weeks back. - '.•'....;. Concerning Cicero, the crack two-year-old of England.'the Field says :—" Of . , all the two-year-olds seen this year Cicero stands out on looks. : He is not one of those very big ones one has seen so often in late years, but he is quite big enough, is beautifully turned, and has groat strength of back and" loin, and great depth through the heart. His limbs are just about perfect, too, and he is well off for bone, and has worderful quality. In fact, he looks like, a high-class Derby horse., and, of course, ho is a great credit to Cyllene, whose second season it is. According to some who remember the horse, Cicero has a great look of Lord Clu'den, who was the tail male grandsire of Ayrshire. Cicero has not the massive substance which is found in so many horses of Stockwell descent, and it is likely enough that ho favours his dam's family in some degree; and yet he is very like his sire, Cyllene, especially when he is standing still, and Bonavista, the sire of Cyllene. though a biggish horse, was not so great in substance as his sire, Bend Or." ~.

The following is a list of the horses engaged in the Randwick Plate of 600sovs, to bo i-un at the Australian Jockey Club's Stumor Meeting to-day:—Sir Leonard. 9st Bib; Pavronus,'9st 81b; Patronage, 9st 81b; Bewitcher, 9st 61b; Abundance, 9st 61b; Long Tom, 9st 31b; Cruciform, 9sfc 31b: Ironmould, 9sfc 31b; Cake "Walk. 9st; Lord Cardigan, 9st; Martian, 9sfc; Fitz-Grafton, 9st; Emir. 9st: Oraleen. Bst 91b; Sweet Nell, Pat 91b; Gladsome. Bst 91b; The "Hawker, 7st 21b; lan. 7st 21b; Zvthos. 7st 2lb; Warroo, 7st 21b; Sarto, 7sfc 21b. The event is run over two miles and a-quarter at weight-for*age. '" .

Our Whangarei correspondent telegraphs: --The Whangarei Racing Club have arranged to hold two days' racing on Friday and Saturday. January 13 and 14, 1905, at Kensington Park, which is now leased by the club. Prize-money to the extent of £390 will be offered, including a £75 cup. The course is reported to be in very good order, and should be in a good state by the time of the races, having received a dressing of volcanic earth and having been sown down in suitable grasses. The report and balancesheet showed last year's audit balance to be £110. The Kamo club met on Saturday night, and resolved to race again this season.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. Grand Rapids beat a field of 10 in the Sydney Handicap. ' The first two horses in the A.J.C. Derby are sons of Grafton. Canteen has been placed under the charge of the Randwick trainer, F. McNamara. The Rangitikei Racing Club hold their spring meeting on Wednesday and Thursday next. Blueskin, who is trained at Otahuhu, is whispered, as being narticnlarly smart, and he may repay watching at Avqndale.' The Auckland-owned Dingo is engaged in the Dowling Steeplechase (three miles) of 400sovs, to be run at Randwick to-day. The first three horses in the A.J.C. Spring Stakes w.ere foaled in New Zealand, 1 but each was sired by an English-bred horse. A 5s totalisator for ladies was introduced at the South Australian Jockey Club's Spring Meeting, and was well patronised. It is announced that His Majesty the King is going to engage in long-distance racing much more extensively than he has hitherto done. . " . ■■ . ■ )■ Birida, who won the Maiden Stakes on the second day of the A.J.C. Spring Meeting, is a full sister to the Champion Stakes winner Emir. H. Barr has Leo D&lavft,! ami Orange, and Blue in training at Onehunga. He will shortly take in hand the —Norah filly and another by Soult. ... Jas. Whitelaw is in charge of Mr. S. Bradley's team during J. McHugh's absence in Australia with Wairiki. He is paying particular attention to the —Lady Musket colt, who is developing into a thorough racehorse. It is stated that both Gladsome and Cruciform galloped on to Fitz-Graftori's heels when the Craven Plate was' under way at Randwick on Wednesday last, and that may have had something 'to do with Cruciform's unplaced performance. An interesting fact in connection with the Metropolitan Stakes, run at Randwick on Monday last, is that the leading pair. Alias and Tartan, were got by a Prince Charlie horse. Clan Stuart was responsible for Alias and Lochiel for Tartan. Both sires died some months back. When Baltimore came to Ellorslie he seemed to.be the makings of a decent horse, but Koss Heaton has evidently tired of the I Leolantis gelding, as in a recent conversa- ! tion he told me that he would be very pleased to get rid of him. I The Taranski pair, Durable and Parai tutu, are expected to put in an appearance iat Avondalo to-day with a view to; '. having a try to win the double Cup . and : Flying Handicap— the western suburb. ', They are both in capital nick, and have 'been well supported for the double. It was anticipated that. Abundance would accomplish something sufficiently good in the early spring to' demonstrate that he is not a spent light. However, the son of Pilgrim's Progress has so far failed to regain his winning form; It is nearly twelvo, months since Abundance won a race. Sir George Clifford's colts Stronghold (by ClanranaldSafeguard) and Signalman (by I Clanranald—Weathereye) are given ' credit for making considerable headway during the past few months and they are, it is said, to be sent North with a view to attacking the Wanganui Guineas and Hawke's Bay Guineas,

Lord Cardigan has been beaten each time he has tackled a weight-for-ago event thia j season. * . The veteran Solo continues to make satisfactory advancement in his schooling over hurdles.. Ossian has-been backed by his owner for the Melbourne Cup to win a big stake at long odds. r , The first two-year-old race of the season in New Zealand will be run at Avondale this afternoon. „ After running unplaced in the Epsom Handicap Sweet Nell struck winning form by landing the Wycombe Stakes. _ Gladsome, Cruciform, and Martian are engaged in the Rand wick. Plate (two miles and a-quarter), to be run on Saturday. The \JC. Derby winner Sylvamte was purchased as a yearling for's9o guineas. Koopan, who acted as runner-up m the- blue, riband, cost 800 guineas. , Vivandel, the four-year-old daughter ot Seaton Delaval and Vivandiere, is again under the care of K. Ilea ton The halfsister to Canteen is still a maiden. _ Nonette is reported to be training on . satisfactorily, ' and all being well with him he can, it is said, be looked upon as a probable starter for the New Zealand Cup. . The A.J.C. Derby winner Sylvamte is credited with being a magnificent colt, both in size and shape, and is one m every way fitted to take rank as a winner of a classic Liialla, the three-year-old daughter of Hotchkiss and St. Mary, lias wen shaping nicely in her training work, and sne may succeed in losing her maidenhood before ° Word comes from Sydney to the. effect that Patronage, the full brother to Patron, recently claimed some attention for the Caulfielcl Cup, £12,00.0 being secured about 1 The. New Zealand jockey, L. Hewitt, steered both of Mr. Stead's representatives, Nightfall and Grand Rapids, in their winning engagements at Randwick on Wednesday last. ■■ , . . ' The weights for the second day s racing of the Avondale Jockey Club's Spring Meeting will appear in the Herald of Monday, and acceptances fall due the. same day at nine p.m. . . ~ The time registered by Emir in the Craven Plate was l|s. slower than when Ibex and Cruciform fought out their sensational finish in the mile and a-quarter race, 12 months back. ,The Grafton colt Koopan is proving a perfect disappointment at three years old, and he will require to make considerable amends to retrain his position as favourite lor the V.R.O.eDerbv. ..'■,.• ' A telegram received from Mr. Stead states that Cruciform had , the misfortune to, be badly kicked on one of her bocks whilst contesting the Craven Plate, and it is doubtful if she will race again. Alba Rose, who wound up her three-year-old career by running a dead-heat for first honours, is striding along nicely, .and there are- more unlikely things than her striking winning form straight away at four years old. " . ~■ , An.interesting fact in connection with the last, two contests for the Doncaster St. Leger is that two full brothers have filled the role of runner-up. Last year William Rufu3 finished second to Rook Sand, while Henry the First occupied a like position to Pretty Polly this year. Both William Rufus and Henry the First were bred and raced by their owner, Mr. J. Musker.

STUD NOTES. [BY TftAETON.I In my notes last week I made mention of the fact that the brood mare Jesmoncl, who was in foal to the St. Simon sire Soult, had broken one of her forelegs, and ihaji she' would have to be destroyed. This was carried into effect: but not before Messrs. £. D. and C. D. Halstead had.made an effort to save the foal, the first-named gentleman performing what ia known as the Csssarian operation. The mare was put undei chloroform, and on her. foa! being taken from her a friendly bullet speedily ended her career. The foal (a fine colt), on being made the medium of , artificial respiration quickly showed Signs of life, but, as the mare'; was a fortnight off her foaling date, Mr. Halstead only entertained a frail ray of hope'as to the youngster pulling through. The foal only lived some two hours. ~, Pretty Polly can lay claim to a very stoutly-bred pedigree. She was got by Gallinule (son of Isonomy) from Admiration, a* daughter of Saraband (grandson of Doncaster), and the Stockwell strain comes in on both sides of her pedigree. With such blood in her veins, it would be passing strange if < Pretty Polly were not an out-and-out stayer 5 > but we shall probably have to await the Epsom Gold. Cup and Ascot Gold Cup next" year for absolute proof upon the point, for; Major Loder wil hardly* care to ask his flier to beat St. Gatien's three-year-old record in the Cesarewiteh Stakes, in which event the doubtfully bred one carried Bst 101b and .beat,a field of 20 in the long-distance handicap. It is interesting to note that the three placed horses in the A.J.O. Derby all trace back to Musket on the dam's side. Gold Dust (dam of Sylvanite) is out of a Trenton mare; Piecrust (darn •of Koopan) is l , a daughter of Martini' Henry, while Alga (darn of *Warroo) was got by Trenton, This may be termed a rather remarkable record. The St.. JLeger mare Role, with , a colt foal, at foot by San Prahcisco, at 24-0 guineas I have always regarded, as oris of the greatest bargains- secured at the! dispersal of the Sylvia Park stud last December. , The ooit, who is to be known by the appropriate name of Golden Gate, is stated to be furnishing into a very fine type of animal.

When the last mail left London Gallinule, by Isonorny, was well out in front at the head of the winning aires this season, nine of his stock having won 12 races of the value of £16,371 _10s. Since then Pretty . Polly's St. Leger victory has been recorded, and the Irish-owned, sire's total is now over £20,000.* At last advices Trenton was fourth on the list with £4056 to his credit, won by eight of his progeny. ' ' ' The stallion Pistol (by Carbine), purchased recently in England on account of, the South Australian stitdmnster Mr. J. H. Aldridge, has arrived safely, and is credited with being a horse of beautiful quality and rare power.- '■■.;. ....,■.. Jadestone (dam of Explosion), in foal to Beaton Delaval, who was purchased dirt cheap .at-, the dispersal of the Sylvia Park Stud last,year by Mr. H. Friedlander foir 45 guineas, has' produced a , colt. ■ : ■. ,r La Carabine, who on all- hands is regarded as Carbine's •greatest daughter, '• is this season in foal to Maltster (by Bill of Portland—Barley). ' Satanella, the dam of St. Paul, who is' in her 23rd year, produced a filly foal to Soult this week, and will go back to the St. Simon horse. ', " ' . Reviver, a highly-bred- son of Clan Stuart j (son of Prince Charlie) and the Marvellous I mare Melissa, was purchased in New South j Wales recently and taken to Suva with , a view to his being used "as a sire. It "cannot be said that Reviver has been in luck's way, lor there are not many thoroughbred mares in the South Sea Islands. ' ..,...' ,'■.._ I The following foalings have been announced at Auckland studs: . Mr. W. Percivftl'a Satanella, by Hippocampus— Blander, filly to Soult. , : . ' Mr. Lindsay's Bavaria, by forerunner—Starwater, colt to Scult. ■ ; Mr. J. Hill's Gold Web, by St. Hippo—Cobweb, colt to Soiilt. " --'' Wellington Park Stud Company's Lady : Peer, by Muslcapeer—Ladybird, colt to Bluejacket. ■ - ■ Wellington Park Stud Company's Chrysolite, by Castor—Onyx, filly to Bluejacket! " -~■ , , Mr. Hesketh's Sparkling Water, by, St. Hippo—' Waitemata, 'filly to Cjrenitm. ' Cambria Park Stud Company's Silk, by Grand Chrysophrase, filly to Eton. i Cambria Park Stud Company's ' Senga, by HotchAgnes, filly to Cyrenian. >■>.; (.■.,; ' THE NEW ZEALAND HORSES AT " RANDWICK. By Telegraph —Press Association.— ! Stoney, September 16. The following' is a list of the weights allotted to the New Zealand horses in events to be, run at the A.J.C. meeting - to-moii'-row: Members' Handicap: Niehtfall, 9st 51b (top weight); Waikato, ?sfc 2lb. Steeplechase: Dingo, list Sib. <•• . Warerley Handicap: Martian, 9st; Grand Rapids, Bst 111b. Final Handicap: Grand Rapids, Bst 111b. CmtISTOHtJKdH, Friday. ■ Mr. Stead has cabled that Cruciform'was badly pocketed in the Spring Stakes, mi on the first, day of the A.J.C. meeting, avid her rider (Jones) is, positive, that but. /or this mishap site would , ; have wep the race. In the Crayon Plate on. Wednesday Cruciform was kicked very severely tin the honk, and Mr. Stead thinks it is doubtful it the ■ mare will ever race again. , THE CAULFIELD CUP. -, By Telegraph.—Prom Association.—Copyright. Sydney, September 16. Owing to her defeat in the Craven Plate Gladsome has lost her position as favourite for the Oaulfield Cup, and she is now quoted , at 100 to 7.

-»«»^i»i»»a«»a»aM»iM«»iMOMiMiiiiiiiiiiMiiiii»iii» MlMMMßa(tßM|>| - AVONDAL2 JOCKEY CLUB'S SPRING '. ; -, ... . MEETING ~■; ..,,,:,.., .' ; ,> V-,, .: NOTES AND ANTICIPATIONS. fBY PHAETON.] The Avondale Jockey, Club will inaugurate the racing season in Auckland to-day, and will continue the gathering on th« following Wednesday and Saturday. If the acceptances received foi the various events of the first day are to be taken as a criterion as to what is likely to follow on the subsequent days, and the weather proves fine all through, there need be no fear as to the popular club scoring a success in keeping with its deserts. Altogether during the three days there are 24 events to engage th» attention of racegoers, and in the seven h&udicaps which figure on the first day's programme Mr. Evett has succeeded in throwing such a deep veil of uncertainty round the results that; it is made a very amieult task to indicate how the judge's vercucls will go. The first event to demand attention 13 the Maiden Handicap, for which J. like Noteorini, Sir Gilead, and Lualla, who may come home in that order. .

The Hurdle Race will probably see Hippowai home in the van, and lie may be attended by Geologist, The issue in the Avondale Stakes, which event marks the first two-year-old race of the season in Sew Zealand, is very open. Master Delaval and Kilderkin have each been striding along nicely, and they may be the pair to emerge at the head of the field. The Avondale Cup, whic follows, has an acceptance of 13, so that it would seem safe to conclude that the club will get a deceut return for their pluck in keeping the stake money up to SOOsovs. The fact that the condition of many of the candidates is unknown tends to add to the uncertainty of the issue. However, I will take Durable to win, and name Geordie and Putty as his most dangerous opponents. The Plunket Handicap may find Tukapa home in front, with Yolotte his closest attendant, ■■■it'If I were sure that Kanaka would get to the post all right, I would take him to win the Steeplechase, but it may hi safer to rely upon Peter Simple and Straybird. Previous running may be expected to throw some little light on the probable result of the Plying Handicap. Geordie, Paratutu, and Alba Rose may supply the placed division, and I will take them to come home in that order. , THJI ACCEPTANCES. The following is a list of the acceptances:— . THE AVONDALE STAKES of 200sovs. Four furlongs. . ~ Mr. W. Abbott's b c, by Pit-a-Pat Mr. F. W. Arnold's b t Cymbal, by Cyrenian—. Melodia Mr. W.. I''oss' b c Master Delaval, by Seaton DelavalCampania Mr. W. Handley's ch f Merry Delaval, by Seaton' Delaval—Merry Maid ' *~ Mr. C. Hewett's b f, by Cyrenian—Kate Godfrey Mrs. J. Lennard's b c, by Seaton Delaval— Eose ■ '. Mrs. J. Leonard's be, .by. Seaton Delaval— Mr. T. H. Dowry's ch c, by Seaton DelavalSt. Amy Hon. H. Mosman's b f Luresom, by Seafe'n Delava!—Lissadura --'..••. Mr. D. McLeod's oh c, by CyrenianJesmond Mr. E. A. Price's br c, by Cyrenian— ■. Mr. H. J. Saunders' br c Plata, by Castor—Radiant Mr. J. E. Thorpe's br c Apologue, by Phoebus Apollo Miss Gladys - ~ Mr. .T. E. Thorpe's br c Kilderkin, by Cyrenian— Kilmorey • ' ' '"'":* Mr. J. Warner's ch f Amorells, by Phoebus Apoll* ■; Lady Gertrude ■',-•• ," Mr. J. B." Williamson's ch t Moira, by Cyrenian— Cuirasette •*"■ ' Mr. A. Wilkie's b i Silkie, by Cyrenian—(Silt ; Mr. W. T. Woods' br f, by Phoebus Apollo— . - Wellington MAIDEST HANDICAP of TGsovs, six fa-longa.— General Average 8.7, Sir Gilead 8.0, Lociil Option 8.0, Woodfield 8.0, Bedfellow 7.12, Noteorinl 7.10,, Certainty 7.6, Waimangu 7.5, Irish 7.5,. Blneskin 7.4, St. Eowan 7.3, Lualla 7.3, Silleia 7.2, -Lysla 7.0, La Cigala 7.0, Ben Blair 7.0, Seatonia 6:10. ; >

HURDLE RACE of lOOsovs, two miles.—Up-to-Date 11.10, Hippowai 11.4, Lingftrd 9.7, Geologlist 9.7, Fencer "9.0, Loch. Lomond 9.0. .;,. PONY HANDICAP of 50sovs, ; six furlongs Annoyed 10.9, Girton Girl 8.3, Inspiration 8.3, Matanra 8.3, Whawhai 7.6, Lady Lottie 7.4, Miss Cuirassier 7.4, Solitary 7.3, Shrewsbury 7.3, San Toy 7.0, Fashionable 7.0, Lncrece 7.0, Little Mabel 6.10. AVONDALE COT of 3005076, one mile and itquarter.—Durable 8.0, Miss Lottie 8.0, 0-eordie 7.12, Dolores 7.10, Avalanche 7.10, Putty 7.8, Annoyed 7.7, Marshal Soult 7.7, Inglewood 7,4, Akarana 7.1, Calh? Iris 7.3, Kinrr Paul 7.0, Sir _GHead 7.0. FLYING HANDICAP of lOOsovs", sir furlongs— Goordfe B.G,Mar«li«il' Soult 8.5, Bother 8.3, Paratnta 7.11, Ansterlita 7.11, Sergius 7.10, Rambler 7.8, St. Olga 7.8, Alba Rose 7.4, Romola 7.4, >Tukapa 7.4,, -j Deedemona 7.3, Noteorini 7.2, Seabird 7.0, MB- . i thema 7.0, Silieia. 6.10, Lualla 6.10,. Merry Boolt ~j< G. 7. ',' .. - , -•-■:. ■.';;%; HANDICAP STEEPLECHASE of lOOsoys, three. - } miles.—Kanaka 10.11, Saturn 10.10, Straybird 10.6, Loch Lomond 10.0, Xoni - 10.0, Peter ■ Simple 9.10, The.-Pullaob 0.7, M«lonta 9.7, Pilot 9.7 PLOTKET HANDICAP 'of TOsovs, seven fur- > long» Maro 10.7, ■ Woodmoimt 9.7* Geologist ' 9.8; j. Hinekoa 9.0, Local .Option 8.10, ,Woo6.field 8.10, || Swaggman 8.10, Mechanic 3.5, Dunmore 8.5, ;T-.i----kspa 8.5, Lovelink 8.3, Bonomiana 8.2, Lavadel 8.2,St. • Rowan 8.2,. Soultfißb. 8.0, Belfast 8.0, Tolette 8.0. " '~ . ■:,'■{< The first race is timed to,be started punctually at half : past twelve p.m. Special trains" will leave the Auckland Station 4 *' 11.15 and 11.55 a.m. and at 12.20 and 1.20 p.m. ■■ ;'"'-;' jl||

AUCKLAND TROTTING CLUB'S , y SPRING MEETING. The Auckland Trotting Club have., issued the programme for their spring meeting, which is fixed to be held on October 15 and 19. The bill of fare shoves added money to the extent ;of £560, while .two bracelets j which figure as prizes are valued at • ; 24-- ? guineas. The two principal trotting events are of the value of 60sovs and 50so_vs. The pony • division have been well provided for, and altogether the club have reason to anticipate a, good response from horseowners. From the programme, which appears in an- ■ i other column, it will be seen that nominations close for all events 'on the < 30th' inst. at nine p.m. - ' ■ ' THA-dES JOCKEY CLUB. . [BY TELEGRAPH.OWN CORRESPONDENT.] -..;'...,' 'Thames, .Friday. ' At a special meeting of members of the Thames Jockey Club held this evening, Mr. Albert Bruce presiding, the new rules and by-laws submitted by the committee for the: future guidance of the club were, with slight < alterations, adopted. . The Pile bearing on the qualification for membership provides that all subscriptions must be paid on the first day : of November in each year in advance, other-g wise non-financial members will be struck off the roll of membership. : Anothei rule pro-' vides for 'the limitation of members' to 60, ' and a- further rule makes the secretary i* • : permanent officer of the =lub. : - ■ ii ■■■ -..< > TARANAKI JOCKEY CLUB. j [BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] | ' , :" : New Plymouth, Friday.'.. v The Taranaki Jockey Club's programme j fir next season shows an increase in stake? ' for thetwo meetings of £245, the total monej • ~.-'':. offered being £2940. . ~ ■• ' AN APPEAL DISALLOWED. [Br TELEGRAPH. —PRESS .ASSOCIATION.! - <~.,,, ■. Wellington, Friday. ,i The judges appointed by the Racing (kith/ ference to hear the appeal of William Homes * against the decision of the Wangamii Jockey Club, which cancelled Homes' trainer's license and disqualified'him during' pleasure, have given their, judgment. The.'." ' ehiei grounds submitted' in support, of the • appeal were that Homes did not,have a fair , hearing before the Wanganui Metro- \ politan Club, that evidence he _ tiesired to submit _ was not received, 1 and witnesses he wished to call were not heard. The judges find, there .were no grounds for these allegations. They confirmee 1 the decision of the Wanganui Club, and dis- ■■ missed tho appeal, the deposit to be forfeited.' ' '■•■■.■.•■'■■ • ".'.'SvSSS ASHBURTON RACING CLUB'S SPRING .. MEETING ,I>U:^.M [BY TSLEURAPH.— ASSOCIATION.] A 3HBTJK'rO!f, .Friday. • The -weather was dull at the start, but sonny later on, for the second day's races, and there we» ,' ' a fair attendance. The totalisater investment ■ for the two days totalled £3218. The result' . are: ■■■'■■?!?"■ ,-"? SECOND HACK HUBDLE3 HANDICAP.—Ni>«1? 1, Etirus 2, Early "Van 3., Scratched. Eye mm..-.-.■ CremonSa. Dividends, £3 16a and 12s. ."j ■ : - ALLBNTON PONY HANDICAP— It Mlretta 2, Melinda 3. These were the ouly starters. Dividend, SI Ba. ' ' COLDSTREAM WELTER HAKDICAP.-Ke»loe» > 1. Hoyal Crown, 2, Magnificent 3. Dividends, *»« ; 16b and £.2 6s. _ : ; TINWALD HANDICAP.—CaIibre 1, Da la K^ ■■■ 2, Terrapin 3. Dividends, £5 (is ad £1 12s. . 1 TRIAL HANDICAP Zingsri 1, Master Ahs -» Pensive 3. Dividend, £1 2s. . •-!' WINCHMOBB THOT HANDICAP— DopplegiWßUr . ;• 1, Cinders 2, Lone Hand 3. Dividends, £2 6* »"" £2 ISs. „ , . FAREWELL HANDlCAP.—Muscovite 1, Qol«* . ;. fins 2, Mftniesii 3. Scratched. Zetland. DIM dead, £4. v- ■ ■,■; lIWMIII *k ?