SPORTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17139, 19 April 1919, Page 11

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES. Ann! 19. Auckland Racing Club. April 19, Rirerton Racing Club. April 19—Tuapela County Jockey Club. April. 20—New 15e»land Metropolitan Trot ting Club. April 21, 22Canterbury Jockey Club. April Kumsri Racing Club. AX'ril Beaumont Jockey Club. April 21—Waimate Plain# Trotting Club. April 21—Alexandra Racine Club. April 21—Waipulurau Jockey Club. Pn« 21, 22—Feilding Jockey Club, April 23—Westlaad Racing Club, April Groymciuth Jockey Club. April 26—Greymouth Jockey Club. April 26, 28—"Wiiirarap* Rnoing Club. April 26. 80—Avondale Jockey Club. April R*efton Jockey Club. M&y 1 and 3—Wellington Racing Club. May 1, New Brighton Trotting Club. May 7, Manawatu Racing Club. May 10—Kawikawa Racing Club. May 14, IB—Egmout Racing Club. May 15, I&—South Canterbury Jockey Club. May 17, 21—Otaiuhu Trotting Club. May 13, 14, 16—Marlborough Racing Club. I May 22, 24—Wanganui Jockey Club. May 29Taratahi-Carterton Racing Club. May 31, June 8. s—Auckland Racing Club. June 3, 6, and V—Dunedin Jockoj Club. June 12, Gisborne Racing Club. June 13—Poverty Bay Turf Club. dates OF coming events. N:b\t Zealand. April IV-Great Northern Onki. April 19—A.R.C, Easter Handicap. April Great Northern St. Leger, April 21—Great Easter Handicap. April —Great Autumn Handicap, May 1 North Island Challenge Stakes, May 1 New Zealand St. Leger Stakes. May Manawitu Sires' Produce Stakes. May 7—Awapunj Gold Cup. ] May Manawatu Stakes. May 14—Ecrmont Steeplechase. May 22—Wanganui Steeplechase. May 22—Century Hurdle Race. May 81Great Northern, Hurdle Race. June —Great Northern Steeplechase. June Otago Steeplechase. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. T.N.C.P., Epsom.— carried 12st 131b when he won the Great Northern Steeplechase of 1907. The other starters were:—Wai-1 tarere, 10at 4lb; Khama, 9st 9lb; Haydn, list 111b; Nadador, list; Irish, lOst llib; Nor'-west, 9st 91b; Sammy, 9st 7lb; Cachuca, 9st 71b; Mooltan, 9st 71b, and Rangitoto, 9st 7lb. Waitarere was in front after dewius the last hurdle. Kiatere won by (our lengths. "Kia Ora. M —At the Wellington Summer Meeting in January last Rebekah won the Camp Handicap under 6st 131b, and at Wanganui in thu following month she car. ried 7st 131b to victory in the Petre Handicap, at Nelson last month she won the Stewards Handicap under Bst 81b, and at the Wairarapa meeting she won the Pirinoa Hack Handicap (five furlongs) under lOst. " Wager," New Plymouth.— (by Pilgrim's Progress—Ma Mie Rosette) was bred in New Zealand by Mr. G. F. Moore, of Wanganui At one period Signor held the Australian and New Zealand time record for two miles and a-riuarter. Signor put up the record, 3m 53 2-ss, in the decision of the, Canterbury Cup of 1908. He was four years old at the tim*, and carried 9st, in conformity with the weight-for-age scale. " W.M."Kilboyne holds the New Zealand and Australian record for six furlongs, viz., lm 10s. Kilboyne registered the performance named in the Criterion Handicap, run at Riccarton in November, in which race he carried 78t 10lb. In England Master Willie was credited with running six furlongs under 7st 101b in lm 7 l-ss, and the Tetrarch, at two years old. under Bst 121b, is credited with running the distance in lm 7 3-ss.

NOTES BY PHAETON.

THE A.B.C. EASTER HANDICAP. In point of number the field sot down to contest the Easter Handicap at Ellerslie today has been exceeded) but on a question of quality I think it comprises about the bestperformed lot that has been brought together in the mile raco of the autumn season. To write enthusiastically of Desert Gold would be to paint the lily. King Lupin, who follows the doughty daughter of All Black in the handicap, has many times led the field past the judge in important events, and Gazique and Tinopai are both smart performers. Mascot's double win in December last in the Auckland Cup and Summer Cup brought her well into the limelight, whila Uncle Ned also comes within the category of noteworthy performers. Dusky Eve's time record-breaking performance in the decision of the Wanganni Cup in February last, when he shattered all colonial records for a mile and three-quarters by compassing that distance in 2m 595, entitles him to a high place. Spanner has yet to score what could ba termed an important victory, but he is voted good by many shrewd heads, and on the quality test has many admirers. Bedford has placed the Winter Cup to his credit this season, and Killoweni having earned dintinotion in Australia, is entitled to respect. BoPeep iff quality-looking and smart, and the same remark applies to the Außtralian-bred mare Treßsida. Rockfield, Rebekah, and Tannaha, who are at the tail-end of the handicap, have each a recent winning performance to their credit, and the connections of the two latter are credited with estimating their respective representatives as coming well within the range of the quality set. DESERT GOLD. For Ellerslie to have secured the presence of Desert Gold this autumn the fates may be said to have been especially kind to the I A.R.C. The bay mare would in herself be an. attraction anywhere and at any time, but I with a prospect of seeing her saddled up to contest the Easter Handicap under the ! steadier of 9st 13lb invests the situation with a very keen interest- Groat performer though she is, it is no ordinary task that confronts Desert Gold to win the mile race to-day under an impost lllb in excess of weight-for-age, for the composition of the field ensures that the pace will bo very solid all the way over the eight furlongs. A victory for Desert Gold in to-day's race would be the signal for a pronounced display of enthusiasm, for a win for her under 9st 131b would constitute a remarkable triumph. Be it victory or defeat with Desert Gold today, the bay mare can be depended upon to acquit herself with that fine dash of which she enjoys such an evergreen, character.

A THREE-YEAR-OLD AT THE MINIMUM

One of the moat-widely-discussed three-year-olds that grace the scene at ElleraLie this autumn is Taunaha, a son of Demosthenes and the San Fran mare Mangaroa. At the Hawke's Bay meeting held at Hastings last month Taunaha made a reappearance in a back event, and he accounted for the opposition in a stylo that marked him out for something better than the moderate class he was then competing against. Taunaha'a next engagement was in very much more select company, and that he should have been sent out favourite for the Hawke's Bay Stakes, when meeting such smart two-year-olds as Affectation and Helaua, indicated very clearly that he had been tested to play his part well. Taunaha had to strike his colours to Affectation in the class race at Hastings, but he is held to have acquitted himself like ft racehorse after being alow to move. Taunaha must bo accounted to be very daintily handled in the Easter Handicap in being put in at the minimum, and if the son of Demosthenes is as good as he is painted to me, well, then, it should not be a very hard task to unearth the winner of to-day's Easter Handicap.

SABANOF AND THE GREAT EASTER HANDICAP. Sasanof's prospects of annexing the Great Easter Handicap are being warbled in » particularly tuneful key, and there is, I know, excellent room to conclude that his owner, Mr. W. G. St«ad, is in full accord with the popular view entertained in regard to Sasanof's ability to rout the opposition in the big raco Bet down for decision at Riccarton on Monday next. With 9st 61b opposite Sasanof's name in the seven furlongs race such represents an impost 81b in excess of weiglit-for-age, so that in a question of poundage it can be contended that the Martian gelding has his full deserts. It is said that Sasanof never carried a better racing appearance than he does at present, and that he will be one of the stars of the autumn, as he was of the ) V 4 prediction widely offered.

GREAT NORTHERN OAKS. When the Auckland Racing Club decided on instituting an Oaks Stakes, and fixed the same to be run in the autumn season, some doubted the wisdom of the step. There «Lw* ?u utß8 > been some ledn years, and ween tne issue was quite a foregone conclusion; but in the face of this the Auckit D isn' mn " t ' M ra ' BC( l the prize money to the fillies' race to £700. The material engaged in to-day's race is such as to ensure a very interesting contest; and we may safely conclude that the fillies race is to be regarded as permanently established on '.ho autumn programme at Ellerslie. THREE-YEAR-OLD WINNERS. A great deal is made of winners of the present day, and their captures in stakes come in for especial mention. The amount won by 4 horse is of com# 1 very interesting item; but in viewing the situation and offering a comparison with the past, it should be remembered that the prize-money offered in the present day is very different to what it was in the '80's and '90' a. For instance, take the case of Tridenjt, who won 11 races during his three-year-old career, and whose winnings reached only to £7326. I haTe been looking up some figures bearing on the winnings of three-year-olds during the '80'» and 90 s, anld 'I find the leading performers at the age named won stakes as follows:— , , Trident, by Robinson Crusoe (11) .. £7.23« v-nmd Flaneur, by Yattendon (8) .. 6,954 Carbine, by Musket (9) ~ . . 6 411 Dreadnought, by Chester (6) ~ ~ 6,399 Martini-Henry, by Musket (4) .. 4,861 Navigator, by Robinson Crusoe (6).. 4,450 Abercorn. by Chester (51) ~ .. 4,179 be Grand, by Epigram (10) .. .. 8,956 Gibraltar, by Grandmaster (8) .. 3,656 Strathmore. by Nordenfeldt (4) . ~ 8.608 Darebin, by The Peer (4) .. .. 3,103 The figures in parentheses indicate the number of Taces won. CARBINE. In the above list it will be observed that Carbine winnings in stakes are assessed at £6411, Well, I have been tempted to go through the list of races which the celebrated bay contested at three-years-old, and to compare the same with the stakes now offered, and though a comparison is rendered somewhat difficult by reason of certain races having been withdrawn, still by striking a balance, a fair estimate can be formod. During his three-yoar-old careor, Carbine won nine races, the stakes attaching to which amounted to £5881, while an addii tional £530 as a result of four other .races in which he earned place money, brought his total winnings up to £6411. If Carbine were racing in the present day and he performed the same feats as when he ranked as a three-year-old in the season of 1888-89, his capture in stakes would amount to some thing like £14,000. LEAVES FROM MY NOTEBOOK. Many horses that had the distinction of haying played a role under silk were required to take their part in the great war; and among the number was Revenue, who will be remembered as the shortest price favourite that captured the Melbourne Cup. intelligence now to hand shows that Revenue was killed in action in Palestine. Revenue, who was by the Auckland-bred Trenton, it may be remarked, formed one of the great collection bred at St. Albans by the late Mr. W. R. Wilson; and at the disposal sale held in August, 1900, he fell ( to the bid of Mr. Leslie McDonald at 720gns. He was let off with the handy impost of 7st lOlb in the Melbourne Cup of 1901, and he romped over the opposition to the discomfiture of the pencillers. The Mananatu Racing Club enjoys such a wide popularity that a strong list of entries la always to be expected in connection with a gathering at Awupuni. The entries received in connection with the. autumn meeting, to be brought off on the 7th and Bth prox, are all round highly satisfactory, and a record meeting is to be anticipated. [ Since the spring meeting at Avondale, up- ' 'Ornate press quarters have been provided which compare favourably with the best in Australia or New Zealand.'Every oonvonienco possible has been made, while a darkroom has also been provided for the convenience of press photographers, which is believed to. be the only one of its kind in the Dominion, , The quarters overlook the saddling paddock and to. and are & credit to the suburban club. From Napier comes news of the death of the steeplechaser St. Elmn. While running in a paddock St. Elmn had tho misfortune to come in contact with a barb-wiro fiince, and his injuries were such that it wsb deemed merciful to requisition the friendly bullet. Tho moßt noteworthy victory achieved by St. Elmn was in tho settlement ' of the New Zealand Grand National Steeplechase at _ Riccarton last year, but as he only earned 9st 111b tho win 110 secured in that race was not of tho outstanding order. By winning the Woodvills Handicap under 9Bt 61b, Rewi Poto demonstrated that he retains his form-, and though he incurs a 61 b penalty for the Groat Autumn Handicap, his impost in the mile and a-half race at Riccarton is 151b loss than that under which he routed the opposition at Woodville on Wednesday last. Nanna, the four-year-old daughter of Martian and Nantes, who led the field homo in the Railway Handicap at .Ellerslie on Boxing Day, and who was subsequently transported to Australia, died there recently. While being indulged in a spell at Bacchus Marsh Nanna was injured to such an extent that she succumbed. Nanna formed one of Mr. W. R. Kemball's team. Mr. W. G. Btead arrived in Auckland on Thursday and left last night by train for Wellington, en route to Canterbury with a view to witness Sasanof perform in the Great Easter Handicap at Riccarton on Monday I next. Astrophel, the four-year-old sop of Finland and Asteroid, was recently numbered amongst the defunct. While racing at Gisborne he contracted a cold, and died a few days after being brought back to Hastings. It was only a short time back that Mr. T. E. Welch eflocted the purchase of Astrophel. The New Zealand Grand National Hurdle Race winner Kauri King figures amongst the acceptances for the Eden Handicap (seven furlongs), which event is set down for decision at Ellerslie to-day, and in which he is weighted at Bst 4lb,

The Bezonian—Snowßtell filly Rebekah claims a double engagement at Ellerslie today, her name figuring in the Oaks Stakes and Easter Handicap, but she is regarded as almost certain to be reserved for the latter event.

Afterglow, the three-year-old daughter of Demosthenes and Sunglow, is credited with having recorded some very fine work at Riccarton prior to being sent to Ellerslie.

Croesus, the half-brother to Desert Gold, figures among the acceptances for the C-J.C. Challenge Stakes, in which the doughty Gloaming is engaged.

The Australiau-bred gelding Thrace figures among the entrants for the Earern and Kairanga hurdle races set down for decision next month at tho Manawatu Racing Club's Autumn Mectirg.

The owner of Taiamai evidently holds the Australian-bred filly in high repute, for she has been accorded a nomination for the Awapuni Gold Cup.

The weights for the opening day's racing 'of the Avondale Jockey Club's Autumn Meeting will appear m next Tuesday's 1 Heiuld, and acceptances for same fall duo on the following day at 5 p.m. MANAWATU RACING CLUB. The following is a list of the nominations which have been received for tho leading events at the Manawatu Racine Club's Autumn Meeting: — AWAPUNI GOLD CUP. weight for age. one mile and a-quarter.— Nystad, Bonny Maid, Battle Song, Star Lady, Parisian Diamond, Taunaha, oasanof, Tresida, Desert Gold. Killowen, Punka, Gazique, Taiamai, Red Ribbon, AUTUMN HANDICAP, one mile and a furlong.—Nobleman, Nyatad, Bonny Maid, Battle Song, Lovematcb, Star Lady, Vagabond, Hydras, Taunaha, Tresßida, Multaine, Rowi Poto, Elocution, Sweet Corn, Retard, Mascot, Cooing, Ladify, Killowen, ClassiI flcation, Kilruah, Heathercote, Master Incy, Fabriquette, Hineamani, Bagdad, Punka, Gazique, Hythrcad, Marqueteur, Taiamai, Robur, White Blaze, Almoner, Melee. LONGBURN HANDICAP, one mile and a-quarter.—Nobleman, Nystad, Lovematch, Star Lady, Vagabond, Hydras, Taunaha, Sas&nof, Tressida, Rewi Poto, Elocution, Sweet Corn, Retard, Mascot, Cooing, Daytime, Desert Gold, Killowen, Classification, Kilrnsh, Master Moutoa, Heathercote, Master Iney, Hineamaru, Eheipa, Punka, Gazique, Hytkread, Marqueteur, Taiamai, i Bagdad, Robur, Almoner, Melee. OTAHUHU TROTTING CLUB. The Otahuhu Trotting Club have flicd their winter meeting to be held at Alexandra Park on May 17 and 21, and the jiro- ; gramme in connection with the approaching ' gathering is framed on such attractive lines that it is bound to receive marked attention even beyond local horseowners. The sum allotted in prize money amounts to £31511, with the Otahuhu Cup, of £600, and the Dominion Handicap, of £400, standing out as the leading events. From the programme, which will be found published in full in another column, it will be seen that 1 nominations for all be found published in full in another column, it will be seen that nominations for all events close on May a at 5 pjm. with the secretary, Mr. B. L. Abaohua.

THE AUTUMN CARNIVAL. LARGE RANGE OP MEETINGS. A glance at the racing fixtures shows that race-goers will bo well provided with their favourite sport during the Easter season and the prospects are to be termed good for some excellent records, finanoial and otherwise. AUCKLAND RACING CLUB. . First in prominence of the autumn meetings stands that of the Auckland Racing Club, which is set down to oomimence to-day, and which will be continued on the succeeding Monday. Recent rain» have had a wonderful effect on Ellerslie, and the picturesque surroundings are set off to full advantage. With pre-war railway facilities to some extent established, such.can bo depended upon to play no inconsiderable part in attracting visitors from outside the local area, and in the event of fine weather prevailing, the secretary, Mr. W. 8. Spence, will probably once again be in the happy position to compile record figures. , The following is a list of the acceptances in hand:— PRESIDENT'S HANDICAP, one mile and a^uarter.—Killard 8.6. Mangamahoe. 8.2, Hyllus 8.2, ,Royal Irish 8.2, All Talk 8.0, Waiuta 7.5, Blue Cross 6.10, Lady Energy 6.7, Corregidor 6,7, Singular 6.7. GREAT NORTHERN OAKS, one mile and a-half. —Taiamai 8.10, Hineamaru 810, Rebekah 8,10. Mary Bruce 8.10, Star Lady 8.10, Love Match 8.10, Afterglow 8.10. BRIGTON HURDLES, two mlleS.— Thrace 12.0, Ditto 11.1, Con 10.7, Te Onga 10.2, Waimai 10.0, Tenacious 9.8, Kin Kora--9.0, Kurapai 9.0. GREAT .NORTHERN CHAMPAGNE STAKES, six furlongs.—Glen Canny 8.10, Affectation 8.10, Motuihi 8.10, Lucia 8.10, Rose Queen 8.8, Hetaua 8.7, Finkop 8.7, Crenides 8.7, Cash 8.7, Canowindra 8.7. ONSLOW STAKES, five furlongs.— hiku 8.5, Rosewreath 8.3, No Mistake 7.12, Goldplane 7.10, Treso 7,10, Marble Slab 7.9, Loved One 7.9, Merry Prince 7.9, Emerald Hill 7.2, Stammer 7.2. Rod Pepper 7.2. Pentagram 7.0, Olga Petrova 7.0, Melting 7.0, Valley Queen. EASTER HANDICAP, one mile.—Desert Gold 9.13, King Lupin 8.18, Gazique 8.6, Tinopai 8.5, Mascot 8.2, Uncle Ned 8.0, Dusky Eve 7.9, Spanner 7.7, Bedford 7.7, Killowen 7.7, 80-Peep 7.2, Rockfield 6.7, Tressida (including 31b penalty), 6.10, Re* bekah 6.7, Taunaha 6-7, NELSON HANDICAP, one mile.—lmaribbon 8.9, Independence 8.5, Canzonet 8.5, Woody Glen 8.5, Pierrot 8.4, Step 8-4. New Zealand 7.11, Escaped 7.9, Rangi Aroha 7.9, Gathwor 7.8, Penona 7.6, Mountain Gold 7.2, Elyan 7.0, Blue and Black 7.0, Penella 7.0, Pre-eminent 7-0. Slowcoach 7.0. EDEN HANDICAP, seven furlongs.—Torfroda 9.2, Mossman 8.5, Rekanui 8.5, Kauri King 8.4, Downham 8.4, Demagogue 7.11, Crowhurst 7.11, Fabriquette 7.5. Active 7.0, Ohinewairau 7.0, Bellacity 6.9, Pariform 6.7, Comedy Prince 6.7, Winning Shot 67. NOTES FROM ELLERSLIE. The prospects are that Mr. T. H. Lowry's bracket, Desert Gold and Killowen, will start the actuvu favourites for the Easter Handicap at Ellerslie this afternoon, Boih have been doing well since their arrival at headquarters, and admirers of the daughter of Aurariua need have little fear as to her condition, for she has been galloping quite as treeiy as on her previous visits. The only doubt about her will be whether she will be capable of establishing a fresh record as regards carrying 9si 13lb first past the post. Her supporters will find some consolation in knowing that Nonetto carried 9st lllb home first in 1902, while Chortle (9st 7ib), Gold Crest (9st). and Merry Roe (9st) were others who figured victorious in tho mile event under welter imposts. When Chortle won three years ago he established the time record for the mile by registering lni 38 4-ss, but with fine weather conditions ruling it would not i be surprising if those figures are lowered this afternoon. Killowen proved himself a good throe-year-old when racing at Randwick in the spring, and with two candidates of the calibre of Desert Gold and Killowen to do bnttlo for him it goes without saying that Mr. Lowry's bracket must command a large following, A, Reed is the only horseman mentioned as a probable ridor in to-day's Easter Handicap at Ellerslie who has previously saluted the judge in first place in connection with tho event. Reed is to ride Mascot, A horse that is regarded by the right people as likely to make a great bid for Brighton Hurdle honours at Ellerslie this afternoon is the Spalpeen—Leolantis mare gelding Kinkora, who succeeded in capturing the Orakei Hurdle Race at the last winter meeting, at headquarters. On that occasion ho carried Oat 31b and won by 10 lengths from Penniless (list lib), with Doncastor (lOst 4lb) third. Plenipotent and Silver Pine, who have since won country hurdle events, figured in the also-started division. Kinkora returned to scale very lame, and has since been away from active participation, in. tho game. He is said to have got through hill and road work mostly in his preparation, and it will bp interesting to note, how he will fare under autumn track conditions over two miles. It may be a severe •test for him. When he won it was in the winter, and the official time for the mile and three quarters was given as no better than 3m 29 2-ss. If hn wore fhommrhly sound he could be regarded as a hurdle candidate of promise, but, though he has come in for a deal of support, there is no denying tho fact that there must hi a risk about the prospects of any unsound horse capturing a two-milo hurdle event from fho "ensoned competitors ho will have to meet. However, he bus numerous admirers pr*inr<>H to onnnort him. The speedy Spanner will receive a fair test over a mib course in the A.R.C. Easter Handicap this afternoon. A little more than a week ago most keen followers of the turf would not entertain seriously his prospects of winning such an important mile contest as that carded for this afternoon, contending that he would bo nowhere near ready, hut after a couple of speedy track efforts over a. six-furlong course and his brilliant task over seven furlongs on Tuesday, when ho appeared to fintish on nicely, there wtis a majlood chango in tho general opinion of enthusiasts, and he is likely to occupy a fairly prominent position in the order of favouritism. He promises to atrip a much better horse than he did at Claudelands, but still there is a doubt in some minds whether he will see the mile out. His pace is not questioned, and, ii his horseman can only hold the son of Tho Nut together in the initial furlongs of today's contest, ho may be expected to run out the mile in better fashion than Quite a, number of his critics imagine. Some of the more-lightly-weighted division may be expected to mako matters merry, but with ordinary luck from barrier-rise F, Gilchrist's charge must lie expected to loom largely in the picture for at least, seven furlongs, Whether he will sea put eight furlongs at a, solid pace will bo disclosed this afternoon. However, there is no doubt that he is one of tho most brilliant sprinters ever trained) at Ellerslie, and with a strong horseman in tho saddle would come in for somo spirited support. The manner m which he finished out seven furlongs in a hack ovont at Christmas time with 9st Sib in the saddle would lead to the belief that he can be got ready to gallop a good mile. Uncle Ned is trained away from the touts at Ellerslie, therefore his prospects in tho Easter Handicap are not so largely discussed as many of his opponents. However, on tho score of racing condition the son of Marble Arch should not bo lacking, for he indulged in country racing to some extent, and will be one of those who should be running on. He is now asked to carry much less poundage than ho was saddled with on his country exploits, and, with only lib more on his back than when he covered the mile in the Christmas Handicap in. lm 38 4-ss, he cannot be entirely discarded.

The connections of Rebekah are confident that the daughter of Bezonian will run a great race in the Easter Handicap to-day with her medium impost. Though she has not broke any time records in her track essays, Eebekah has come through her preparation in, a very satisfactory manner, and will have tho services of ono of the most capable light-weight horsemen in the Dominion with her Light impost. Her performances in the hack class are deserving of some consideration certainly, and there ia no doubt that those directly concerned with the Blenheim-owned candidate expect her to begin with the best of those engaged. However, that may bo rather much to expect. If she is as good as her admirers claim, she should be well served by her minimum poundage, though a few pounds overweight may have to be declared for her. She certainly looks a good sort, has pleased in her work as well as anything else, and looks a distinct probability.

The much-discussed Taunaha promises to take his place in the Easter Handicap field this afternoon, though he reoeded in public favour the past week. It is known he has not been absolutely faultless, and the fact that he was not kept right up to fast work from the moment of his arrival at headquarters caused his prospects '• to fade. However, both on Thursday and yesterday morning he stood the test of fast work, and should go to the post fit torun up to his best form- He is not the stamp of a horse, to be chosen as likely to be entirely suited in a big field like that of the Easter Handicap, but has a good horteman to steer him who should be able to urge him to reproduce his best. scot and Dusky Eve are a pair of Southerners who are erpecled to be suited better over a longer course than the Easter Handicap mile. However, admirers of the former have no reason to lose hope, for her track work at headquarters has been all that could bo wished. It may not bo sound rea°or.inir to expect that a mare who has been specially prepared for two-mile cup contests in the past, such a3 Mascot, can be expected to sprint with good milers, but nevertheless it ils a fact that J. Lowe's candidate has oome through a very searching preparation over the mile course and has acquitted herself well. It is stated both R. Hannon'i candidates, King Lupin and Tinopai, will go to the post in the Easter Handicap, and though it I is generally believed the former may require at least one raoo to fit him thoroughly, I heard one who ought to know yesterday predicting that lie is sure to be in front in tho early stages. Tinopai galloped attractively on Thursday morning and is in great heart. She may not begin as fast a3 somo of the others, but is very well, and can bo picked out as likely to be finishing on. Gazique may not be th*r(3Jlghly ready to reproduce his best form in the Easter mile to-day, but a couple of races should work marked improvement in him. Perhaps the best field which ever contested the Great Northern Oaks is likely to face the 6tarier in this afternoon's classio for fillies. The lot,includes Star Lady and Afterglow, who will dispute favouritism. Both have won oupe during the autumn. Ith# former tcaooating for tha pnaoisti,

©vents at Woodvflle and Ramfitikei, and the latter the Taranaki and rlgmont Cups. Those who .witnessed Star Lady's second to Bonnie Maid in the Hawke'a Bay Cup oyer the Oaks distance a fortnight back, are prepared to look for the probable defeat of Mason 3 candidate. Love Match is a winner whose prospects are not fully discarded, though the general opinion i» that Hineamaru will be troubled by the distance. A « 'S t( ! reEt will attach to the performance of Taiamai over twelve furlongs. She proved unbeatable as a sprinter in the country, but the osly guide the public hava as .to her staying abilities is that she i wn second in a mile event to All Talk at Ellerslie at the holiday meeting. She is • .vastly improved mare since then, but to piok her out to have sanguine prospects over a mile and a-half, with the better tested Star Lady and Afterglow, enthusiasts would have preferred to have seen her tried over longer courses than she haß been. Mary Bruce has not so far proved herself worthy °' defeating the class engaged, With Killard, All Talk, Royal Irish and Lady Energy—all handicap winners in tha country— in tho President's Handi-1 cap this afternoon, there is room for a great diversity of opinion as to the probable result, Neither Killard or All Talk were thoroughly suited by most of the count try courses. However, they both occupied the places behind Rude in the Cup on the roomy Hamilton course, while All Talk figured as the winner of the Handicap on the second day. Killard then went on and captured the To Aroha Cup. Both this pair have been doing well in their work. Royal Irish will bo remembered as the winner of the Ohinemuri Cup, while Ladv Energy brought about his defeat in the Rotorua Cup, and is likely to claim some support. R. Han has Mangamahoe engaged, but he has proved something of a disappointment since winning the Cornwall Handicap last winter. He earned place money on two different occasions round the country, but evidently does not always do his best. Blue Cross and Waiula have had plenty of racing to fit them for the contest, while Hyllus, Corregidor and Singula! aro being experimented with over a ten furlong course. Pierrot, who is engaged in the Nelstu Handicap to-day, will bo best raited with the sting out o! the ground. Ga'herer gave good promise at one stage of his career, while Mountain Gold, Independence, and New Zealand are a trio who may not bo affected by the distance. Imaribbon is at the top of the handicaps, but it is thought she is not at her best yet. The Eden Handicap is likely to witness spirited competition this afternoon, for Torfrod'.i, Downham, Fabriquette, Crowhurst and Active are only a few of those who are being nibbled at. Over a shorter course Tori red i would bo considered a class above the others engaged, but there is somo doubt whether she will be capable of staying in front over Beven furlongs with 9st 21b. The same doubt applies to Crowhurst, though Fabriquetto is very "well, but is called upon to meet a better ciaßs than she defeated at Thames. Active is coming out of , tho hack class to attempt to win with a light impost, while both Mossman and Rekanui are not overburdened. Among the section at the minimum, Comedy Prince is a horse capable of fair pace, but he has yot to score a victory, and is not partial to hard going. When Thrace defeated 'lenacious in the mile and three-quarter and 50yds hurdle event at Claudolands in February the winner carried 12sfc 3lb and ran tha distance in 3m 19s. He meetß Tenacious on slb worse terms today, but the extra distance in tho Brighton Hurdle Race is believed to be more in favour of the top-weight, who is regarded as a tair proposition. He has still to win over hurdles on the Ellerslie course. A good hone, the son of Poseidon has a good horse's weight to carry over the obstacles at Ellerslie, and, though he has always ruled favourite of late, there have been many inquiries for Tenacious, Waimai, and others. The distance may not suit Ditto, while To Ongia has not had a race for some time. Tenacious has had more racing of late than the others to recommend him, but many on* thuaiaets are dubious as to whether the I stoeplechasing be has been indulging in has I interfered with his pace. Waimai ran third in his last start to Gluterino and Tenacious, That was over the Claudelands course in February last. Ho will be ridden, by Tutchen, while Henderson will have tho mount on Thrace. Bo Peep's prospects in connection with the Easter Handicap have not been lsigely discussed, but the fact that she ran half a mile in the vicinity of 49s yesterday and disposed of Activo, will infleunce her party to lot her take her place in the field. Probable riders in the Champagne Stakes at Ellerslie this afternoon are; — Bagby, Affectation; A. Reed, Motuihi; L. Morns, Lucid; B. Morris. He tana, H. Robinson, Finkop; H. Goldfinch, Creinides; A. J. McFlynn, Canowindra. For the Great Northern Oaks contest this afternoon J. Buchanan may be found riding Taiamai; A. J. McFlynn, Hine&maru; A. Reed, Love Match; L. Morris, Star Lady; and Maekie, Afterglow. The following horsemen are mentioned as likely to be engaged in the A.B.C. Easter Handicap this afternoon:—A. J.. McFlynn, Desert Gold; H. Robinson, King Lupin; H. Goldfinch, Gazique; W. Ronnie, Tinopai; A. Reed, Mascot; L. H. Hewitt. Uniclo Med; B. Morriß, Dusky Eve; C. Sinclair, Sapnner; C. Reed, Bedford; M. D. O'Shea, 80-Peep; W. Downing, Rockfield; I Hamilton, Tressida; Bagby, Rebekah; L. Morris, Tannaha. So for no rider has been mentioned as likely to ride Killowen, while Gazique, who was mentioned in mid-week as likely to be withdrawn, Btill remains in. Speedwell Mac is evidently feelins the effects of a couple of falls experienced during schooling work at headquarters, for ho is regarded as a very unlikely starter in the Steeplechase on Monday.

LATEST TRACK WORK. The latest track work of Easter Handicap candidates outside the oourse proper created a deal of interest. On . Thursday morning Rebekah defeated Taunaha from the new mile post home rather comfortably in lm 45a. From the seven-furlong post Masoot ran awa.v from Killowen in under lm 31s, while Desert Gold, who gavo them a good start, finished in between the pair, after having been timed to oover the distance in lm 29 3-Ss. She did not appear to have a great deal of weight on top, but gave evidence that she can gallop as well as ever. Gazique defeated Bo Peep from the sevenfurlong post in lm 33 3-55., Spanner went from tho six-furlong post by himself in lm 18 2-ss. Dusky Eve was associated with Star Lady from the ten-furlong post homo in about 2m 16 2-ss. the latter pleasing track watchers. Tinopai was going better than King Lupin at the close of seven furlongs, the former making good time. Bedford has done most of his work on the tan. To give some idea of the actual distance covered in the above gallops, the following is tho extra ground covered as supplied by Mr. A. Hill: New mile post, 64yds over mile; seven furlong post, 64yds over seven furlongs; six-furlong post, 69yds over six furlongs. Yesterday morning Tannaha galloped oven six furlongs on the outer grass with Slow Coach accompanying him tie first three furlongs and Cordite to bring him home. He ran the distanoe in lm 15 3-ss. Rebekah, by herself, made similar time, and fi-ni°hed up her task full of running. Bo Peep waa in front of Active over half-a-milo run in 49 2-fis.

THE WOODYILLE MEETING. [By TELEGRAPH. ASSOCIATION.] 1 WOODVILLE, Thursday, J Tho Woodrille races were concluded to-day in oold weather. The attendance was poor. The totalisator investments for tlo day wore £15,591 M against £15,560 for the same dav last. vear, making a total for the mooting of £33,129, as compared with £29,704. J Brady, rider of Kohu in the Ballance Back Welter, was suspended for two months for crossing over on Some Girl. Results:— HACK HURDLES, ono mile and a-half.— 4, Gunwale, Bat 7)b (Copestake), 1: 3, Tornoa, lOst 4lb, 2; 2, Orleans, lOst 41b, 3. Also started: 1, Vacuum, list 9lb. Won easily by two lengths. Time, 2m 645. KUMEROA HACK, five furlongs. —5, Honey Bee, Bst 2lb (R. Manaon), 1; 8, Prince Formby, 6st lllb, 2; 5, March On, 7st 131b, 8. Also started: 4, Manila, Bst 101b; 8, Stutter, 7st lllb; 6. Tonukohe, 7st lllb- 2, Pervola, 7st lllb; 1, Wonder, 7st 101b; 7, Toddy. Half a length separated the placed horses. Time, lm 3s. BALLANCE HACK WELTER, seven furlongsl. Cadet, 9st 61b (H. Gray), 1 4, Maraetotara, lOst slb. 2; 2, Papanui, 9st 131b, 3. Also started: 6, Transmission, 9st 131 5, Mystified, Bst 7lb: 7, Bora, Bst 7lb3, Some Girl, Sat 71b; 8, Kohu, Bst 71b. Won comfortably by half a length, Time! lm 31 3-ss. AUTUMN HANDICAP, one mile and a distance— Bagdad, 7st 6lb (McCarten), 1; 6, Classification, 6st 71b, 2; 4, Master Moutoa, 7st 131b, 8. Also started: 2, Sweet Corn, 9st slb; 1, Henry Clay, Bst 21b- 7 Palm Oil, 7st 71b; 6, Jean Laddo, 6st 71b. A good race, three-quarters of a length between the placed horses. Time, lm El l-ss. SETTLERS' HACK HANDICAP one mile 170 yds.— Risingham, Bst 10lb (L. Q. Morris), 1; 1, Torchlight, 9st lib, 2; 1 First Salute, Bst lllb, 3. Also started; 3, Tiranga, 9st 21b; 6, Clavis, Bst 13lb: 6, Carillon, Bst 8lb; 4, Pomeroy, 7st 7lb. Won comfortably. Time, lm 55 l-6s. SHORTS HANDICAP, five furlongs.—6, Samarang. 6st 121b (C. Reid), 1; 1. Croesus, 9st lllb, 2: 3. Rawakore, 7st 81b, 3. Also started 4, Inah, 9st 91b; 5, Trentham Rose, 7st 4lb; 6, Sea Lord, Bat 7lb. Won by a length. Time, lm 1 3-ss. Rawakore's rider. Corlett., did not weigh in, and was fined £16, and third money was awarded to Sea Lord, who finished fourth. JUVENILE STAKES, six furlongs.-2, onia, 6st 6* (McCormick), 1; 1, Lord Muskerry, Bst 61b, 2: 3, Mandrake, Bst 6lb, 3. Also started: 6, Kareao, Bst 6lb; 5. Arch Salute, 7st 4lb; 7, Prince Rufus, 6st slb; 4, Parorangi, Gst Bib. Heads separated the placed horses. Time, lm 16s. MAHARAHARA HANDICAP, on». mile 170yds.—6, Want, Bst (L G. Morris), 1; 1, Master Iney, 9st 81b, 2; 7, Kiltosa, lOst 'lib, 3. Also started: 2. Robur, 9st 9lb; 5, Hythread, 9st; 4, Eheipa. Bst 10lb; 3, Namnr, Bsi. 9lb; 8, Altercation. Bst 51b; 9, Sir Fisher. Bst 21b. A great finish. Won by halftvlength. Time, lm 56 l-ss.

A.J.C. AUTUMN MEETING. lA. and N.Z. SYDNEY, April 17. The New South Wales Government is pre- | pared to introduce special legislation to validate the Australian Jockey Club's Autumn Meeting outside the time provided by tje Gaming Act. but awaits the effect upon influenza of the suspension of , business during Easter before a final decision is mas. There is little likolihood, however, of I relaxation of the restrictions to permit the meeting at m date, it held at ,aIL •