STABLE CHAT.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1172, 17 August 1894, Page 23

STABLE CHAT.

(By “Gipsy King.”)

Journeying through Paraewanui (Lower Rangitikei) last week I called in at Mr Utuku Marumaru’s stable to have a look at his New Zealand Cup candidate, Rangipuhi, and other horses, which are now under the charge of George Blanch, and when I called the latter very courteously allowed me a peep at the team before the regular “ stable hour." Rangipuhi was the first to claim attention, and I found the “ little horse," as 3orne people erroneously style him, looking the picture of health, lusty and well. He has evidently been doing well during the winter, and has filled out considerably since his Hawke’s Bay Cup victory Bub although the son of Feve and Mystery Girl looks on the big side, he has not been idle, more especially since Blanch has taken charge of the team, and I was informed that Ran apuhi had been doing useful winter work during the last two months, and had only been absent from the track once during that time. Owing to the usual training track being too wet to work on the team are exercised on a six furlong sand track adjoining the stable, which is more than most traineis can get at this season of the year.

The fourypar-okl colt Tuhiwai, by Ascot—Mystery Girl, was the next to submit to an interview, and I found him a greatly improved colt since his first appearance in public at Otaki, May 24th last. He has lost that gross and fleshy appearance, and looks all the better for it. Although a richer bay in colour, he somewhat resembles his half brother in conformation, but ac first glance appears to be built on stronger lines. Tuhiwai’s running at Otaki proved that he has inherited the family gameness, and though not scoring a win he responded so gamely to the strokes of the whip that leaves no doubt that when thoroughly well ho will be one of the “bull-dog" sort.

In the adjoining box 1 renew acquaintance with the Austiadan-bred four-year-old brown gelding Tamerero, by Robinson Crusoe—Duster. This foreigner, as I may term him, like his stable companion Rangipuhi, has suffered in the past by a too frequent change of trainers, but at present he is looking better thaii I have seen him before, having thickened out a lot, and what is more important has thrown off the feet soreness from which he formerly suffered. Defeating Pihanga in a five-furlong race at Foxton last April, established his claim to be termed a fair horse, but 1 much doubt his proving a stayer.

Tuhiwai and Tamerero have been doing a fair amount of work in view.of compet ing at the Rangitikei Hunt Club meeting next month.

Ti>e question has been asked frequently of late whether Rangipuhi, now that he is aixyears old, will be able tostayouta solid run two mile race. Probably his beat performance last season was in running third with 9st 31b in the saddle to Monte Carlo in the Rangitikei Handicap, the one mile mile and three quaiters being galloped over in 3min lOsec. In the Hawke’s Bay Cup last year it took Mr Marumaru’s handsome horso 3mia 13 1 s;h sec to run the mile and three quarters. It is on the slow time—fi>r a distance—recorded by Rangipuhi that many base their opinions on that he will stay out a fast two miles. Personally I think Rangipuhi’s pet distance is one mile and a quarter, not forgetting his Feikling Handicap performance, when he ran the one mile and a half in the fast time—official —of 2min 38sec. However, all going well with Rangipuhi, ho will be a certain starter for this year’s Cup, as his native owner is desirous of starting his horse at Riecarton in November, and if Blanch can get on to the plough track in a few weeks’ time I think he will be able to land Rangipuhi rt Riecarton in excellent condition. The light weights employed at the stable are T. Daley and J. Moss.

Running in a small paddock adjoining the stable I noticed Muriwai ( Torpedo— Mystery Girl), who injured her shoulder so seriously at Napier Park last year that she had to retire from the turf to take up stud duties, her first co sort being Dreadnought, and she shows unmistakable ?igns of being in foal to the son of Chester.

Rere (by Bylong—Mystery Girl) was also running in the same paddock, attended by her compactly-built yearling filly by Natator. I also noticed a smart looking two-year-old chestnut filly by Sovereign, out of Stiletto, a full sister to Resolution.

Sovereign was by Guinea from St. Hippo’s dam, and served one season in the Rangitikei district before being sold by Mr D. Fraser to an Australian buyer.

Gun Cotton (Nordenfeldt —Patch) is to serve a few mares this season, and will then be put in work for autumn events.

Gipsy King, Messrs Nolan, Tonks, and Co.’s stallion, leaves Hawera shortly for the Waikato district, where he will put in the season.

Messrs Nolan, Tonks, and Co.’s two mares, Torori (Musket—Peeress), dam of Irish Twist, and Steel'All (by Musket— All Steel), dam of St. Patrick, will visit Sfc, Leger this season.

The Australian, sire of Torpedo (now in Australia), Flukein, and Belle will be located in the Rangitikei district this season. I notice several sporting scribes in dealing with Monte Carlo’s chance in the New Zealand Cup quote his dead heat with Au Revoir at Palmerston North last Christmas, hut do not mention how easily Au Revoir beat Monte Carlo the next day. Supposing Monte Carlo had started in the last Wanganui Cup, and Au Revoir had been the selected of the stable, how would Monte Carlo have got on say at a difference of 14!b ?

A contemporary states that Mr F. Andrews, of Shannon, owns Beauty Bright, the sister to the old steeplechaser Te Whitamaramara. I might mention that Mrs Chavannes, of Wanganui, owns the Beauty Bright referred to. Mr Andrews’ Beauty Bright is, I think, a Southern Chief mare.