RACING IN AUSTRALIA.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1200, 1 March 1895, Page 26

RACING IN AUSTRALIA.

Sydney, February 24. The excellent performances of Bessie Macarthy, Whakawatea, Vanitas, Eiridsforde and ' Barbarian at Caulfield yesterday are bringing them into greater prominence for the Newmarket Handicap, but although the first - named won the Oakleigh Purse with consummate ease, treating Fortunatus and the rest of the field as if they were a lot of hacks, a number of the Sydney contingent still pin their faith on Vanitas defeating her at Flemington on Saturday. Although he started at 10 to 1 for the Oakleigh Plate, Whakawatea landed a fair stake for his party, who had previously supported him to win some thousands in the Newmarket Handicap at 100 to 4. Atmospheric conditions influencing the current of the electric cord, the barrier of the starting machine went up in the Welter Handicap yesterday before the starter gave the signal. Eleven horses started, Sternchaser, who was very fractious, being left at the post. Eiridsforde, with 9st 81b up,, ran home cleverly in front by a length from Moss Rose, lOst 81b, the time being lmin 47sec. The starter, however, declared it no race, and Sternchaser, lOst 71b, who took no part in the first struggle, won easily the second time from Tullamore, Bst lllb, in lmin 49sec. The contretemps caused intense excitement, and a display of much feeling, the popular opinion favouring the idea that the lifting of the barrier constituted a start. A protest which was entered on behalf of Eiridsforde was dismissed by the stewards. An offer was made to Mr Cook of 2000 guineas for The Harvester, tut it was not entertained. Yesterday morning at Flemington The Harvester galloped a mile and three-quar-ters nicely on the sand track in 3min 16|sec, The Admiral accompanying over the last six furlongs.

Sydney, February 25. The following nominations have been received for The Sydney Gold Cup, two miles.— Brockleigh, Isaac, Boko, Pilot Boy, Queensborough, Projectile, Chesterman, Burton, Gilbas, Hopscotch, Patroness, Scotch Lassie, Abbot, Lady Trenton, Blarneystone, Tridentate, Oxide, Delaware, Mount Royal, Ilena, Taranaki, Troiless, Reverence, Ruenalf, Honour Bright, Bethel, Aureus, Atlas, Florrie, Sundial, Cremorne, Alexander, Eureka, Launceston, Loyalty and Nobleman, Vanitas, Devon, Preston, The Admiral, lolanthus, Dreamland, Bessie McCarthy, The Possible, Havoc, Bradford, Nada, The Captain, The Harvester, Bonnie Scotland, Carnage, Newman, First Shot, Wyvern, Cobbity, Patron, Quiver, Donation. Melbourne, February 27. Pending the final acceptances to-morrow, betting is limited. During the day there was an evident disposition to lay against The Harvester for the Australian Cup at the present price of 100 to 25, but the bookmakers wore averse to springing a point or two, as the Derby winner is only entered for three events —the St. Leger, Australian Cup and Champion Stakes—and will probably try to win the treble. Walwa has been scratched for all engagements, and Bel Giorno, Sunburnt, All There and Milkmaid for the Newmarket Handicap.