TURF TOPICS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 5731, 28 October 1905, Page 15

TURF TOPICS

(By "Advance.”)

RICOARTON PROSPECTS. Tho declaration made by owners on Friday last for tho principal events at the Canterbury Jockey Club's spring mooting advanced that fixture another stage. Nineteen horses made the second payment of six sovs for tho Cup, which reduced the field by half. No less than eight of tho eighteen still in the race have incurred penalties. Three winners at tho Hntt put up extra weight. Ghoorka, who is in great form at present, went up to 8.1 by his double win. Ho would not have disgraced himself had ho been started in tho principal events. Over seven furlongs Ghoorka conceded Veneer 161 b and beat him easily, and not withstanding tho latter’s improved form in the Pearco Handicap, Ghoorka sooms to hold him safe in tho two miles race. St. Jo© is a promising fonr-year-old with a light weight. Other Cup ‘candidates seen out at tho Hutt were Achilles, who ran two good races, and seems to hold Mahutonga safe. Blythmaid appears outclassed in a race of tho kind. Melodcon did some good work on tho local tracks last week, but was not seen out under silk. Tho Porirua pair, Achilles and Ghoorka nero the best of tho Cup candidates soon out last week. Mr Stead holds a powerful band in tho race with Nightfall. Noctuifovm and Sungod, and whichever of tho three is started on tho day will have a strong following. Seventeen of tho thirty-nino horses weighted for tho Stewards Handicap made tho five sovs acceptance. Tho topwoight. Machine Gun, is in tho race, also two Yaldhurst horses, Cnnieforra and Alunjoot. Tho field includes three smart sprinters in Chivalry, Solution and Master Alix. tho half-dozen horses named appearing to havo tho best chances. Eighteen youngsters remain in the Welcome including a pair of unknown quantities from Yaldhurst in Huaacar (Hotchkiss —St. E'vnl and Seal Rock (San Francisco—Miss Gladys). Tho field includes Munjesta, Zimmerman and TCirriomnir. winner of the Hastings, Napier Park and Wellesley Stakes. Of the eight horses loft in tho Derby Mr Stead is represented by Nootuiform, Sungod and Isolt. Tito dozen left in the Oaks include Petticoat and Pas Senl. who took part in tho hack events at tho Hntt recently. Hr Stead has loft in three, Eden, Tsolt and Munjeet, and whichever is started as. in the other classic races, should win.

RACING AT THE HIITI'. Tho inciting held .A tho Hutt last Friday and Saturday attracted a greater number of visitors than usually putin an appearance at the Hutt in ..the spring. It was because it was the last meeting to bo held on tho old course that there wore so many faces

familiar at Taranaki and Hmvkc'fl Bay mootings among those present. The writer mob several from the district* named, .some of whom had not keen at a local meeting for fourteen yearsThe great change made in the time mentioned must, have been very noticeable. Tho improvement at the next mooting will be equally advanced. Wellington has a name for bad weather and it is a pity tho visitors could not have carried away a favourable impression. Tho local regulars are used to wind and rain. Those who had to cross the bridges, the ladies especially. On each day, just as the passengers by the first train, which carried tho majority of tho persons who travelled by rail, were alighted, the rain came on and tho feelings expressed were favourable to Trontham, where all would bo landed right on tho course. Since tho Hufct railway was washed away last season many racegoers have continued to go to the* Lower Hutt by rail and journey from there by bus. This is certainly tho most comfortable way to make tho journey. Caretaker White had spared no time or labour to have tho place looking nice for the last meeting, but his efforts were set at naught by the elements.

Although ho failed .to win a race Achilles was tho bright particular star of tho meeting. Had the going been firm and tho weather bright ho might have managed to secure one of the events ho contested. It is not often a hoi'so with tho weight Achilles carries acts as pacemaker, but tho chestnut was out in front on both days. Achilles may manage to win a handicap over a distance this season, but there is always tho clianoo of a good light weight beating him, such as Veneer, to whom lie was called upon to concede throe stono less a pound. The brother to Mahutonga lias run some good races, also some bad ones, but there is no doubt ho can gallop fast when ho likes. Messrs Baxter Bros., of Greymouth, have a useful horse For West Coast meetings if they decide to take tho Quilt gelding there. Mahutonga was never prominent tho first day, but ram like a good ono on the second, when ho looked liko boating Achilles. There is no doubt Mahutonga is a solid performer, but liko Veneer, ho runs a bolter race ono day than another. Sx. .Too was only seen out in the Wellington Handicap, in which lie smothered his o~nononts for pace in tho last two furlongs. His success will bring the St. Leger horse ITandsemo Jack into roquert with breeders. St. Joe’s dam, Murawai, by Torpedo—Mystery Girl, was herself a smart performer and is tho cam of Toa (by Dreadnought), Goldwai and Waionui (by Gold Reef)* Miss Terina (a full sister to St. Joe) two years older, has been racing along the Coast tho past two years, but has so far failed to show any form. Apa, a half-brother, by Addington, to St. Joo, lias shown promising form this season. Ho is a stable mate of St. Joe, both being raced by the Marton snort who adonis tho ncm do course of f: F. Preston.” Tho Parawanui sportsman, TTtiku Marumaru, raced Mnriwai and her dam Mystery Girl and bred tho above-men-tioned horses.

lb was expected tho heavy goingwould favour Auratus, who was solidly supported by his connections and sent out first favourite. The solid pace set appeared too much for him and ho was never dangerous. Ho was paid up in tho Hutt Park Handicap on tho second day, but his owner considered ho had no' chanco of beating Ghoorka at tho weights and loft him in his box. Black Reynard was another horse only scon out on tho first day. Ho ran really well for a mile, but failed to see tho last two furlongs out. Signalman was right in tho contest a furlong from homo on tho first day and was solidly supported for tho Pearce Handicai), but could get no nearer than fifth. Lyrist came from tho ruck with a late run in Wellington Handicap and almost got to St. joo. Shrapnel Shell displayed sjgns of soreness on both days. The most disappointing horse of tho lot was Flamen, who made no sort of show under his light impost. Ho did really good track gallops, but in both his races tailed off and finished at tho hack. Blythmaid and Huknaka would have been bettor placed in the sprint events.

Tho Wellesley Stakes running made the Hawke’s Day form out to be only moderate. Tho best that Zimmerman could do was to finish third to a smart filly in Kirriemuir (Clanranald —Madowla), half-sister to Quarryman and King’s Guest, and full sister to Glenowlet. Kirriemuir gave Tvanoff, also trained at Riccarton, a good break and heat him easily. Unless tho Yaldhurst stable shelters something pretty fast Kirriemuir should nearly win tho Welcome Stakes. None of the Wellesley Stakes candidates took part in the. Juvenile Handicap on tho second day. The raoo was between Golden Gate and The Squatter, both of whom had raced at the Hawke’s Bay meeting. The first named got a break and held tho lead throughout. Ho is the first of tho progeny of San Francisco (St. Simon—lsabel! to win a race. His sire is full brother to St. Frnsquin, a stud success in England, and was imported by the Messrs Nathan for Sylvia Park. At tho breakup of that establishment San Francisco was purchased by Air J, McDonald for 1500 guineas for tho Mnngie Bundio stud. Roio (dam of Golden Gate) is a full sister to St. Hippo. Tho other starters in tho race were tho two Hutttrained fillies Frisco Ala id (San Francisco—Wait ornate) and Strathfillan (Strathhraan —Falka). . Ghoorka ran two good races, but in neither was he called upon to do his best. On the first day ho boat Regulation at a difference of 31b without difficulty. On tho second day ho gave Regulation 101 b, the Regal mare finishing out of a place. Tho Wairarapa mare Hinurowa was shot out of the barrier and Ghoorka had to be kept going to prevent a run«vway race, Starshoot, who should ho improved with a few gallops, made his only appearance in this race.

Alodallist had 201 b the host of tho weights when ho met Boris in tho Shorts on tho first day. Tho latter had an allowance of 151 b for the beating and turned tho tables on Boris (who was Tod Sloanod by Hewitt). The Stopniak colt ran well hut met more than his match in St. Claimer, who got two lengths advantage in the first furlong, and boat Boris by that margin. Ballarat was one of tho first thrpo away but died out of it at tho end of half a mile and finished sixth Exmoor ran a -ood race under D.O, ,and finished in a nlace. Prelude and Sir Tristram, winner and runner-up in tho Flying, wore not seen out on the second day. Matakokiri may be considered lucky to win tho Rimntaka Hack Handicap on tho first day, ns Flotilla got left at the post. On tho second day Flotilla easily accounted for Matakokiri over eeten furlongs, but when they mot again over six furlongs, Alatakokiri again beat Flotilla.

The double machine has become popular with local backers, %nd on each day the successful pickers received substantial dividends. Taking tho weather into consideration tho totalizator turnover, which got within £75 of last year’s

total, may be considered very eatisfac-1 tory. i

A MATTER FOR CONSIDERATION. A subject for discussion among local and visiting sportsmen who met here last week lor tho purpose of attending the Wellington Racing Club's meeting, was the paucity of the fields iu the handicap events. It cannot bo said that tho club docs not treat owners in a liberal manner, as at tho recent meeting 11 to prize list rumounted to tho satisfactory sum of £2300. Horse-own-ers responded well to tho bill of faro provided, tho entries for the fourteen handicap events totalling 308. an average of twenty-two per race. The number of acceptances totalled 132, an average of about ten per race, and the number of starters 01. an average of about seven per race. On the first day 1-19 horses wore handicapped in _seven events, the acceptances totalled 85, but there wore only 53 staters. On the second day 159 horses were engaged in tho seven handicap events. Tho acceptances for the same number of events totalled forty-seven and the actual number of starters thirty-eight. It might lie pointed out with reference to the difference in the number of acceptances for tho first and seeond day that no less than sixteen horses whoso names appeared among the list of ad, ccptanccs for the first day failed to put in an appearance at the meeting. It was argued by some of those persons who discussed tho matter that tho fields in some events compared unfavourably with .tho number of starters at some meetings where the stakes are about half tho value and tho cost of bringing a horse to tho post about the same as at the Hutt. The revenue from this source has shown a steady decrease lately, and it behoves tho executive of the club to consider whether the falling off is duo to handicapping or any other cause. In tho face of the club’s decision to incur a.’liability of £30,000 at the new course at Trontham tho matter is ono that should bo carefully considered and if possible, remedied. CHATTER. Florio and The Squatter, two competitors at tho Hutt last week, carried tlio magpie jacket formerly borne by Mr S'. H. Gollan’s horses in this colony. Secretaries E. A. Leary (Wairarapa) .and J. B. Bairstow (Carterton) wore present at the Hutt last week. It is stated that the reason why Veneer did not make a better showing in tho AVainui Handicap on the first day was on account of ono of tho stirrup leathers breaking. Tho iron swung about the horse’s logs and interfered with him.

J. Scobie’s team at tho V.R..0. Spring meeting consists of Emir, Canteen, P.J.A., Sydvanite, Demas. Class, Sylvan King, Charles Stuart, Mani- States, and the 2-ycar-olds Markareta (Phoebus Apollo—Lady Augusta), Bcnbow (Grafton —Sequel), Haggis (Wallace —Katoueba), Jack Smith (Wallace —Glint), and Cingalco (Grafton —Gavotte). Martello (full brother to- True Blue, Screw Gun and Royal Artillery) com-•-.etod twice unsuccessfully at' tho Hutt last week.

lloie (dam of Golden Gate) was purchased at the Sylvia Park clearing sale for 2-10 guineas. The St. Logcr mare had a colt foal at foot hy San Francisco, the winner of the Juvenile Handicap at the Hutt last year. Two yearlings by San Francisco were submitted at tho last Wellington Park sale. Mr G. G. Stead gave top price (500 guineas) for a colt from Miss Gladys, and Mr Fenton (of Westralia) gave 120 guineas for a filly from Campania. Tho writer gave A. White tho credit of training three winners at the Hutt. That trainer has South Star and Tho Seer, Matakokiri is trained by “Tot” White. Pas Soul, by Soult —Parera (Cuirassier—Albatross) was bred by Mr H. Friedlander and purchased by her present owner as a yearling for 70 guineas. Pas Soul was given out as a moral for tho race sho won at the Hutt. Mr Geo. Morse, the Wanganui handioapper, witnessed the racing at the Hutt last week. Twelve months ago Blazer won tho double at tho Hutt in which Ghdorka was successful last week. Boomerang and King Billy journey to Auckland and will he ridden in their engagements there by F. Davis. Starshoot and Melodeon will carry Mr B. J. Watt’s colours at Eiccarton. St. Clements has a smart represents tive in St. Claimer, who made his first appearance this season at the Hutt last week. Mr Hikaka, who formerly raced Heel a ini or and other horses, came down from Normanby to see his horse race. 0. Millon, Mr Hikaka’s private trainer, informed mo that Fanlthra (by. Foul Shot) the dam of St. Claimer. has gone to St. Paul. Mario (dam of Lady Clements (by St. Clements) produced a filly and colt to St. Paul and tho latter survived. St. Claimer will make his next appearance at Auckland. Galahad was the only Hutt-trained horse to w'in during tho two days at the Hutt. In Sir Tristram, Zimmerman, Lyrist, Golden Gate, Medallist and othersf Stuart Waddell has a useful team, probably stronger than has carried tho Karamu colours for some seasons. The following horses remain in the

Victorian Derby, to be run on Saturday next:— Mr Harvey Paterson’s hr o Thackeray, by Majesty—Becky Sharp. Messrs Clarke Bros.’ eh c Charles Stuart, by Wallace—Sweet Alice Sir Rupert Clarke’s ch c Mani States, by Itanfurly—l2l mar© Mr B. Kelly’s br o S'imoda, by Simmer (imp.)—Carbello Mr M. P. Whitty’s ch c Marc Antony,. by Ho brook—Cleopatra Mr J. Bowen’s b o Bon Grafton, by Grafton (imp.)—Patrona Mr W. Davis’s br c Forest Charm, by Wallace —Forest Queen Messrs T. Dempsey and F. Leslie’s b o Grenadier, by Soult —Hotohorina Mr J. Grice’s b f The Infanta, by B©baft il—The Heroine Mr J. Wren’s br o Pius, by Positano (imp.)—Morisca Mr A. S. Ohimside’s br c King o’ Scots, by Wallace —Swarm Mr A.-Miller’s b c Two Stop, by Bundook —Reversion Mr J. Wilson. Junr.’s b o Scotland, by Wallace —Key Mr J. Wilson, Junr.’s b o Circuit, by Strathmore —Circle Mr J Wilson, Junr.’s bl o Scorcher, by Simmer (imp.)—Lehel Mr J. C. Williamson’s hr o Dantzio, by Haut Brion (imp.)—Dearest Mr J. Bast’s br f Lady Wallace, by Wallace—Lady Mostrn. Dr E. Frazer’s hr c Ebyeroft, by Grafton (imp.)—Etra Weenie Dr B. Frazer’s b c Jargoon, by Postiano —Jacinth Mr C. N. Kidman’s b c Canonised, by Dorchester —Joan d’Arc Messrs E. and V. White’s b o Grama, by Grafton—Drama Royal Alliance, Lady French colt, FairyQueen colt, Swivel gelding, Real . Lady colt, Auraria colt

Levant scored her first win in A us-’ tr.iiia at the AA'allsend meeting on Oct. 14th. On tho first day of the meeting .-lie carried lop weight til 0) and started ennil favourites with Crisis OU.fl) at 2 to 1 against. Lachlan (9.0) won by sixteen lengths in 4min Wee. On the second day Levant met Lachlan on 2st better terms and von all the wayin 4min 31si:C. The distance of both events v. as two miles and 120 yards. Levant, who was ridden by the Auckland horseman, S’. Stewart, was not mentioned in the betting when she won. ’Concerning her first day's effort tho Svdnoy ‘‘Referee” has tho following:— The Hurdle Race, which attracted halt a dozen runners, included in tho nnm her being the New- Zealand mare Levant, who disputed favouritism with Crisis. Maxwell made most of the running to the turn, but entering the Ktra’ght he was doe with, and the Lochiol vending Lachlan, getting his head in front, ran homo an easy winner bv fifteen lengths from Crisis. Levant shane-d very disappointingly, and did not appear to ho able to raise a gallop. One well-known Sydney sportsman staked on her to the tune of £IOO, and tho New Zealanders on the ground also entrusted her with a lot of support. Tho Natator mare is engaged in a two miles hurdle race at Moore field to-day. In iho Shorts Handicap, five furlongs, at E’llcrslie, St. Claimrr has 8.11._ a stono and a half more than he carried at tho Hutt. Xu the Flying Handicap Lady Annie (3.8) would take boating if in her best form. Curfew (Newforcst —Niobe) who accompanied Maniapoto to Australia, was sold recently and has been shipped to India. Melbourne and Now Zealand Cup meetings open on Saturday next. Klspeth (Sonlt —Lady Emmeline) won a race at Brisbane on the ITtli inst. At the AVallsend (N.S.AA r .) meeting on tho 14th inst. Enooma (Grafton —Aureole) won the Pace AA’eltor, sis furlongs. F.nooma is full sister to Lady Maude, who came across from Australia with Sea Lion, but only sported silk once, in a Maiden hack race at the Mannwatu meeting.

St. Modan, by Hunt Brion—Galima (by Trenton) won a good double at tho Hawkesbury meeting on Oct. 141 b. In 'the Rowley Aide he carried 9.5 and won with something in hand in Train 43)«cc. Later in the day ho accounted for tho October Handicap, 11 miles, and 100yds in ‘drain ITsec. Daughters of Carbine showed up well ,n tho Commonwealth on tho 14th inst. Ehulition from Carbolic (Carbine— Tourtillon) won the Debutant States at Caulfield. Raeburn, a full brother, won tho October Handicap at Brisbane, and Yamagata (Louis Hl.—W.dbcrra Carbine—Sierra) won the Maryland Handicap at AVallsend. Joo Chamberlain has taken up stud duty in the Pahiatna district. In response to tho requisition signed bv 57 members of the Auckland Racing Club asking for a special mooting to be convened to discuss tho recent resolution passed by tho committee. "That no bookmaker bo allowed to follow his avocation on the Ellcrslio racecourse,” tho chairman has fixed tho same to bo held on tho 30th inst.

Black Reynard was among tho withdrawals from the Pearce Handicap on the second day of tho AA 7 cllington meeting. Ho was handicapped at 7.7 and taking tho first day’s form as a guide it looked as if some of tho horses that finished m front of him in tho mile and a quarter race would again boat him.

Auratus has accepted for tho Birthday Handicap at Auckland, hut after tho poor form ho showed at tho Hutt may not mako tho trip. Boomerang (7.8) on Wanganui running should be a hard horso to boat at Ellcrslio. S. Reid, tho Wairarapa light-weight, got Prelude, St. Claimor and Hinnrewa smartly awayln their races at tho Hutt last week.

F. Tilley, tho Fordell trainer, has this season trained tho winner of tho Wanganui Spring and Wellington Handicaps. In former years the trainer mentioned had his charges racing at the Waverloy and Taratahi meeting. This season he is trying his luck with. Solution, Handsome Rose, St. Joe and Co. at Bicoarton.

The brother to Betsy, owned by Mr A. Peters, has been mimed Aeolus. Ho was engaged in the Spring Trial Stakes at the Hntt, .but did not take part. In criticising the weights for the Wellington Handicap the writer expressed the opinion that Achilles would have to ho at his best to win. The subsequent running proved this to bo correct. It seems a pity that good horses are handicapped out of races by having to give away lumps of weight to second raters. The form displayed by Marvel Loch in the Caulfield Cup makes Nightfall out to be a brilliant performer. In the Randwick Plato, two” miles and a ouartor, at the A.J.O. meeting, Nightfall beat Marvel Loch by thirty lengths and just missed putting un an Australasian time record. Should Nightfall ho Mr Stead’s representative on the day sho should have no difficulty in settling the opposition. A respected local backer who has followed the sport of kings consistently for a number t of years, won £IOOO over Marvel' Loch’s Caulfield Cup victory. Ho baa Warroo going for £IOOO in a double for the Melbourne Cup. ’ THE BETTING MARKET. WELLINGTON, Oct. 24. Messrs Scott and Martindalo report the following business on the New Zealand Cup and Stewards Handicap double: 100 to 1 Achillea and Vladimir. EOO to 10 Mahutonga and Machine Gun. 300 to 4 Mahutonga and Chivalry. 100 to 2 Mahutonga and Solution. 200 to 4 Nightfall and Machine Gun. 200 to 2 Nightfall and Vladimir. 100 to 2 Nightfall and Crichton. 500 to 7i Nightfall and Sir Tristram. 20) to 2 Nightfall and Solution. 100 to 1 Nightfall and Ballarat. 100 to 2 Nightfall and Ailsa. 500 to 5 Quarryraan and Solution. 125 to 1 Quarrymau and Vladimir. 300 to 2 Qunrryman and Crichton. 300 to 2 Melodoon and Ailsa. 300 to 6 Noctniform and Solution. 300 to 7) Noctniform and Munjeet. 200 to 3 Noctniform and Crichton. 100 to 2 Noctniform and Ailsa. IGO to 4J Noctuiform and Cuneiform. COO to 14 Sungod and Munjeet. 100 to 2 Sungod and Solution. 300 to 2 Mystification and Cuneiform. -100 to 2 Mystification and Solution. 400 to 3 Ghoorka and Apollodores. 100 to 2 Ghoorka and Machine Gun. 200 to 4 Ghoorka and Munjeet.