TURF TOPICS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 5737, 4 November 1905, Page 14

TURF TOPICS

(By “Advance. ’) THE BIASTERTON MEETING. Twelve months ago the Blasterton Clan’s meeting was spoilt by the atrocious weather which prevailed. This year the club was again unfortunate in striking bad weather, a similar experience to that ot several other clubs in this island during the past couple of monrlio. The weather broke fine on Thursday morning, but on account of the groat amount of rain that had fallen i posenonemont was deemed necessary. This decision materially helped to swell the gate receipts of the Carterton Show, as many of those who had rcacood Blasterton journeyed across by road and rail and the Wellington contingent mostly broke the journey at Carterton and put in the day there. Sin-o las’- year the road from dip siding at Opaki to the course has been improved by a liberal topdressing of shingle and even in bad weather pedes-' trians can now reach the enclosures in fairly good order. Since last meeting the club .has purchased a totalisator of its own, and is laying down a grass track for the convenience of local train-; ere whose numbers have considerably improved during the past two seasons. The Blasterton officials include several horseowccrs, no less than six of the executive bring represented at last week’s fixture. Air C. H. Smith won a double with Gawain and Dulcinca and Mr A.' Reside scored a win with Bounce,

Tile Cup stake this year was increased from 125 to 150 sovs, but the field did not include as many runners or as good class competitors as Asteroid, Armistice and Jeanne d’Arc, who started last year. The withdrawals in last week’s race were Tikarawa and Capulet. The latter was well placed and scored each day. That his victory ,n the Publicans’ Handicap, although unexpected, was no fluke, ho demonstrated in the principal event on the second day, when he put down the Cup winner comfortably. On this form Capulet must have nearly won tho Cup, in which he was in with tho minimum weight, had ho been started. Capulet seemed quite at homo in the mud and was cleverly handled by his light weight horseman each day. S. Reid only tackled Capulet well inside tho distance, and got his mount homo by half a length. A. Oliver hung on to Capulet until well into the straight, and his win in the President’s Handicap appeared easy because his opponent stuck his toes in. Last season Capulet did not appear until the autumn, and finished out of a place on half-a-dozen occasions. Ho rims in tho nomination of Mrs S. TV. Tatham, being trained by Mr Tatham, who has a useful horse to take Jeanne d’Arc’s place. Capulet is by the Cadogan horse Lethe, who has sired a number of winners in tho Wairarapa, from Princess Agnes, by -Blaster Agnes—Princess Royal. Capulet is full brother to .Montague, who won a double at Blenheim last year, and half brother to Bonnie Prince (by Bonnie Scotland), who scored in a maiden race at Woodvillo last February. The only Cup competitor Capulet met in the President’s Handicap was the winner (Flamen), who was giving away 211 b. In the Cup there was 191 b between the pair. Spoil made hei reappearance in the Cup and was not so well backed as the other half-dozen competitors, all of which have been seen out this season. Royal Blue adopted his usual tactics of trying to win from end-to end. He had Submarine and Flameu with him most of tho way. When the first-named stopped the latter came on and scored in the easiest manner. After his Wellington running hackers would not stand him, and although he had 0. Jenkins in the saddle he was one of tho least fancied and paid £5 3s. Last season Flamen scored three times over a distance of ground and gave promise of better things by beating Signalman in the O.J.U. Derby and N.Z. St. Loger Stakes. There is no doubt the son of Sou’-werter Balm (by Dunlop—Frou Frou) can gallop when in tho humour. Balm was brought from Australia by J. Gleason with Megaphone, and has produced Vamoos (by Haere), Balmy (by Gold Reef), Amyris (by Gold Reef), and Highden (by Merriwee). Tho last-named was bred by the Hon. W. W. Johnston, and is named after that gentleman’s estate. in the President’s Handicap on the second day Flamen was the only Cup competitor to accept. Jenkins hung on to him to make a race of it, but when Capulet joined in Jenkins hit Flamen vrth the whip, but the horse did not make an effort to go on with it. Ngatarna, Hydrant and Whakaivehi did not begin as smartly as some of the others, and had the water splashed in their faces by the leaders. The course was covered with surface water, which splashed up all the way round, and seriously handicapped the horses carrying weight. Needlework has so far proved sn unprofitable purchase for Blr A. F. Douglas. He was installed first favourite on tho opening dav, the distance being a mile and three quarters. Although he had only 9ib above the minimum weight to carry lie finished behind Grand Jury, who shot past tho others when F. Lindshook him up at the back of tho course, and was not afterwards headed. Oil the second day Bounce was whispered about the paddock as tho correct pea. Grand J ry ran gamely under punishment, but had no chance with Bounce, who met tho first day’s winner on, a stone better terms. Bounce was not asked lo gallop in the last part and won with a lot in hand. On the first day, when ho finished fifth, £7O was invested on Bounce, and when ho won £179. Flanagan was started on the second day, but the best he could do was to finish third.

After giving Red Cross and Gawain the benefit of a break in the Flying Handicap, Aberration won with a good deal in hand. On the second day Dulcinea got a flying start and McKay keeping her going it appeared as if none of the others would reach her. In the straight Reid straightened Aberration up and the latter shooting out scored comfortably. Excepting Kuroki, who could not act in the heavy going, the lot behind the winner were moderate. The Ilntt-trainr<l pair. Grand Circle and Alexieff, carried £252 of the £542 invested on the Maiden Race. They ran

in diffc cut ownerships and consequently were not bracketed. Alcxieff finished fifth and Grand Circle absolutely l-st. The support given this pair was responsible for the good price paid on Dulcinca, who showed some form at Hastings. She scored comfortably from Rosogrovo who was engaged in <ho New Zealand Cup, but lias so far failed to score. Dulcinca was bred by Blr J. Blacara by Bonnie Scotland (brother to Loyalty) from Minnie Palmer (by Danbury—Sweetheart), who won the Wairarapa Cup in Blr Blacara's colours. He was represented in the race by Rifle Maid, by Xeedleguu from Russley Belle (by Russley).

Solid support being forthcoming for Flanagan and Waipunelui in the Ladies’ Bracelet, Togos paid the good price of £4 10s. With Blr Vivian in the saddle Togos took charge in the race and had tho trophy won a furlong from home. Huremoana came with a great dash on the outside of the course, and a few strides past the post was in front of Pemmican. Sherlock Holmes (The Officer—Spinney), The Ruler and Tho Shadow (Rutangata—Blomokai) halfbrother to Grand Jury, were prominent for about seven furlongs. In the gentlemen riders’ event on the second day nothing had any chance with Hurcmoana, who fills tho eye as a likely timber topucr. In the October Hack Handicap Operetta failed to make any sort of show in the heavy going. Silvorlcno scored from Hatley, who had not sported silk since he fell .at Otaki nearly eighteen month- a 20.. Tho Publicans’ Handicap field included Ropa, who had not sported silk since ho competed at the- Wellington Cup meeting. He got off the mark in good style and carted the field along at a solid pace, but died out of it before the business on 1, The heavy going and the pace ret hv Ropa completely extinguished any chance Exmoor had. The latter was made the biggest pot at the meeting and carried £3O-1 of the £939 invested on the race, which was responsible for more speculation than any other ever.;.

Another good favourite in Contender went dewn in the Dash Hack Handicap, winch Bloata(Daunt —Hiamoo) won from end to end. Bloata was fancied on his running at Napier Xhirk. where ho heat Contender, Tho Seer and others over six furlongs.

Gawain put down Contender, who strikes the writer as an overrated animal, in the Scurry Hack Handicap. Tho Ruler put down a good favourite in Hatley in tho AVeltcr Hack Handicap and paid tho biggest dividend at the meeting. The Ruler was bred in Canterbury in 189 G by Lord of Blisrule —Coruroso, by Hornby—Wild Rose. Hinurowa got bettor away in the Stewards’ Handicap than on the previous day, when both Rustiquo and Narcotic finished in front of her.

DEATH OF TRENTON. The son of BXusket —Frailty, whose death in England was announced by cable last week, has earned world-wide reputation as a sire. His progeny have been successful iu Australia, India, England, South Africa, Germany and other countries. Trenton was bred at Auckland in 1881, and was the first progeny of tho Goldsborough mare Frailty, and full-brother to Cuirassier and Ciisy. As a two-year-old Trenton started three times, and was unbeaten. Ho made liis first appearance in the Welcome Stakes at Ellerslie in Colonel Dawson’s colours when he beat ‘ eight others, including five ot the Musket tribe. At tho Auckland Cup meeting he ran in the colours of Mr W. S. Somerville, and boat eight others in the BXidsmnmer Stakes. His other appearance was in tho Champagne Stakes at tho C.J.C. Autumn meeting, when he 'carried Mr G. G. Stead’s colours. He met five others, the best of them being Lady Evelyn. ’ He was afterwards purchased by Mr D. O’Brien for a good sum and as a throe-year-old made his first app V’r.inco in the “rose and black” stripes in tho Dunedin Cup and beat everything except Vanguard. His last appearance in this colony was in the Challenge Stakes at tho C.J.C. Easter mooting, in which he put down a small but select field, consisting* of Russley, Lochiel, Taiaroa, Nelson and Stoneyhurit. As a four-year-old he was taken across to BXelbourno in the Spring, where he was engaged in the Blelbourne Cup with 7.13. Ho was beaten by Sheet Anchor and Grace Darling, heads separating the three horses. He was afterwards sold to Blr W. C. Cooper for a big sum and competed in that owner’s colours as a five-year-old. In the Melbourne Cup ho carried 9.5 in a field of twenty-eight and was beaten a neck by Arsenal, who was in receipt of two stone from the New Zealander. At the same meeting ho won the Royal Park Stakes, weight-iox’-age, two miles, and was beaten a length by Trident (a three-year-old) in the Canterbury Plate, three miles. These three severe races in one week were responsible for Trenton’s retirement to the stud. At the sale of Blr TV. O. Cooper’s horses two good bargains were secured in Trenton (800 guineas, and Niagara, half-brother to Trenton (330 guineas). Trenton took up stud duty at Hobartville stud (N.S.W.) and having a good opportunity made a name for himself, before being sold for England. During tho past five seasons in Australia Trenton’s stock in Australia have won £30,373 in stakes. His sons and daughters are making a name for themselves in the Commonwealth, and in this colony ho is represented by Phaeton, Delusive, Ellerslie (dam of Putty), Elusive (dam of Lady Wayward), Girofla (dam of Hipporoffla), Bladowla (dam of Quarryman) and TTentalto (dam of Sir Percivale). Trenton’s sons are in demand with breeders throughout Australia. Tho following appeared on the winning circs list for the past season:— Cambooya, Climax, Cydnus (sire of Hamua), Enriistymon, Gerard, Goodfellow, The Inquisitor, Blusketoon, Rodcourt, Trenchant, Burton, Courage. La Perouse, Blandrako, Preston, Renowned and Tre l tmoor. Trenton is represented by about rixty daughters in Australia. A list of tho successes of their progeny would take up considerable space and the names of a few will suffice. Alga (dam of Hautesse), Bello of Trent (dam of Beilis), Etra Weenie (dam of Blcrriwee), Lady Trenton (dam of Lord Cardigan and Dividend), Treason (dam of Elvo), Trent Rose (dam of Master Bemio). Trenton’s best representatives on the Turf in Australia were Wakeful, Revenue, Light Artillery, Auraria (winner of the Blelbourne Cup) and her full brother Aurum, who ran third in tho Blelbourne Cup as a three-year-old with 8.6 on his back. Etra Wennie won the Maribyrnong Plate, Trenchant ran second in the Caulfield Cup, Lady Trenton v. on the Sydney Cup, Quiver won Sydney Tattersall’s Cup, dead-heated with Wallace in the Champion Stakes, and tho same season won the Viivroy's Cup iu India. Trenton was sent to England in 1896 and Aurum two years later. Resolute (winner of the Caulfield Futurity Stakes) was sent Home the same year. Sprig o’ Blyrtlc, and the son of Trenton, made the journey in 1893. A daughter of La Tosca,

iv s sent to England in 1896 and Dovecote, Gloria and Goldlike in 1900.

CHATTER. Blr J B. Re’d recently expressed the opinion that Gladsome was a much improved mare and expects her to run well in the Blelbourne Cup. Tlie disqualification imposed on T. Quiniiv. u, sen., in 1903 by the Auckland Racing Club in connection __ with tho running of the pony Imp at Ellerelio, ha- been removed. Whilst on a visit to tho EJdorslio stud la it week “Sentinel” was informed of the death of the one-time well-known performer Arlino. who dropped dead •shortly after giving birth to a Stepniak foal. 'lho youngster is being reared by a foster-mother, and Is thriving well. Blr J. F. Reid rubbed the motherless equine with brandy, a liquid which is said to immediately cement the affections and nourishment of the fostermother to its adopted foal, and in this case tho trick worked like a charm. Arlinc, who was got by St. Clair out of Gitana, tho Australian-bred daughter of Rapid Boy and the Yattendon mare Gipsy, was bred by Blr J. Fleming, who won the Dunedin Cup with Adamant; and in addition to others, lie also bred and raced .Gipsy King, who is a hallbrother to Arline. At the stud Arlino has produced Blakaroff and Ivonoff, who ran second to Kirriemuir at the Hutt. Blr Geo. Morse, the Wanganui handicapper, witnessed the racing at Opaki last week. The chances of Kingshorongh, a grey gelding by Blaster Agnes, were totally cxinguished at Maslerton by his riders carrying overweight. In tho Hurdles on tho first day ho put up 211 b extra and in the Hack Welter on the second 191 b in addition to his original handicap. “Hewitt’s, mount each start,” will be a popular form ot betting with punters at tho C.J.C. meeting..

Tho racing partnership which existed between Mess in “Blasters” and “Seton” at in ■> Wellington meeting has since been dissolved. At Blasterton Prelude was entered in the’ nomination of Blr Blasters and Tikirawa in Bir Scion’s cob urs.

Sir Trisrum, wiio showed some form in me hack class last season, has been engaged -at the Carterton meeting. Mr J W Stratton, secretary of the Ha’ lie's Bay Jockey Club, bad charge of the totalisator arrangements at Blasterton last week. Several vis it ore to tho meeting were shown the working of the Turnbull and Jones’ machine.

Kurcki will probably make his first appearance in open company at the Carterton meeting next week. St. Claimer was allowed to drop out of Ills Auckland engagements. Secretaries G. H. Hawley Drew (Pahisvtua), J. B. Bairstow (Taratahi—Car terton) and E. A. Leary (Wairarapa) wore present at the Blasterton meeting.

After the Wanganui meeting it was intended to give Jolly Friar a few months spell, and he was withdrawn from his Wellington and Riccarton engagements. Bir Cotter informed me at Blasterton that the St. Hippo gelding had freshioned up considerably since luTwas last seen out and that he would probably be seen out at Carterton, at which meeting he lias been entered. Saracen, and his brother Bonnie Scotland, met in tho thoroughbred class at Carterton last week, when the first named, who is two years older than his relative, got the ribbon. The other horses shown iu the thoroughbred class were Knight Errant (St. Leger—Forma) aud Chainlink (Chainshot —Nautilus). Wairarapa breeders have two imported roadsters of good class in Paddy’s Land and Wicklow. The last named was represented in the same class by Ivanhoe. Sir Agnes, winner of the Parliamentary Handicap in 1889, was shown in the hack class. Blessrs G. Hunter (Porangahau) and Hamish Wilson (Bulls) judged tho horses. The Feilding Cup winner, Good Intent, has this season visited jMerriwee. Tho Takapuna Jockey Club’s book programme for the season is to hand. Mr J. O. Evitt has been appointed handicapper to the Club. From Bir W. H. E. Wanklyn (secretary of the Canterbury Jockey Club) we have received a sheet programme of entries for ail events at the Bletropoliton meeting, similar to that issued by tho leading clubs in Australia. The programme of the annual meeting of the Ashhurst-Pohangina Racing Chit) has been made more attractive thati before by the inclusion of two open events, the Ashhurst Oup, of 300 sovs., one mile and a quarter, and the Pohangina Handicap, of 200 sovs., six furlongs. The total amount of stakes is 1105 sovs. No race is of less value than 100 sovs, and no third money less Ulan 10 sovs. Compared with last year the stakes show an increase of 100 sovs.

Mr F Blurfitt, of Palmerston North, wrote to the Secretary .of the Blasterton Trotting Club nominating Lady Brook and Brambles for the events at tho coming meeting. Tho letter bore the Blasterton post-mark of October 30, but owing to deficient postage it was not handed out until the morning of November 1, although on the previous day enquiries for the letter had been made at tho counter of the Post Office. Meanwhile the nominations closed at 9.30 p.m. on October 31, and the Secretary is now powerless to accept the nominations. He is guided by Rule 36 of the New Zealand Trotting Rules, which reads as follows:—“The list of entries shall be closed at tho advertised time, and no entry shall be permitted, in any case or under any terms, to be made after that time.”