SPORTING.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13832, 20 February 1907, Page 3

SPORTING.

• TIIK DUNEDIN OUP MEETING. To-day will see tlio commencement of a race meeting which promises, to prove tho most successful held by tho Dunedin Jockey Club for many years. Ownere have accepted very freely, and the various races liear an open aspect, which gives reason for tho belief that they will provide some excellent sport. The Dunedin Cup still has a. field of ten, and the club is unfortunate in the fact that two or three of the horses originally engaged are missing from the list because they are physically unfit to tnko part in the race. Tlic Publicans' Handicap has a field of 13, and probably all will start with tho exception of. Cross Mattery. Fifteen have paid up for tho Gladbrook Hack, 14 in the Berwick Hack, nine in the Stewards' Welter, 15 in tho Trial 'Plate, and six in the Hurdles. The betting public will have to be very close on the mark if they are to prevent largo dividends, and even when they loso they will in all probability see some good sport for their money. Tho chief interest of the day naturally centres in tho Dunedin Cup, and Cross liaficij is the one which the writer expect.? tl> '/e first past the post. There is. liowt.vM, a "but" in connection with her chanlr, and that lies in the fact that she has done very little work since her arrival on Sunday. On Monday she was cantered, and yesterday she ran half a mile, in 52.,, This is tho best half-mile which lias been done this week, and its merit is pronounced by the fact that it was comfortably accomplished. The fact of her not, being worked over a distance of ground may not tell against her, as it was noticed that she pulled up well after her race in the St. Albans Handicap, and if she were ■worked a bit solid on Saturday last there should not bo much wrong with her condition. There is, of course, a doubt as to her staying powers; but the same doubt exists in connection with the majority of those engaged. Signalman has a temper which may leave him at tho posts. Stepdancer, on form, should be bard to beat, but a doubt exists as to whether 6ho is forward enough to play a winning part. over 12 furlongs. Stio finished close to Lapland and Thunderer in tho Midsummer Handicap, and may prove equal to beating ljic pair of tliein to-day. Sho will probably improve as much as either, and on weighing that particular trio a, preference is made for her against Lapland. Tirolc is >.» unknown quantity as to condition; but Not lis will strip one of tlie fittest horses in tho field. Tho trio at the bottom of the lwndieap on form rank as oittsiders, and all that they , have accomplished entitles them to tho position. It is possible il(at Cross Battery may bo reserved for tlie Publicans' Handicap, but she will probably win' tho race in which sho starts. The following anticipations of tho judge's placing* aro mado with that qualification:

Hurdles—Wonderful, Gladbrook Hack—Harvest 1, Curiosettia 2.

Champagne Stakes— Glenculloch. Dunedin Cup—Cross Battery 1, Step'dancer 2. "Notus 3.

Trial Plate—Aid Roigh 1, Caveola 2. Stewards' Welter—Bucclouch 1, Do Wit to 2. Berwick Hack—Curiositv 1, Tnku 2. Publicans' Handicap—Golden Cairn 1, Balsam 2, Apollodoris 3. WINGATUI NOTES. Monday morning at Wingatui was beautifully fine and mild, and a starlight drive from torn landed tho writer at tho track in good lime to sec the "early birds" at work. Tho recent rains have made a marked improvement in tho going, and although the plough' was a trifle dead in tho early dawn, under the influence of a warm sun it got into splendid order as tho day grew older. Both tho ontsido of tho course proper and the plough wore in largo request by trainers, and a good deal of interesting work was accomplished during the morning. Lapland was the first to commence operations; and, assisted over part of the journey by Somaroff, lie got over 10 furlongs on the plough in 2min 16sec. When looking him over after the gallop, his appearancc suggested that Lapland has como on nicely since ho raced in the Midsummer Handicap, in which ho finished second to Clirvseis. Crlenculloch and Golden Cairn, under a pull, left fivo furlofigs behind on tho grass in lmin 12sec, The Champagne Stakes candidato moved very determinedly, and would have put up a fast go if ho had'been allowed to run along. Signalman and Thunderer broke away a't the judge's box, and ran once round in 2min 21sec. The first three furlongs were reeled off in Msec, tho first mile

in lmin 51sec; nnd at the finish Signalman appeared to have more in hand thnn his companion in the gallop. Stepdancer strode over a couple of circuits on the plough at a strong half-pace; aud Balsam registered a good gallop by finishing strongly at the end of six furlongs on the grass, which he cast behind in linin 19 3-ssec. Gapon and Tremulous ran over a half on the plough in 53 l-ssec; and Harvest was travelling freer than Count Gorton at tho end of five furlongs on the grass, which they covered ill lmin Usee. Afer and Sonia finished well at the end of half a mile on the course in 55 3-sscc, and Lady De Vere and San Severo negotiated fivo furlongs on the plough in lmin Glsec. Notus strode over

two circuits on (lie grass at a good half-pace, » md Apollodoris was allotted a similar task. Both these horses look very well. The' Seer inn dthvri five furlongs in lmin 8 3-sseo on ■the grass, and Manjess clipped a tick oil that time when running over tho same ground. Astrakhan, looking very well, trotted down (lie straight, and, on being brought back, broko from tho bos and ran down his first half in 63sec (down hill), three-quarters in lmin 2Usec, and 10 furlongs in 2min 20 3-ssec, The son of Stepniak shaped well, and if he gallops up to his privato form should assist in making the Cup an interesting race. A 12-furlong"journey mny, however, prove beyond Ilia tether. Red Morn was ridden out to make four furlongs on the grass in 65 2-ssco; and others who did useful work beforo breakfast were—Zetland, Bonnie Glen, Royal Shell, Heroism, Clementine, Pipi, Do Wittc, Tessera (who put in a bolt), Cuiroscttia, and Ard ■ iieigli.' After breakfast Fireiron ran five furlongs on lie plough in lmin 4 l-ssec, and Gvsobel a •alt in 53scc. Crandstand ran out five furihgs on the grass in lmin 8 4-ssec, and left akuro behind in getting through liis task. _<nboife wns travelling much stronger than Jahaiigir at tho end of five furlongs, and Replete ran down a half on tho plough in f>l 3-ssee. Speculate nnd Buccleueh occupied lmin 9 fl-liscc in getting over fivo furlongs I on the plough. Aimee Soult and Talni had a bohi over five furlongs on the grass, and the former.'was going the better of tho two when they ran home in lmin 8 3-ssec. Others out were Civcola, Good Sight, Narcissus. Don Orvino,- Cute, Flavour, Red Ruin, Sahara, Lacy, Grafton Loch. Hidalgo. Red'and Black, Step-aside, Jack Asho're, Merrymaker, Curiosity. and one or two others. Olivene and Sftuttt Chius were schooled at the barrier, and afterwards had a sprint over three furlongs. When The Seer pulled up after working it was found that be bad burst one of his feet. The wall of the hoof had split from the coronet downwards, and ho may be dnbbed as an unlikely starter at»tho meeting unless tho ground kreps soft. Cro?s Buttery. Sea King, and Wild Cat arrived at AVingatui during the morning, but were not worked during the writer's presence at the track. A final payment for the Duncdin Cup is due half an hour before tho advertised timo of start in?. Cross Battery was scratched for the Publicans' Handicap yesterday at 8.30 p.m.

NEW ZEALAND ATHLETIC UNION (OTAGO CENTBE). The monthly meeting was held last night, when Mr M." Coughlan presided, and Messrs D. F. 31'Ilay, K. Hobbs, J. Fogarty, J. Ledgcrwocd, R. Harper, W. Fogarty, and 1). J. Corcoran (secretary) were prcEent. The Blucskin Caledonian Society. Matakamii Athletic Club, jind tho St. Palicks' Day Association. Ophir, woro affiliated to the union. The Dunedin Cycling Club was granted a permit for a Sheffield Handicap o? March 9. A. Martin and W. Telfer, two competitors at Enfield athletic sports on December 2G (a disqualified meeting), asked to liave their disqualifications removed. It was decided that the request could not be granted at present. A similar application from G. Maekley (Omaltau), who was disqualified during the union's pleasure (or giving incorrect performances at Alexandra on November 9, was referred back to the Alexandra Caledonian Society. A. A. Thomson (Duiiedin) was disqualified until December 31, 1907. for giving incorrect performances at Berwick on January "1. The Waitati and Matakanni programmes were approved. The secretary detailed several important alterations in the rules made at tho confcrenco in January.

AMATEUR ATHLETIC CHAMPIONSHIP .MEETING. The following aro the handicaps for the first day ioi tlie New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association's meeting on tho Exhibition sports ground, Christchurch, on Thursday next:— 75 Yards.—H. Henderson scratch, 11. Dawson, R. Bridge, and \Y. 11. Pollock, ljyd; W. J. O'Kano and It. Nash, 2yds; A. licave, 11. S. "\Villiani3, and D. ll'Phai'l, 2Jyds; 11 11. North, W. J. Jlunro, and C. F. Bir.ns, 3yds; 11. T. Cook and 11. Chevis, 4yds; D. Repath and T. Henderson, 4Jyds; T. Kuddock and G. 'Drury, syds; A. Arlow, J. Willtins, andX C. Kitto, sJyds; G. Batstone. M. Segcrs, and F. Bowen, 6yds; G. Davieg, T. Hiroli, and A. Anderson, GJyds; 'J.'. M'Olurer and N. Smith, 7yds; W. Page' and C. W. Hadfield 7;\yds. - Half-mile,--,1. Bradley, scratch; J. Davie, 15yds; C. M'Cully, P. 31'CaIlum,- and H. W. Thomson, 20yds; E. J. "Williams and W. Berryman, 30yds; 11. Chevis tuuV C. D. Cowan, 35yds; P. Oolyns, 38yds; W. Trembath, -10yds; G. Brown and IV Scott, 45yds; E. Williams, B, M'Lcmum, and A. 3. Arlow, 50yds; 11. Seers. H. Titehener, A. Foster, It. S. Field, C. Schmidt, and W, 11. Jones, 55yds; S. J. Ellis, GOyds; A. Thomson and W. Page, 65yds; J. Ford, 85yds. 220 Yards.—L. \Vcb«ter, scratch; 11. Dawson, 3yds; P. Stokes, 'Jyds; It. Bridge, C. P. Binns, D. M'Phail, 11. "Williams, and 1(. Nash, syds; It. 11. North, W. J. Jlunro, H. M'Corkindale, A. Hoare, and W. Trembath. 6yds; R. Bust, Oyds; A. Campbell, T. Henderson, G. Drury, G. Brown, and H. Chevis, 10yds; D. Redpatli and C. D. Cowan, 12yds; J. W. Wilkins and E. Williams, 13yds; H. Titehener and M. Segers, 14yds; G. Batstone, A. O. Kitto, W. Walsh, G. A. Drake, A. Arlow, and F. Bowen, 15yds; T. U'Ciurg, 17yds; C. Hadfield and W. Pago, 18yds; G. Bradley, 21yds. Ono Mile,—J, Bradley scratch, S. W. Moore, C. S. M'Cully, and R. C. Mason, 45yds; P. M'CWluni, "50yds; C. D. Cowan, Csvds; G. Collyns .and P. Siatt, 75yds; E. M'Lennan, 85yds; W. M'Kenzio and S. Maltue,. 90yds; 11. S. Jones and "W. 11. Jones, 95yds; R. Bust and A. Foster, 105 yds; C. Schmidt and S. J. Ellis, 110 yds; J. "W. Iloenan, W. Walsh, and W. Page, 115 yds; R. Lambio and A. Struthcrs, 120 yds- R, Field, 125 yds; A. Thomson, 135 yds. 440 Yards Hurdles.-R. C. Mason, scratch; 11. Dansey. oyds; T. Ruddock, 9vds; C. M'Cully, 12yds; W. Berryman, 1-lyds; F. Robinson, 15yds; R. Bust, 16yds; A. Anderson. 20yds; W. Page. 2Gvds. High Jnmp.-C. L. "Orbe:}" and C. C. Laurie, scratch: C. >\ D. Cook, lin; 11. T. Cook. 3in; F. Robinson, G. Thomassen, and L. M'Kay, 4in; G. Davies and J. O'Conner. 4.'.in; W. Page and J. M'Laohlan; sin; I). Redpath, sJin; S. Mallus and T. Ruddock, Gin.

Hop, Step, aud Jump.—L. M'Kny, scratch • K. I. Dansey, II C. Mason, and C. C. Laurie, 2ft; T. Ruddock. J. M'Lacblan, and <T. Davie, 2ft Gin; T. Hiroti, 2ft 9in; W Trombatb, sft Gin; H. Thomassen, 3ft 9in; R. Bust and D. Eedpat'n, 4ft; H. Titchencr, sft Bin; 11. H. North, 6ft.

OTAGO AMATEUR. SWIMMING CLTJB. At a meeting of the Otago Amateur Swimming Club last evening it was deoided to place on record the performances cf Mr A. M'Millan, who recently represented the club at tho Australasian championship. Though Mr M'Millan had to content himself with third place, he had the satisfaction of being the only New Zcalander to get a place, and he also broko the New Zealand standard in two events and the Australasian standard in smother. For his splendid performance the Christ/church swimmers presented him with a very handsome writing desk. The fourth raco in connection with tho Shaw Cup and gold medal will bo decidcd at the baths tonight at G. 15 sharp. BOWLING. An ordinary meeting of the New Zealand Bowling Association was he'd at tho office of tho secretary (Mr R. T, Wheeler) yesterday. Thero were present—Messrs W. C. Allnutt (in the chair), F. Peake, C. T. Paterson, W. Allan J. White, C. J. Payne, and R. T. Wheeler.' An apology was received from Mr P. Miller. Mr J. F. Barlow (president of the association) telegraphed his regret at inability to attend. Accounts amounting to £180 3s 5d wero passed for payment.

Mr J. Ilain (secretary of the Invercargill Easter tournament) wrote submitting a programme and asking for a donation. It was resolved that the programme be approved, and that a donation of £5 5s be given..

A Wanganui telegram states that Ballarat was scratched for the Flying Handicap at the forthcoming meeting at 8.15 p.m. on Saturday.

A Melbourne cablegram states that Solution, who has never been herself since she rau in the' Melboumo Cup, has been scratched for all autumn engagements.