TURF GOSSIP.

Otago Witness, Issue 1161, 28 February 1874, Page 6

TURF GOSSIP.

By Ixiow.

THE DUNEDIX CUP.

Considering the large number of young untried horses nominated for this, the great Handicap of the year, nineteen acceptances must be considered highly satisfactory. Almost every racing stable in New Zealand has a representative, and Messrs Redwood and Watt (who have amalgamated) have five. I expect to see about ten or eleven starters out of the present nineteen. Lurline, 9st. 91b., heads the list; asthismaie has never yet been asked to gallop, I do nut think the handicappers could have given her an ounce less. She has been kept expressly for the race, and is being carefully trained for it at Christchurch. If the selected one of the stable, she will take a deal of boating. Tambourini, 9st, 21b., has always given Lurline weight heretofore, and as the nwe now gives him a year and seven pounds, he will probably make her gallop this journey. Tarn is much fancied by his stable, who evidently "mean" him this time. Calumny, Sst. • 121b. Since the weights came out this mare has run her first two mile race, showing that the distance won't trouble her. She was much backed at first, but since going into the Watt-Redwood stable, it is thought

she will be one of their representatives at Grey mouth. Atlas, Sit. 21b., the mainstay of Otago, comes next, and has shaped remarkably well this season; if his feet would let him do sufficient work his winning chance would be very rosy. His owner should send him down at once, as the soft springy turf at the Forbury would suit his poor feet; much better thau the hard uneven courses up country. Papapa, Sst, has incurred a penalty of eight pounds, which does not increase his chance of winning. Yatterina, 7st lOlbs, has also incurred a penalty, which brings her weight to Sst 41bs. Calumny, with 9st 21bs. up, ran her to a head when carrying only 7st 121bs, so that if Mr "Redwood has a better horse than Calumny, Yatterina must be out of it with her increased weight. Gossip, 7st 91bs, is well in. and as she i 3 in splendid condition will make it very hot for some of them, but I think the distance is a lectle ton far for her. Castaway, 7st Slbs, is full brother to Luriine, and is a, first-class colt; his owners and friends are very sanguine, and

have backed him to win the race, but it is generally reported that he came into the world a few days before the racing year commences. Horses in Christchurch take their age from Ist July, but here the iscAugUbt is the day. It is to be hoped that a protest •against this horse will be lodged with the Stewards before the races, which will enable them to call on tho owner to prove correctness of ago ; it will be better than a barney after the racers won. Parawhenua, 7stGlbs, is a raking ' four-year-old, and will, probably, cut out the running for one of his, stable companions, Butterfly, 7st 41bs, has gone wrong ; but not so Detainer, 7st 21bs, who has greatly improved on his Derby form. He has done lots of work, and will come to the post as fit as man can make him. Banjo, 7st, half-brother to Tambourini, was the "dark" horse of the handicap, who was to come out and astonish the natives in this race. He has lately run in Southland, but was unable to beat "old Malabar," which performance has somewhat disgusted his clover owners. Templetou, 6st 121ba, is the heaviest backed horse in tho race. His friends, both here and in Christchurch, are always ready "to put it on" at a fair price. This colt has grown considerably since the Canterbury races, andisinaplcndidcondition, which justifies the confidence placed in him. Earl of Lynne, Cst. 81bs., like all the rost in his stable, haß gone wrong ; one hundred to one can be had about him. Veubena, Cst, 81bs.,

is a smart filly, but I think the distance beyond her tether. Rosina, 6st. 81bs., is well in ; she is a good mare, but very difficult to train. 1 now come to Spritsail, 6st. 51bs., the present favourite. This filly has come with a rush lately, chiefly because it is reported that she is the only one of the stable backed by her owners. She is a 3-year old, by Traducer out of Westsail, and has never yet ran in public. She met with an accident previous to Christchurch. races, which interfered with her training. It ij3 said she has completely recovered, but being a nervous creature, and having a sea voyage to undertake, she had better be left alone until safely located at the EWbury. Baroness Brudettand Nelly King, sst. 91bs. ear-.li, cannot complain of their weights, the latter is engaged ;-t Tuapeka, and if she can beat Tarn in the handicap, ought to have a good show here. In a few weeks the horses will be arriving, and touting in the mornings will be the order of the day. In the meantime I think the winner will come from amongst the following five :— Lurline, Tambourini, Atlas, Tempelton, and Spritsail.