MELBOURNE TURF NEWS.

Otago Witness, Volume 15, Issue 1562, 15 October 1881, Page 20

MELBOURNE TURF NEWS.

(from our special correspondent.) Melbourne, October 3rd.

During the past week Flemintjlon has been quite alive with racehorses, upwards of 100 nags being on the ground on Saturday last. At a very early hour Kirry Goodman and Prince were down on tho ground with their horses, and were not long in sending them a trial which displeased mo very much. Sir Modred and Somnus started from the boxes at tbe foot of the carriage paddock reserve for a two-mile apin. Somnus led Sir Modred for three-quarters of a mile, when the pair wera picked up by Hilarious, who went away at a slashing pace. After going a mile aud a-half the Derby colt appeared !;o show symptoms of distress, and fell bftok fully throe lengths; the son of Goldsbrough, going well within himself, seemed to d<» what be lilred v/ilh the yair, aa when fehe two miles were completed he was fully a length in front of Sir Modred, the same dig.

tance separating Somnus. I don't know whether Prince was taking a rise out of the touts orjnot with this gallop. If not, I consider Somnus has not a show in the Derby. Yesterday morning Hilarious aud Sir Modred galloped two miles in very good time, the latter going much better than he did on Saturday, In my last letter I stated that I doubted very much whether the son of Traducer— ldaha can stay the Cup distance, and I am still of the same opinion. The horse is scarcely forward enough for two miles, but should secure a place. Idaliutn cantered twice round the tan, with one of our best jocks in the saddle, looking better than he has done for some time past. Somnus galloped the Derby distance in 2 mm. 50 sec. , pulling up pretty fresh- Hilarious goes well, and should win some money before he returns home. Sir Modred and Somnus were out this morning, but only did sb'ght exercise. Idalium ran a mile in 1 mm. 58 sec. ; so that you can judge he is picking up again. Last night I got the straight tip that Prince was going to have a test of the speed of his horses on Saturday next; so that you can depend upon me being " about," and sending you the fullest particulars. The Queensland-bred horse Canary galloped two miles and a-half at tip-top speed in company with P.Gr. Chiffney has charge of the Cup horse, and he fancies him very much, his owner, Mr Jacobs, having backed him for a considerable amount. You may depend upon it, wherever Sir Modred should be in the Melbourne Cup so will be Canary. Both horses move very much like each other. The best gallop of Saturday morning was between Mr Cook's Cup horse Adventurer and Young Alfred. The pair cantered five furlongs, and then raced two miles. After going a mile and a-half Young Alfred fell back beaten, and Semiramide had to take up the running, the Cup horse beating the King of the Eing colt by two lengths. The distance waa covered in 3 mm 52 sec, which is very good on the tan. Adventurer, a five-year-old, ia by Maribyrnong, out of Ida, and carries Qit 51b in the Melbourne Cup. Joe Morrison's The Czar, who is engaged in the same event at 6st 91b, I don't think good enough for first-class company, and would prefer hie stable companion Wellington, who galloped three miles in grand style, doing the first mile in 1 mm 48 sec, and the seoond in 2 mm 10 sec He mpet secure a place in the b]g event of the V.R.O. Spring meeting. Darebin led Terrible Billy a chase of a mile and a-half, the Derby horse doing as he liked with his schoolmaster. I believe the son of Lurline will win both the Derby and Champion Race. The Queensland horseß, under the care of Harry Walsh, paraded the ground, and shortly before breakfast Lord Clifden, who won the last Brisbane Cup with 7st 51b on his back, ran Abe Davis' Respite a mile and threequarters at a rattling, pace, proving to the spectators that he won't be very far out of the Melbourne Cup with 7st 91b. Sir Oliver spurted seven furlongs with Advent. Warhawk was led about, having taken physio. I hope to send you a long letter next mail. Very little wagering has been done lately. Mr Wilson's Duchess is a firm favourite for the Melbourne Cup at 100 to 14 ; Waxy, Bathurst, and Sir Modred coming next. The Duke has been backed to win the Derby for a lot of money, and may be considered second favourite. Prinoe George has been nibbled at at 100*3 to 10 for the Maribyrnong Plate. Somnus has receded in the betting. Waebiob,