AUSTRALIAN.

Otago Witness, Issue 1581, 4 March 1882, Page 22

AUSTRALIAN.

Owing to the lax manner in which horses have hitherto been scratched, the stewards of the Victoria Amateur Turf Club have decided to impose the fine upon all owners who do not scratch their horses half an hour before the time of starting for the race in which they are entered, but do not intend to run. And (says the Leader) it is but fair that the rule should be strictly enforced, for the existence of a horse in the race may cause longer prices to be laid against the others than his absence would justify, and thereby cause a good deal of money to be unfairly extracted from the pockets of the layers. It may be fairly asked, is the fine of 5 soys sufficient, and the conclusion arrived at is that, although it may meet the case where accident can be justly pleaded, it is not sufficient when it is done with design and for the purpose of getting better odds. Turf transactions have been very limited during the week, most of the ring being absent in Tasmania. Suwarrow remains first favourite for the Australian Cup, with Saunterer at his heels ; and Aspen is still in most request for the Newmarket Handicap. AUSTRALIAN CUP. 100 to 10 agsfc Suwarrow (off ; 100 to 9 tk) 100 — 8 Sauntorer (tk and ofi) 100— 8 First Water (off) 100— 8 Hesperian (off) 100- 8 Royal Maid (off) 100— 7 Bosworth (off). NEWMARKET HANDICAP. 100 to 7 agst Aspon (off) 100 —5 — — Cremorne (off) 100 — 5 Verdure (off) 100 - 5 Surrey (off) 100 — 6 Sir Joseph (off) 100 - 5 Tumult (off) 100 - 5 Larpent (off) The tvyo rival Adelaide Racing Clubs are still playing at " beggar-my-neighbour " — each have resolved to give £1000 to its next Cup race. Very large nominations have been sent in for the V.R.C. Autumn meeting, commencing on Saturday, including Darebin, Royal Maid, Coriolanus, Wellington, Swiveller, Progress, Suwarrow, Tho Czar, Santa Glaus, Hesperian, Guesswork, Frying Pan, Tho Marchioness, and the once-promising but now almost forgotten Salisbury,