AUCKLAND TOPICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2360, 18 May 1899, Page 37

AUCKLAND TOPICS.

By Tairoa.

May 15. Weights for the A.R.C. G-rand National Hurdle i Race and Grand Northern Steeplechase were I issued by Mr J. O. Evett promptly to time on J Friday last, and taken on the whole it must j be said that their declaration was received with much favour in sporting circles. In both cases the weight-framer has perhaps started a trifle lower than was anticipated, but at the same time he has done his work thoroughly well, ?nd it should attract large fields. In the Hurdles Dummy heads the list with 11.10, and although the son of The Mute has earned his place at the head of the list, I cannot fancy his chance at the weight. Why should he be asked to carry more than the Taranaki gelding Whangaroa 11.7, who is, judging by all accounts, a really good horse? Nor'-west with ll."5 is just about in his place, and as he has shown improved staying power during the present season, is entitled to respect, though one that, in my opinion, reads more favourably is Splinter 11.2, who is set down by capable judges as a top notcher, and as he has to his credit four wins on end, it must certainly be said that the son ol.Natator bears an inviting appearance. Getting further down the list Cairo 10.9, who has -won a couple of good races this season, is the next to catch the eye, while Bellman, who carries the BR-me weight, is another that has to be .reckoned with, though there are those who are not at all fond of him in heavy going. A poxmd lower down JCanaka has an inviting appearance, and Tim with 10.5 has none the worst of the weights Some of those who know about Hangfire 10.0 pick him out as" a likely one to shine over sticks, but I must say that to me he is an unknown quantity, and I should therefore not like to venture an opinion on his chance. Marina 9.11 is by no means harshly treated, and though she has not done much to recommend her of late, it would not be wise to overlook her; while another of the light-weight 1 division that is given a handy weight is Drum Major. In the Steeplechase Dummy and Rhino are bracketed at 11.11, and striking a line from the running of this well-proven pair of chasers in the Giand National at Riccarton last winter, it cannot be said that either of the chestnuts is out of the hunt or that they have received an ounce more than they tire entitled to. Nor'-west 11.5 is undoubtedly a wonderfully improved horse, and must certainly be kepi in view, while Miss Nelson 10.12 is another that I would like to place on my side were I sure that she -is again sound; but there's the rub, and I would prefer not to include her in the summing up just at present. 1 Muscatel 10.9 has none the worst of the weights, and as she landed the Great Northern a year ago with only an additional 61b, fencing proficiently throughout, the New Plymouth mare will no doubt find many supporters. Magpie knows the course thoroughly, and if many mistakes^are made he will bo thereabouts at tho right end, though I hardly give him credit for footing it with them if the pace is anything like willing, as the veteran has hardly enough dash. Kanaka, though not one of the best of stayers, is well in at 10.3. If Whangaroa 10.9 takes .kindly to the big country, he must not be passed by too lightly, and the same and more may be said of Splinter 9.11, who, though an unknown quantity over big country, is a decidedly good-looking member, and a likely looking cross country horse, it would seem that our weight adjuster has .given " him every chance to distinguish himself. Acceptances for both events are due on Friday next, so that there is yet plenty of time for a final summing up.

On Saturday the Takapuna J.C. inaugurates its Winter meeting, and as satisfactory acceptances have been received, the suburban authorities may anticipate a successful gathering. The event of the day is the Birthday Handicap for which 11 remain in, and fcho raco wears a somewhat open appearance. Firefly, Lillie, and Admiral Hawke are a trio that must run well forward, and of the three I take Lillie to win. The meeting continues on the Queen's Birthday, when the principal race set down for decision is the Steeplechase, in which Nor'-west and G-lenlora are most fancied, and one or other should supply the winner. Kapai, who is among those weighted in the Great Northern Steeplechase, pulled up lame during last week, and will probably require lo be treated to a lengthened spell. Mangere arrived here from Sydney on Sunday by the Westralia, with a view to fulfilling his engagement in tha Great Northern Steeplechase.

Mr L D. Nathan has bestowed the name of Beddington on his yearling gelding by Seaton Del aval — Miss Letty.

On Thursday last Messrs Hunter and Nolan shipped a yearling gelding, by St. Leger — Sunteam to Wellington. This youngste/is^the property of Mr J. J. Smith.

Canopus (by Castor— Antelope), Blue Jacket (by St. Leger— Antelope), and the brood mare Antelope, stinted to St. Leger, are in Messrs Hunter and Nolan's private sale list.

Ben Nicholls, who has had a string of horses at Hastings, came up to Auckland during last week with the gelding Quilted, by Quilt—Watercolour. He is engaged at the Takapuna meeting. Nicholls will, I understand, settle in Auckland.

Dan M'Leod, the well-known local penciller, who has been to the West Coast on a visit, returned on Wednesday last, bringing with him a jumping horse named Crusade. The stranger, who is by Cruiser, is a black gelding, and he acquitted himself very well in a round of the steeplechase cfluxee on Thursday, afternoon in

company with Scot, Bcnovoree, and Woodstock.

The Ellerslie trainer Frank M'Manemin wrote the Takapuna J.C. authorities a few days after the running of the Summer meeting in January last complaining that certain statements published in the Herald suggested that his horse Tim was not persevered with in the Second Handicap Hurdles, and that the horse was " stuffed " before being sent out to contest the race, and he asked that the club would inquire into and give expression of opinion on the same, and on the. running of Tim. After several unavoidable delays, the matter was brought np at a meetig held last Friday afternoon, when M'Manemin, who -was present and stated his case, was informed that there was nothing in the newspaper's criticism referred to to conclusively show that Tim waS the horse mentioned ; that the stewards did not see their way clear to interfere with newspaper criticisms ; and that had they not been themselves satisfied on the day of the. race with the running of Tim they would there. an<£ then have held an inquiry. The Chairman (Mr E. W. Alison) further stated that he believed Tim had met a better horse on the day, and that he was vigorously ridden throughout.