TALK OF THE DAY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2649, 21 December 1904, Page 54

TALK OF THE DAY.

WINGATT7I NOTES. It was beautifully fine at Wingatui on Tuesday, and the warmth, of the morning's sun was nicely cooled by a gentle breeze from the south, which made the metropolitan track an. id-eal spot to while away a couple of hours to those fond of doing a bit of touting. Could such weather be commanded by the D-.J.G. for a few of its meetings, the- popularity of the gatherings at the course would progress by leaps and bounds, and the club would experience no difficulty in regaining the prestige of bygone days. The course and tracks lock in splendid order for the forthcoming meeting, and the plough gallop- is at present on the fa^t side and in good going order. St. Denis and Stepenfeldt worked at a solid pace over a six-furlong task, and finished together. The former appears to be regaining form, and is getting back to his well-known style of comporting himself. Maltster and Rubette were allotted a similar task, and Brighton, Ropu, and Redstart were galloped over six fiirlcnsjs, which ■were negotiated in lmin 2isoc, and they finished in close order. Red Gauntlet, looking bright and well, broke away from the front of the stand, and ran the last mile of a oireuit in lmin 46 2-ss.ee. He had a light weight up, and by this advantage and his brilliant style of moving he easily maintained his refutation as a track horse. Pallasp allas was assisted over the last four of

a six-furlong mission by Becky Seaton, and reeled off the journey in pleasing style in lmin 19sec, the first quarter occupying 25 2-ssec. Both horses finished together, and the gallop was the best ihe writer has witnessed the filly register. Since she raced at Oamaru the daughter of Seaton Delaval has thrown off her then ponified appearance and has grown up considerably, besides improving all round. Pallas has fined down, and is. apparently thoroughly sound again. He does tba most of his work on the lead, and by this judicious treatment has been got fairly well without overtaxing his legs. Koputai and Hypnotist finished together at the end of six furlongs, which were left behind in lmin 21 2-ssec, and Mctford and Donna Rosa were given useful tasks. Alexis, in the presence of his owner (the Hon. Geo. M'Lean), shaped pleasingly over four furlongs, which he negotiated solus in 52sec. ■Tramontana, who has been leniently treated since returning from Christchurch, strode over three furlongs in 33 4-ssee, whilst Crown Imperial was assisted over the last five of a seven-furlong gallop by Aldinga. The Tiara gelding accomplished his task in j lmin 34sec, the other stages being — six I furlongs in lmin 26seo and five furlongs in lmin 8 2-ssec. It would indeed be a notable : event in our turf history if any of the j horses which are destined to carry the popular Zetland spots should score at the meeting, as they have latterly been trained under the direct supervision and instructions of their owner. Flower o' Clufcha, Lilystone, Heirloom, and one or two others did ussful work ; and Rio Grande, the son of Stepniak and British Queen, who claims engagements in the two-year-old events, cantered round the course prop&r. The colt looks fairly forward, but evidently wants a bit of smartening-up in company, as he 13 inclined to take too much notice of the objects he ■encounters during his work. Casque and Transport also worked during the morning.