CANTERBURY DOINGS

Otago Witness, Issue 2663, 29 March 1905, Page 52

CANTERBURY DOINGS

By Fbitz.

1 hear that a well-known local expert has Ijeen asked to purchase a horse capable of auuning in the Viceroy's Cup in India. So 'far he has not secured a suitable purchase, though he may succeed in the near future.

Lenope, who finished third in the Innovaiion Handicap, run at the New Brighton meeting on Saturday, is one of the most "Promising fillies I have seen out for some time. J3he was bred, and is owned, by Mr L. Wilson, i>f Teddington.

Mention of Mr Wilson reminds me that he will shortly leave here on a visit to America, ysrhere lie intends to purchase some standardJired trotting stock.

The New Brighton Trotting Club ran a T&ouble-event totalisator at its meeting on and Saturday. It was fairly well

Signalman, Stronghold, Chryseis, Cannie Chiel, and Lady Wayward (in charge of E. 'Cutts) were shipped to the north on Friday. JThey are engaged at the Wellington and TMaiiawatu meetings. They have all executed capital work at Riccarton during the past fortiaight, and should give a good account of [themselves.

By the same steamer R. J. Mason shipped Machine Gun, Nightfall, and Lady Lyonors to fulfil their engagements at Wellington and tPabaierston North. *=*

By permission of the authorities, the Akaroa 'County Racing Club will hold its annual meeting at Plumpton Park on April 1. This has fceen necessitated owing to the flooding of the (Little River course. Mr A. I. Rattray has £>een requested to superintend the meeting. jThe change, though' it will possibly be welcomed by local owners, will prove a sad dis*:appointment to the Akaroa and Peninsula presidents, w|io usually turned out in large plumbers -when the annual race meeting was •fiield, whilst many Christchurch citizens will jbe sorry that they are unable to pay a visit ito the prettiiy-situated course. I would suggest that the following horses may run well in their respective engagements: — Cup, Clanburn and Secret Society; Welter Handicap, Clanburn and Pen*ive; Flying Handicap, King Stork and Quickr jfire; District Welter Handicap, Blythe Maid Tamd* Boisterous;, District Hurdle Race, ; District Trot, Luna and Santoi ; jOpen Trot, Logan and Miss Dudley; Maiden 'Plate, Boisterous. ; The Oxford Jockey Club's annual race meet•xng will be held on the 29th inst., and per"ehahce the following horses will run well : — :Oxford Cup, Saranges; Stewards' Handicap, (Nance O'Neil and Te Taiaha; Selling Race, !"3tainlbow ; Flying Handicap, Saranges and Te .Taiaha; District Welter Handicap, Nance ; O'Neil; Maiden Stakes, Phroso; First Trot, Gertie M. and Gimlet; Second Trot, Brooklynda and Gimlet.

The Ellesmere Racing Club has received a capital entry for events to be run at the annual meeting.

The annual race meeting of the Rangitata ißacing Club was held on Thursday last, the fine weather attracting a fine attendance. Bookmakers received a fair amount of patronage, backers appearing io hold their own. secured the Maiden Trot Handifcap by three lengths from Little Jim, whilst .the Arundel Cup fell to Prohibition, No. 9 find Thelma following the winner home in the crder named. Thalia was too good for a large number of antagonists in the Peel Forest Handicap, and Miss Clancey appropriated the Hack Race. Bouncing Bob defeated the' Cup ■winner Prohibition by a neck in the Farmers' -3?late, and Brandon took the Walk, Trot, and Gallop event.

Starshoot was withdrawn from the Great Uaster and Great Autumn Handicaps, to be 'decided at the Canterbury Jockey Club's tutumn meeting, at 11.45 a.m. on Friday. > The nominations sent in on Saturday for «vents to be decided at the South Canterbury Jockey Club's autumn meeting are fairly numerous, the minor events, as usual, drawing a good response from owners. The club has again effected a few desirable improvements ito the course, etc.

The publication of the Great Easter and Sp-rea-t Autumn Handicap weights has led to a slightly increased volume of wagering on jfche double but backers are devoting some attention to the Wellington double and Railway Handicaps. For the Thompson Handicap Kaharoa, Solution, .Golden Vein, and Ghoorka are fancied, and -Stronghold and Chivalry for the Railway. Stronghold, Achilles, Golden Vein, To-mor-row, Vladimir, Machine Gun, Ailsa, Red G-a'untlet, and Petrovna have been named for .the Great Easter, and Quarryman, Lady Wayward, Achilles, Vladimir, and Nightfall for the mile and a-half race.

The appearance of the weights for the Great Easter and Great Autumn Handicaps has given sporting men something interesting to 'discuss, and the general opinion suggests that Sfr Henrys has successfully endeavoured to ifcring such a mixed lot together. This handiwork will easily bear criticism, and the task *}i selecting a dozen in either race likely to iigure prominently is not by any means an .teasy one. Many seem to think that the top weight, at least in the Great Easter, might Slave been asked to carry a little more, mainly ton the ground that if Achilles is well on the flay he will make light of the 9.13 allotted pirn, and also on account of the fact that few tof the lightly-weighted division can hope to iive with him. Personally I believe that 9.13 Ss quite enough to give any top- weight, as a heavier load would possibly mean the inimejdiata withdrawal of the first-class horses, and ihough every handicapper desires to produce equitable figures, he cannot fairly anchor good Smes in order to give inferior horses what knight be considered better prospects. As a toatter of solid fact, a number of the horses Entered for the Great Easter Handicap, say, pave no credentials whatever, and could not ]ivin if they were turned loose, as "class" must Rlways defeat them. Achilles's 9.13 is rightly «2aced in the post oi honour in the Great Easter Handicap, and as his most recent performances suggest that he is returning to his best form, I think the big chestnut will require a lot of beating. The distance will not trouble him in the slightest degree ; but a fas<>run race will probably affect Machine Gun 9.8. Over six furlongs he would worrj the best of his opponents, and though

he may have improved with age, I think Achilles should hold him. Vladimir at 9.4 is about in his place, as also is Petrovna 9.2 ; but crack sprinters though they be, I should say that the top weight ought to defeat Petrovna, who may not be at her best over seven furlongs. Vladimir, however, can cover the distance all right, but even in his case I believe Achilles can present Jiim with 9lb. Nightfall 8.13 has not been tlirown into CTTe handicap, but she is a brilliant mare, and must be given a chance. Red Gauntlet 8.11 has been nicely treated, and if the big chap can be persuaded to try (he may close up if seriously tackled), he should be dangerous. Convoy 8.10 has not recently given the impression that he can win, but if he is brought to the post in his best form, he will most assuredly gallop well forward. Savoury 8.9 may possibly be reserved for the longer race; but should this speedy customer be the selected of the Yaldhurst little lot, he ■will give a good account of himself. Golden Vein has been fairly treated, and 8.3 should permit him to run a great race for the Chokebore establishment. Just below him appears the name of his stable companion Stronghold, with lib less to carry, and if he would gallop like he did when he proved victorious at Riccarton, he would undoubtedly be dangerous, but then he does not always give us of his best. Jeanne d'Arc 8.3 has registered some sterling performances in the north, and if this horse is not reserved for the Great Autumn Handicap, the other island will be well represented in the shorter event. Master Alix 8.2 is fairly handled, but, like his sister Petrovna, he may discover the journey a trifle too far. There is no douWT about this fellow's pace, and if he can get the distance I would book him to be dangerous. Starshoot has been scratched, and Boris, at the same weight, is a worthy North Island candidate. Ghoorka and Exmoor have each been burdened with 7.13, and on these weights I am told that Exmoor is the better of the pair. Ailsa 7.9 has frequently shown herself to be possessed of speed, and so, too, has Melodeon 7.7, but I fancy the latter would be better suited with a longer journey. Bagpipes 7.6 ought to run a clinking good race. She has had a lengthy respite, which should have benefited her, and if she is well on the day, her claims cannot be lightly discarded. The stable mates Lady Wayward 7.5 and Tomorrow 7.3 have each been given opportunities to distinguish themselves, and if the latter happens to strike form, she will require a good deal of beating. As a two-year-old Tomorrow was one of the speediest youngsters ever trained by E. Cutts. Weight will not trouble any of those lower down the list — viz., Lady Lyonors 7.2, Kelburn "7.0, Crichton 6.13, Manjess" 6.7, Sandy 6.7, Quagga £.7, Pensive 6.7, Cathron 6.7, Cavatina 6.7, Gffeat'Gun 6.7, and Gawain 6.7, but I fear that few of "" them can gallop with some of the top-weights. Of the number, probably Lady Lyonors, Manjess, and Quagga may rim decently. No fewer than 33 horses are engaged in the race, and of these I would recommend the claims of the following eleven: — Achilles Boris Vladimir Exmoor Nightfall Bagpipes Savoury To-moi-rcnr <JoWen Vein Manjess Master Alix

Achilles has been asked' to carry 9.9 in the Great Autumn Handicap, one mile and a-half, and if he is not successful in the short race he ought to put up a creditable performance, as also should Nightfall, who will be in receipt of 101b from the top-weight. Convoy 8.9 would possibly prefer a slightly shorter journey, as lie U3ed to be brilliant over 10 furJongs, albeit he can get to the end of 12 furlongs with most of them. The Wanganui Cup winner Quarryman, at 8.6, is just about in his plaoe. whilst Welbeck, if he can be brought to the post dressed in his best, must he given a chance under 8.5. Vladimir, if he coould only stay, would treat B.* as a luxury. However, tihe Stepniak horse has not yet shown a partiality for a long journey, whilst Ghoorka 7.13, who follows Vladimir in the list, has a Dunedin Cup to his credit. A repetition of that form should land the L-ochiel horse very near the winner. Jeajuxe- d'Arc reads as nicely treated with 7.11, whilst Melodeon, Cannie Ghiel, and Savoury at 7.10 each, form an equitably-handled trio, of whom I would take Melodeon and Savoury to be the best. Cannie Chiel certainly appropriated the Midsummer Handicap, but he had little to beat, whereas he will next month be called, upon to meet much stronger opposition. Starshoot did not read badly a* 7.9, but has been withdrawn, and I fea,r th.at> Kelburn, though, leniently treated, may not be able to show his best form. Lady Wayward 7.2 is a fine filly, and af she is preferred to her stable companions — Quarryman and Cannie Chicl — she should be dangerous. Lady Lyonors 6.11 would probably prefer a shorter distance, and the same may perhaps be said or Ailsa 6.10. Stepdancer, Quagga, Sandy, Brighton, Crichton, Speculate, Great Gun, and Cavatina have each received the minimum, 6.7, and the two firstnamed and Brighton may run well. Of the 25 animals engaged 1 no fewer than 17 are entered in the Great Easter, run on the first day of the meeting, and success in the short race means a penalty of 14lb in the Great Autumn. At the moment I propose to select eight of the 25, one of whom may capture the stake: — Achilles Jeanne cl-Aro Nightfall Melodeon Quarryman Savoury Ghoorka Lady Wayward. The New Brighton Trotting Club on Thursday and Saturday was favoured with beautiful weather, and on each day the attendance was good. The totalisator returns proved satisfactory. The course was in capital order, and the racing was all that could be desired, many of the finishes forming close and exciting contests. Bugler opened the racing on Thursday by comfortably annexing the Trial Handicap," the grey leading all the way, and winning by fully 40 yards from Globelia, who was a length in advance of Premier Dick. The Gift led hia 14 opponents from the start to the finish in the Ladies' Bracelet, and secured the> race by four lengths frorm Polly 11, the latter securing second place by a dozen lengths from Wild Wrnd. La2y Jack .ahowed the way to the Burwood Handicap field for five furlongs, but then broke, as also did L.E.A., and at the half-distance Logan had taken leading position. From this out he was never seriously troubled, and he won comfortably from Edward R., who was followed home by L.E.A. It is not often that . clubs include a three-mile race in their programmes, consequently the Windsor Handicap excited inora. thaji ordinary interest, and a really fine race was witnessed. General Grigg, one of the finest stayers we have, was sent out favourite, Te Whiti and V&neda also receiving fair support. When one-third of the distance had been traversed Veneda was well away from Te Whiti, the remainder of the field some 12 iengths away. With another mile covered Veneda was still in front, Te Whiti coming next, folio-wed by Black Prince, General Grigg, and Doppleganger. Te Whiti was cose bahind Veneda commencing the last half-mile, General Grigg lying third, fully 12 lengths away, foPowed by Black Erince. Entering the stiaigH Veneda "went up." relinquishing the lead to Te Whiti. General Gugg, however,

finishing very strongly, jusi managed to overhaul Te Whiti, and won by a neck, with Veneda. 50 yards away, in third place. General Grigg covered the three, aniles in 7min 28sec, or equal to a fraction over an average of 2inan 29 sec per n.ile. Eillie picked up the Progressive Handicap by 30 yards from Leura, the winner being in charge over the laat 12 furlongs, and Bushman secured the Autumn Handicap by thite lengths from the favourite Verax, Ci&sie Wood only a length behind Verax. Jennie H. led for more than half the distance in the Electric Handicap, but sSe was successfully challenged by Lily 0., and the latter, holding premier position to the end, won by about three lengths, Carl a little more than that distance behind the second horse. Backers made No Mistake in selecting that mare to •win the Dash Handicap, Vcrax, for the second time during the day, occupying second position, 30 yards away; Wild Wave a length behind the second horse.

Racing on Saturday opened with the Inno- ! vation Handicap, eight.shorses going to the post. Electric Lass held a strong advantage at the half-distance frorm Craigarusky, but the loader tired over the second round, and enabled the lengthily-named one to overhaul and beat her by a half a length, with Lenape 80 yards away, third. The Ladies' Bracelet j also provided a close struggle between Tea ! Tree and' To-morrow, the former just winning by a bare half-length ; Te Porangi finishing a ! poor third. The pacer Lropp, who always Taces j well on the track, was made~favourite for the ! Wainoni Handicap, and, taking command from scratch at about the half-distance, won comfortably from Frederick, Norice losing second place by a length. Vestina, the favourite in the Brighton Handicap, broke badly over the second lap, but she settled down again to a fasb gait, and, catching Blythechild in the straight, won by a couple of lengths, Black Child in third position. Htion King broke several times when leading in the Avon Handicap, thus enabling Te Whiti to pass him and win easily by a dozen lengths, Victor Huon a third of that distanoe behind Huon King. Mystery easilyi vanquished the opposition in the Advance Handicap, 50 yards separating the winner and Master Dxidley, with Premier Dick third. Ruggles was generally considered to possess aimi'Ost a mortgage on the Telegraph Handicap Stake, but though he trotted a good race he succumbed by a head to Velvet, who finished very fast, Robert Emmet six lengths away in third place. The last event- of the meeting — the Final Handicap — proved 1 a . soft snap for Veracity, who won by 10 lengths from Flora G., Hamlin finishing a couple of-i lengths behind Flora G. Veracity is owned by Mr J. A. Buckland, and this made the tiiird win during the afternoon by horses owned by him and trained by C. Piper, the other pair being Vestina and Velvet. On the first day Verax, also trained by Piper, twice annexed second money. j