AUCKLAND TOPICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2985, 31 May 1911, Page 56

AUCKLAND TOPICS.

By Taihoa.

May 29. Tho Taka puma winter meeting was brought to a successful conclusion on Wednesday last. Tho weather was perfect, the attendance largo, and the sport excellent. During the two days the totalisator put ■through £25,039, as against £14,111 for the corresponding days last year. The Pupuke Handicap was contested by 14, and -won comfortably by Lloyds, who bad on the previous day in similar company given a disappointing display. Sir Walter made all the running, and on reaching the bend into the straight had a lead of several lengths, 'but ran very wide almost to the outside rails. This lost him what looked like a certain win, and ho failed to get a place. However, Sir Walter has a, lot. of dash, and is bound to score a win shortly over -five or six furlongs. The Hatrtruru Hurdles attracted seven starters, including four Great Northern Hurdles candidates. Don Quex, who wen the Hauraki Hurdles on the first day, made all the running, and led tho way over all the obstacles ; but in the straight Whakaweira, who had been handy throughout, was extended, and won with ease by a couple of lengths. The Hastings victor was piloted with care and judgment by Flynn, and pulled up very well. .Delegate was a poor third, and his exhibition was such as to suggest his chances at Kllerslio in the big hurdle event are very slender. Bully finished fourth, but he is likely to show to better advantage over a greater distance. Miss Explosion again won the Maiden Hurdles. Blue Mount was out in front most of tho way, but faded away in the final stages, and only got thirdDenfc'ics, who came well at the end, just managed to overhaul Blue Mount, but could not get on terms with Miss Explosion. The second Pony Race only attracted five starters, of which Rod Lupin was the popular fancy. Miss Stella was comparatively neglected on tire machine, but won fairly easily and paid a good dividend. Manurere was second, and Mighty Atom third. The Britannia Handicap was a good betting race. Electrakoff finished up a favourite on the machine, but Domino, Master Wairiki, and Sea Elf were

1 all well backed, and when tt.h-e barrier shot up Domino and Elcctrahoffl were first to take the lead. Running along' the back at a great pace Domino was steadied, and Sea Elf and Elegance joined Electrakoff in the lead. On turning- into the straight Electrakoff and Sea Elf were locked together and racing along neck and neck past the stand when Domino put in a brilliant ran and, wearing down first Sea Elf, who was tiring badly, and then Electrakoff ,won by half a length. Epsom Lass also put in a good run, and just beat Sea Elf for third position. Jack Delaval was made a very hot favourite for the Victoria. Handicap. and won it just as .he liked, with Hobun.gatahi second and Lucille third. This was the brilliant son of Seaton Delaval's j fifth race under silk, and ho won it just j as be has won .each of his former races—I without being- asked to exert himself, tso that it is hard to say what he is yet eatable of accomplishing-. At all events, I Jack Delaval is one of tho fastest horsep I for bis inches seen in tho northern province. His first three victories were in ' .pony events, but he failed to get undoir I the standard for Takapuna. The meeting ; concluded with the Welter Handicap, I which was \ion in good style by Wee Olga, with Captain Soult second and Regain next. > The Auckland Racing Club will inaugurate their winter meeting on Saturday. At the time of writing everything is well in train, and it apparently only requires fine weather to ensure a most successful gathering. Interest naturally chiefly centres on the Great Northern Hurdles and Steeple j chase. The final payments for the hurdles I were made last week, and saw a favourite .in Wimmera decline his engagement. The withdrawal, however, did not- come as a surprise, as it was rumoured during the week .that the son, of Merriwee had gone amiss at Wanganui. Paisano is still at the top of tho list, with his big impost of ! 12.4. Rut with all the weight the C.J.G. j Nation'al winner' promises to be favourite, and incidentally a very hard horse to beat. Reumao, next on the list, is a fine per- ; former, but the recent snowing- of some j of those below him would necessitate his . showing greatly improved form if he is ! to win. The Native is very strongly I favoured, and his connections are very ; sanguine of success. That, however, does ; not make horses win. He will be ridden by W. Young. Bully, Paritutu, and Auratus will all have to improve upon their recent showings to be regarded as having the remotest chance of winning the big Hurdle Handicap. Delegate has lost a lot of admirers after his disappointing display both days at Takapuna, but a sixfurlong course with sharp turns would not suit such, a, queer-tempered animal, and he may do better at EllcTslie. Sol has been coming fast into favour, and) although his chanoss are regarded' as* more ! rosy in the Steeplechase than. ths Hurdles, yet there are good judges who [ give the plucky son of Soult a chance!! of winning the double. Those who saw John's run at Wanganui count him as <x decided outsider. Whakaweira, who incurred a 51b penalty for his win at Hastings, still has only 9.10 to carry, and his more recent victory at Takapuna which carries no further penalty, makes his chances particularly promising. Don Quex and Ribstone Pippin are only moderates and the victory of either seems to be outside the range of probability. May 30,, Of the steeplechase candidates the running of Sol at Takapuna and his recent track work is likelv to cause him to be well supported. The plucky little son of Soult is well; off on the score of condition, and he knows the Ellersiie course well—a considerable factor. He can jump any thing, _ and is a great stayer. Antarctic is amiss, and can be left out of calculations. _ Red M'Gregor won the event last year in convincing style, and is said .10 be particularly well at present. He arrived •at Ellersiie yesterday. Eldorado nan well at Wanganui. and will doubtless be well supported. Loch Fyne gave a poor dipplay at Wanganui. and his chances recentlv strongly _ favoured are not now regarded as promising. Le Beau has oo.rn.e in for strong sunport during- the last few dnys. His • track work is most encouraging. Maidi is rather an unknown nuantity, and mav provide a surprise. Coirazon's win at_ Wanp-anui hrns canw.d his Wieicrht to. be. raised 101 b, makin.ar his impost 10.9. This should not hinder the son of Cteur d-> Lion. Of the others Cloudv Morn and Gasfout a.op.siar best, but neither is regarded ns class enough for the Great Northern Steeplechase.