CANTERBURY DOINGS

Otago Witness, Issue 3017, 10 January 1912, Page 55

CANTERBURY DOINGS

By Feixz

We have had another week of mixed weather, but during tee last few' oays me conditions have St-own a tendency to imrnove. We nave had an exceptionally wet season, and we could now do with a dry spell, as the tracks have had enough moisture’to last for a good Yew weeks. So tar in. the gallopers are concerned, there has been no:lung doing here tor some time, the majority or our morses being on tour. They have cone pretty well, too, having secured a good share of the spoil at Auckland; Dunedin, Cromwell, and the West Coast circuit, while one Kiccarton horse was a winner at Inveioargrll. With the return of tee travellers matter ß will soon liven up again here, in view ot cur summer fixture. . , The Canterbury Park 1 rotting Clubs meeting was held on Monday anu leuedaj of last week, and pioved an unqmaJLied success. The weather was fine on the hist dav, but somewhat rough on the second. There was a large attendance each t.iay, and, with exceptionally big holds, the sport was of a very interesting character. Die totalisator investments were £25,U14 Ith, compared with £23-294 at last year s meetj]i.rv, which extended to three days. Incugn the racing was good, times wore sow on the whole, this being probably due to a dead track. TVi _ Proceedings opened on New Years ua\ with the Templeton Handicap, for winch a field of 16 lined up, Bonnie Jenny being a warm favourite, with George J. and Preatant Child the only others seriously backed. Bonnie Jenny b.-uan smaifiy, and was in front before going three furlongs, when she broke, leaving NlaggxO Wylie, Maugatini, Pleasant Child, and George J. as the loading quartet. At the mile pest George Jwas showing the way, with Maggie vvylie and Pleasant Child prominent among the others, Bonnie Jenny having again 1-ken a good place, and Trie J .ark moving up fast. George J. -continued to show the way through tno second mile. Entering the straight. The Lark was almost on terms with til© leader, and a keen finish seenud in store between the pair, when Maggie \Vyiie came with an irresietable late run find beat George J. by a length, with The Lark another length away, followed by Prince Raynard, Pleasant Child, and Boim-e Jenny. Tno winner is a four-year-old mare bv General Lyons, a son of General Tracy, “who Is doing pretty well at the stud just now. The favourite Is an agon American mare by Bonny Direct—Jenny MIC She can must up a lot of pace, out went very unkindly in the race, breaking badiv several times. If she can be cured of her erratic habits she wall win some good races. A field of 16 turned out ior the Ladies’ Bracelet Handicap. Blooming Heather being slightly better hacked than Wallet. Espinel shot out smartly and showed the way for half a mile, when she showed a -recurrence of her erratic inlnts by running ofx the course. Blooming Heather then went to the front, and was never afterwards troubled, wanning easily by 10 lengths from Violet Rothschild, with Ribbouette (by Ribbon wood) a dozen lengths away, followed by Wallet, Cis Vivin, Bonnie Boon, and Adieu. The winner, ,wno is only a pony, is a five-year-o.d by Ngajiara, who is shaping well as a sire with limited opportunities. A field of 13 took part in the Plumpton Handicap, the principal event of the day. Betel Nut and Ripon Child (coupled) were slightly better backed tiian Piecework. Soon alter the start Ripon Child and Blown Beil broke, and Betel Nut was left with a substantial lead. At the end of half a mile he had Florin as his near cast attendant, followed by Ripon Child and Browm Bell. Two furlongs furtr.er on . Piecework and Ruby B. hud jome-u the (second division, Pnd at th» mile post, where Betel Nut still had a good lead, Piecework was second, just clear of Florin Ripon Child and Ruby S. A little furt.ner oii Florin lost his- place, Hut tlie order of the others remained unchanged, and Betel Nut won easily by ten lengths from Piecework, who was three lengths in front of Ripon Child, with Ruby B. _chore up, followed by Quinoey, Prince Warbeck, Clive, and Prince Wilkin. The winner is a five-year-old stallion by the American die Peralta from Kola Nut, and is therefore a half-brother to the champion King Cole. In his earlier races he has always began slowly, but he jumped out better than usual last week, and stayed the journey- out well. Ho is a good cut of a horse, with a nice style, and I urn prepared to find him developing into a higfhrgrude performer before he is finished. Thirteen was the main for the Lyttelton Handicap, for which Lord A!thorp was a lb Lie better backed t han Wild Victor, with Bellwind and Violet in as next choices. The field included several. uncertain customers, and Francita, Wild Victor, Bomudline, and W alia.ee M upheld their reputations by playing up at the staid. Nancy Marley went off smartly, and at the end of half a milt she was showing the way to Bell wind, with Violet M next and Francita and Ferira close up. A little further on Ferira broke, but he was sc-on going again, and at like mile post he was in cl targe, followed by Bellwind. These two drew away together, and though both broke in the third half-mile, they quickly recovered, and Ferira won by six lengths, Bellwind beating lord Althorp, who ran a fine race from scratch, by two lengths, with Solo close up, and the rest pulling oli. The winner is a six-ycar-a;d son of Franz, who left a lot of line horses he rep and who would have been a valuable addition to our breeding stock if he had l>oen retained here. Ferira is very speedy, but is uncertain. though in this race ho settled down better than usual after his breaks. Twelve lined up for the Stewards’ Handicap, for nnhoppled trotters. Lula Child- Electrocute, Lord Cardigan, and Master Raymond being the order of favouritism. Kelso refused to leave the mark. Clovewoo cl went off smartly, and was soon joined by Lula Child, who broke but was soon going again. At the end of half a rnilo Clevcw'ood and Lula Child were showing the way to Sir Joe, Miss Ngapan, and Lor cl Cardigan, but at the mile post Master Raymond had run through and joined I-ula Child and Sir Joe in the lead. Two furlongs further on Master Raymond drew nwav bv himself, and wen. pulling up, by 10 lengths from Lula Child, who was three lengths in front of Te Kuiti, with Sir Joe, D or d Vivian, Eletrocufce, Clcvewood, and Woodbell following in that order. The winner is not much to look at, but can go fast and stay, though he has let his supporters down several times during the last year. Lula Child showed plenty of pace, but went unsteadily in patches. Electrocute ran a fair race. He jp a grand cut

of a trotter that will make a big mark yeA The Islington Handicap attracted a held of 14, Maid of the Forest and Lady Kattoo, who had both shown fair form at Ashburton. the previous week, being the popular fancies. They quite justified the opinion of backers, as they were in front all the way, Maid of the Forest beating Lady Ra'ttoo by two lengths, with. Grace Darlington a dozen lengths away, just in front of Idaho, Princess Louise, and. Oceanic. The winner is a smart five-year-old by Wildwood from Amelia, who was a speedy but erratic nailer in her day. Princess Louise, who has been an unlucky mare, and who has been off the scene for some time through -mishaps, ram a good race, and may be worth watching shortly. Fourteen was the main for the Railway Handicap. Cute being a warm favourite, with Ohrid Bcldon, Empress Eugenic, and. Solo next best backed. Kavalli and Child Bcldon went off smartly, and at the end of half a mile they wore ten lengths clear of Wild Arab and Onward (Australia), who in turn had a big lead from the rest of the field. A little further on Wild Arab drew away from Onward and w-ent after the readers. He passed Child Bcldon at the entrance to the straight, and after a. great finish beat Kavalli by a neck. Child Bcldon was six lengths away third, and then came Clotah. Solo, Onward, Onawa, and Cute m close order. Cute, who is a three-year-old filly by Jav Bel don from a Specification mare, lost a lot of ground by refusing to strike a gait at the start, but afterwards showed a great burst of speed, and is a certain winner at an early date. W ild Arab has been on the scene a long time, and has some good form to his credit. Ho was neglected by backers, but his win was very popular, as C. Kerr’s successes always are. The dav’s snort was concluded with the Final Handicap, for which the field numbered K Ned Corbett being a little better fancied than the bracketed T. F. C. and FVdd Maid G-rcv Echo and Rosemary led for half v .mile, when they were joined by Ned Corbett. T. F. C.\ and Early Dawn. At the entrance to the straight Eocoma-ry diew away again, and, running on, she beat T. F. C. by four lengths. Blue Rose took third place at the distance, but Lady Lyons. who had made a bad break oar.y in the race. got up in time to dead-beat Blue Rose for third place, a length behind T. F. C.» wifcn Grey Echo close up. The winncir is a daughter of Franz, and she can t>{> marked off for further distinction in good company, as she is very smart. On the second dav a start was made with the Progressive Handicap, for which Wallet and Bonnie Jenny (coupled) were u solid first choice. Backers were well on the mark, as they finished first and second. Kirwee began smartly, but soon had Wallet and Bonnie Jenny in close attendance. They ran this way for a mile and a-quar-tor, when Wallet went on in front, and staved there to ihe finish. Bonmo Jenny passed Kirwee three furlongs from home, but was beaten by five lengths for first place. Kirwee was pulling off hi, the straight, and was caught on the post by Miss Lyons and Maggie Wylie, the lastnamed just gaining third piece by a length from the other pair. St, Trella played tip at. the start and interfered with The Lark, while Lucky Child lost his driver, these three taking no part in the race. The wanner la p three-year-old filly by the American stallion Wallace L. from a Lincoln Yet mare. She is a smart youngster, and is likely to improve a lot. She seems much more tractable than the majority of the progeny of Wallace L. Fifteen 'horse*, the usual mixed lot, took part in the Ladies’ Bracelet Handicap. Espinel being a strong favourite, with Ois Vivian and Eunice next best fancied. The favourite began well, and soon established a big load. With the assistance of two nie n brandishing whips, she safely negotiated the corner at which she ran off on the first day. but a little further on she stopped and commenced a circus performance, during which she gave a dispay of waltzing, the sulky appearing to trouble her not at all- In the meantime half a dozen horses, running wide, passed her. Then she was got going again, and. gradually cutting -down her opponents, she was in second place at the home turn. She had. however, no chance with Persuader, who won by 10 lengths. Espinel being six lengths in .front of Eunice, with Corbett at the head 'of a bunch, most of thorn nulling off. The winner is a six-year-old by General Lincoln. but be is never likely to take high honours. Ewnincl. who is a four-year-old mare by Wallace L.—Espanita. the darn of that good nia’-e Lodi, has a torrent of pace, but. is very dirty in her manners. As a matter of fact, her entry should not be taken, as she is liable at any time to precipitate an accident. The Champion Handicap, the chief event of the meeting, attracted a field of 15 high-class hnr=es. In the p'-clirnmarv. however. Glendalough showed a- lot of temper, and she wa-s ordered hack to the paddock by the starter. She was certainly shaping like •causing trouble, but it was hard to follow' the starter’s action, in view of his general leniency to horses of this class. As a matter of fact, it would lye well if more strictness were shown in dealing with troublesome horses, but to pick our one ; in this wav, seemed unreasonable. Rnbv B. and Prince Wilkin quickly opened up a big gap. their nearest attendants nr fhe end of a mile being Marie Nn.relle. Piecework, Little Tib. Princess liOiii.se. who were together 100 yards a wav. Half a mile from home Prince Wilkin had the ! measure of Ruby 8.. and he won easily 1 by 50 yards. Little Tib drew' out from the bunch in the last three furlongs, and finished six lengths behind Ruby 8.. while ; Marie Narelle, Dick Fly, and A! i Franz were next, just in front ; of the balance of the field. The | winner, who has been a very consis- : tent performer for some time, is a fiveI vear-old stallion by the successful Prinee ! Imperial from Mbs Wilkin. Tie is a really I good sort, of whom wo have vet to see : the best. Thirteen unhnrmled trotters 1 lined up for the Hornby Handicap. Waira.j knu bring n sound favourite, w'ith Eleeto- ; cute. To Kniti, and Miss Nfrapara evenly fancied, next, in order. Bir Joe went off ! at a gallop, but quickly settlor] down and ! ran to the front, followed by Miss Ngaj para. Olevewood, Glenloth. and Te Kniti. i At. the end of a mile these five were in , a. hunch, but a. little further on Te Kuiti 1 drew' right, away bv himself. Half a mile from home he had a lead of over 100 yards, and he logged in the easiest of winners. Miss Ngnpnra and Lord Cardigan broke in turn when in second place, and Electrocute, finishing well, finished up eight lengths behind the winner, and six j lengths in front of Miss Ngannra. after j whom came Glevewood. (Lord Cardigan, I and White Rock. The winner has been a j disappointing performance in the past. It j has been recognised as n fast trotter, but has frequently settled his chance by ge-

fusing to settle down. In the hands of T. G. Fox, however, ho went from end to end of this race without a slip, and could have got, well below five minutes bad he been pushed. The Advance • Handicap attracted a. field of 17. Proud Girl, Grace Darlington, and Kalgoorlie being evenly backed in the order named. Clotah refused to leave the mark, and Blue Boy went off badly. Onaw-a, Grace Darlington, and Rem a Rosa, ran together in the load for seven furlongs, when Rema Rosa-re-tired. A little further on Grace Darlington went on in front, and Kalgoorlie took third place. At the _ entrance to the straight Kalgoorlie was in hot pursuit of Grace Darlington, but when fairly in line for home Bold Maid put in a great run, and won a fine race by a length from Kalgoorlie, who beat Grace Darlington by a length, with Onawa and Poud Girl close up. The winner showed some improvement on recent displays, and did something to justify the manner in winch she had keen backed more than once, though in this race she was allowed to pay a substantial dividend. She is a useful sort or a mare by Boldrewood, but is never likely to get to the best class. Eleven was the main for the Middleton Handicap, Phosphorous being a warm favourite, wit.i Lord A 1 thorp. Music and Florin evenly i acked in that order, but each with less, than hcjlf the investments on the first choice. Phosphorous wont off smartly, but broke at the end of three furlongs, leaving Music to go on from Bell word ynd Wallace M. At the mile post Phosphorus had run into ■second plaoo a4?ain. lyut ho could never get near Music, who won as he liked by a dozen lengths. Fenra. Who paced evenly all through., was 10 lengths away, just clear of Lopp and Lorn Alt',horp. Lopp ran a fine race, as he lost about six seconds at the start. Music put, up a good performance, as she could have gone a lot faster had it been necessary. She is an aged mare by Commander. who. has left some very useful stock. Another of the bad-tempered brigade, W allace M.. started in this race, but got off nil right, aiter 'being led up to the start by the clerk of tire course. Why he was so favoured is hard to. understand. Thirteen lined un for the Telegraph Handicap, Hue 'Elect being a solid favourite, with T.F.C., R-ipon Child, Wallace Junior, and Harold Min to -even supported in that order. Elsa Huon set a sound pace from the start, Ripon. Child, T.F.C., and Harold Minto being her nearest attendants, rltui a mile from home Hue Elect had run into a good position, and at the to the straight he was in third pi Ace, just behind Elsa Huon and Ripen Chi.ld._ Ihe last-named then shot out, and won decisively by four lengths, Elsa Huon just lasting long enough to beat Hue Elect by half a length, with Discoverer. Harold Mmto, and Blackchild Boy close up. The winner, who is a four-year-old by Proudchilcl, by Rothschild Pride of Lincoln, showed great pace as a. two-year-old, and has shown up attractively more than once since, but this was liis ibost race. He got to the end of the mile in 2.20 3-5, on a dead track and with the conditions altogether unfavourable in a stvlc wdiich stamped him as a good one. Truth fell after going three furlongs, hut escaned without injury. _as did his driver, A. G. Wilson. The meeting was bought to a close with the An Revoir Handicap, for v hich a field of 15 lined un, Kalgoorlie being a strong favourite, with Blue Rose. Millie C, and Tanto nexj. in order of fancy. Prince Randle showed the wav to Grey Echo, lonto, and Woodthorp Maid for half a mile, when lanto and Kalgoorlie went to the front. Kalproorlio t.‘hen drew away by himself, a,jid turned for home well clear of lanto, with Scottish Mac moving up fast. Kal goorlip tired as the result of the hot pace Fn the first half mile, but he won by two lengths from Scottish Mac, Kvbo best Tanto bv six lengths. Blue Rose, who started badly, was close up fourth, just in front of Clive, Woodthorn, Maid, and Rosemary. The field included Mhosotis, who lost all chance by going off on a break. She is at present in work with a view to an attempt on tho record at the next meeting at Forbury Park. meeting of owners and trainers of trotting horses was held last week, at which there was an attendance of about 70 per sons. It was decided to resuscitate the Breeders. Owners, and Trainers’ Association and those present agreed to assist in every way possible. The programme for the New' Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club’s Fehnra-ry meeting was discussed, and a deputation wa-s appointed to wait on the club with a reouest for an increase in stakes for the meeting, a petition urging the claims of owners to further consideration in this direction being largelv signed. Other subjects, including handicapping and starting! were also discussed, and thev were referred for further consideration to Breeders. Owners, arid Trainers Asso-

ciation. M r f. G. Dalgetv s fine little ti-.ave Rnm is * report cd to Haro g<rnp amiss, ami her trainer. G. M. Avmdey. fsHtfns that present inrlknte a m.vhe.p so serious as to be likely to necefii'Hgtc the mans s vn,t Dement from the tu r f. A a a two-vea.r-old Prim suffered from an infirmHv in one of her joints, and though a spell set her rittht, impound ness devoto-md. again early in the next aoi son. a’d p'dnWv robbed the p;la-pirn’s Ppoct"'R fillv r.f a victory in the Oniterburv Oaks. M<wov defeating her de-oi-siveiv. 'With wry careful "handline:, for which her trainer is entitled to great credit, the mare ontgixnv Imr infirmity, and raced with some suconss in the autumn of 1903. ;,\q four-vear-o’d she won four races, in* eluding the Dunedin Gun in which Glenon 1 loch and Noble finished, behind her and the C.-T.G. Mid summer Handicap. Tn the next season she started nine times, and was only twice out, of a place, though her nnlv win was at the fTrndxdi u rch Racing ft]ub’s summer meeting. .She was second to Abenhrrb'o'-k in tfi« Feudal ton Handie,ain at R.icmrton. and third to Aberbrathock and Ringdove in the Metropolitan, and (die was just beaten bv Penates in the Great Easter. Next, year she won the Metrapolitan. and was second in the Great Autumn to Ohed dnr. Tin's 5? on son she failed in the New Zealand Gup and in the Metropolitnn Handicap, in which she finished fifth: but c.’together has been a good Hakeearner. She is a useful mare to lose fam •tbe track, but she should do well at the 'stud. She is hy Pilgrim’s Progress——Nantes, by ‘Stepnlak—Huguenot, so that on the scone of breeding Prim promises /vvo’l as a matron. It is understood that the gentleman who races fle=J Mr G. IMachc.ll has purchased *B»na.h (bv Royal Fusilier —-Liw»adum) from Mr T. H. l/owrv. G. A. Pine, who now ’trains for Air Mach ell. has gone to Wellington to take charge of the colt. R. O’Donnell, in charge of Los Angelos and Ou Ip n't. returned from Auckland on Saturday j but R. J. Mason and H. Cutis

will not baring their teams back till afte*" the Wellington meeting. They have broken the journo y from Auckland at Palmerston North, and will make use of the A wap uni tracks until a few days before the Trentbam. nbseting opens. Sir George Clifforb's team aft Trentham will probably numb, r seven. Autumnus and Heatherbrae are tt> be taken up by E. Outts to join the oou- : tin gent from Auckland. _ I Cotton will leave for Foxton on Friday ! with Kohinoor and Sapience to fulfil en- | gagemente. Koihinoo-r has shown winning , form in the south, but Sapience is bearing ia- very light appearance. Tan roba user has rejoined M'Grath’s tea pi. After a short .rest the Martian gelding appears to have benefited by the spell, having built up considerably. Bonny Glen litas boon put into work again ■ after doiim a eerson at the stud. The son of Stepniak is moving well. Master Paul has been sent to his owner’s place for a well-cabled rest.