TALK OF THE DAY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3425, 4 November 1919, Page 46

TALK OF THE DAY.

By Sentinel

THE NEW ZEALAND CUP MEETING. Saturday next will see the commencement of the Carnival Week in Christchurch, with its star attractions supplied by the New Zealand Oup, New Zealand Trotting Cup, Canterbury Cup, New Zealand Derby, JNew Zealand Oaks, the Stead Memorial Gold Cup, and several important handicaps. The imported horse Gay Lad has been a solid favourite since the declaration of the handicap, and nothing has occurred in the way ot form to bring out another claimant for the position. Gay Lad suffered a slight interruption to his preparation, but was not idle for any serious period, and since then has trained on satisfactorily. When a comparatively green horse he won at Riccarton over a mile under 7.3 in 1.40 4-5, and strode along in such stylo as to leave little doubt about ability to stay if properly seasoned for the task. Another indication of staying power was the great race he ran iir the last Great Easter, in which he suffered a narrow defeat after getting badly away. At that time Gay Lad was not quite timed up, but nevertheless ran a most resolute race, in which his time was rather better than'the winner's—l. 26 2-5. smart performance was put up prior to the Riecarton meeting, when he carried 9.8 and ran six furlongs in 1.13. Gay Lad looks all over a Cup horse, and on the score of breeding he carries just as good or better credentials as any of his opponents. Kilmoon may not be quite keyed up to get two miles, and Heathcreote, whom he just managed to beat for second honours in last year's Derly, is preferred at a difference of 111 b. Heathercote shaped well when he won at Ashburton, and was gomg better at the finish than at any other part of his race. Mascot wop the la.«t Auckland Cup with 6.13, and will have to act under 8.6 at Riccarton. She has always run like a stayer, and was close up in last year's Cup, but the extra weight may anchor her this year. Bonnie Mafd is a doubtful starter, but, fit and well, would be entitled; to a good chance. Yolo, Vagabond, and Nobleman will each have pVenty of frioods; and so will Rose Pink because she ran second last year. Affectation is out. and next comes Kilrush, who has traifed on nicely during the past year. He m»de a good show at the las-t New Zealand Cup meeting, and would, of course, have been doubly dangerous this year if minus his 101 b. penalty. Battle Song did not look particularly attractive when he went out for last year's race, but nevertheless finished fairly close to the placed lot. If he looks more muscular and robust at present he might bo found hard to beat. _ At the present stage there is no great inclination to fancy any of the others, and it will, no doubt be found that Gay Lac! will start a fairly pronounced favourite, whilst Kilrush may bo second in demand. Apart from the above pair, it would not be surprising _ to find Heathereote and Battle Song anything but neglected on the totalisator. At tho declaration of the weights for the Stewards' Handicap there wa»a preference expressed for Bon Spec, Michaela, Klilbrogan, and Torfreda, whilst two lights

weights in Brackcnficld and Cerberus received mention. Torfreda is a doubtful starter, as the stable will probably rely on Murihiku. Desert Gold has come into favour for the race, and another worthy of respect is Onslaught, who looks a likely winner at the meeting. 13on Spec does not seem to bo quite pleasing the critics at Riccarton, but is nevertheless unlikely to be ousted from his position as favourite. Ho is a great beginner, and has several times run out a good six furlongs. Ho holds excellent prospects despite the fact that he has never yet met and defeated a good field. The race is, however, rather opt<n, and it is a very open question as to what may go second choice. If Michaela shapes well in her final gallops at Riccarton she may fill the position. There will be a smaller field than usual in the Welcome Stakes, and at present Humbug and Moorfowl hold the best chances for favouritism. The Derby will bo a buttle between Rossini and Affectation, and although the former will no doubt start favourite, it would create no surprise to find Affectation wearing the ribbon. THE TROTTING CUP. The manner in which the pri:?o money attached to the New Zealand Trotting Cup is split up ensures a field of at least half a dozen going to the post. At the present time a dozen stand their ground, and probably close on that number will be found starting. J. Jardin holds a strong hand with Author Dillon and John Dillon, and is sure to supply a short-priced favourite. J. Bryee has elected to rely on Matchlight instead of Cathedral Chimes or Admiral Wood, anud the fact discounts the opinion that the first-named has now the b'est of the handicap. He beat Author Dillon at 3see, and is now tightened up to lsec, but despite the fact that he is the stable selection the scratch horse will be able to give him the handicap and a beating. Albert Cling should be found going to a faster mark than he has vet reached, but he has not been too reliable off the mark at Addington; however, he will have the advantage of a more up-to-date dispatch to help him away at the start. Albert Cling should beat Trix Pointer on form, but the latter has been steadily improving right through the piece. John, Dillon, at his best, would be a good second arrow in the Jardin quivor, and out from him Moneymaker will not lack friends. THE BLOODiSTOCK SALES. Abundant evidence shows that racing is enjoying a highly prosperous period, and as it is a world-wide popularity no fear need bo entertained of a slump occurring. Under such circumstances there should bo a keen demand for the bloodstock booked to go under the hammer during the New' Zealand Cup week. The amount of prize money on offer all over the Dominion supplies ample temptation to pick up something that has. winning prospects, and there should be no difficulty in making- a_ selection from the lengthy catalogue which will bo offered next week. Captain Deans will offer two yearlings bv Claireneeaux and.one by King- Mark. Claireneeaux is a horse bred on attractive lines, and. on that account his stock should meet with a ready sale. Mr J. F. Buchanan, of the Kinlock stud, where so many fine winners have been reared, will effer 15 youngsters, the majority of whom are by his great sire Martian, and the list includes a full brother to Rossini, .Soldiers' Chorus, and Cherubini. In addition there is a sister to Nones and Menelaus. Mr Buchanan will also be able to offer some of Martian's get from several imported mares.making their first contribution to his catalogues. These youngsters will bo sure to arouse a great deal of interest when they are on view, and should sell to good money if they individually support their pedigrees. The Kinloch list will also include stock got by Kilbroney and Solferino, as well as one got by King Mark. Mr J. F. Reid will naturally expect to see Solferino'c stock in keen demand, as they have been doing well this season, and promise to do even better in the future. In fact, one- of his youngsters in Listening Post was anything but fit when he ran so well at the meeting. The Burnside stud now shelters only a select band of brood mares that have bred winners or else hold good claims to be considered something, supplying every reason to become good producers. Mr W. A. Nicholls will offer a colt and a filly by Sutala and a filly by Masterpiece. The Sutala—Sunglow filly will be sure to attract attention. Mr J. G. Duncan will send up 16 youngsters from the Waikanae stud, and in every case they are bred on winning lines. Mr Duncan has several by Boniform, and other sires represented are Kilbroney, Solferino, Demosthenes, and one by Sunny Lake. With such an excellent selection of sires it will bo strange if the well-bred ma.res in the stud do not supply a largo percentage of good winners. Mr John Grigg, of Lopgbeach, has half a dozen to offer, got bv Nasau. Winkie, Kilbroney, Sunnv Lake, and Calibre. Mr R. O'Donnell has a filly bv Absurd from Formless the dam of Melee; and Mr Bruce Christie sends up a half-sister to Kilrain by Mark Hope. In addition to the above /Mr J. B. Reid sends up his horses in training, and altogether there will be ample opportunity for buyers of prospective winners. THE SUNSHINE TAPROOT. A particularly pleasing feature of a list of foalings which hap just, come to hand from the Waikanae Stud is the fact that it supplies further evidence that Boniform is getting every opportunity to carry on the Musket lines in tail male. Boniform is -represented in the list by four colts and several fillies, and as some of the mares in the stud have been bred to him. it is obvious that the unbeaten son of Multiform and Otterden will not fail through mere lack of opportunity. There is not the shadow of a doubt that a great deal of the racing and stud merit displayed bv Boniform and his half-brother Martian is due to the fact that they both belong to the Sunshine taproot, and in the case of Boniform his pedigree carries the additional attraction of supplying the lino from Pulohra, one of the very best tarjroots in the New Zealand Stud" Book. The merit of the Sunshine taproot is fully .established by the fact that, when allied to three different sire lines, it produces equally great results in each case. In Australia we have it linked with St. Simon, and producing Positano, the sire of three Melbourne Cud winners. Tn New Zealand we have it linked -with Stockwell through Martagon, and producing Martian, a good racehorse and one of the most successful sires the world has ever known, as he has bestowed the very rare combination of speed and stamina. When allied to the Musket line it produces Boniform per medium of Multiform, and if any of the Waikanae-bred colts carry good

shape and line, it is to be sincerely hoped that the knife will not rob us of a chance to see the Musket line have such an excellent chance to survive and carry on one of the best sire lines that hag ever graced the Australasian Stud Books. We can see where the Sunshine family, when allied to the three totally different lines of St. Simon. Stock well, and Musket, has produced highly satisfactory results, and hence there is good reason for allowing the Musket line every opportunity to perpetuate itself through an alliance with a proven tribe on.the distaff side. Passing reference must also be made to another representative of the Sunshine family in Glenapp, who, with very limited opportunity, at least got Fiery Cross, a really good racehorse when at the top of his form. Glenapp represents the Sterling—Oxford line of Birdcatcher, and here we have additional proof that the Sunshine family really sheds more lustre that that suggested by a solar appellation in nomenclature; and, finally, let it be recalled that Light, the dam of Gloaming, is inbred to Sunshine and the Sterling— Oxford lino of Birdcatcher.' Hence, a studmaster should be strongly tempted to link up Boniform or Martian with a Positano marc, or in any other way which will supply an amalgamation of such a great fountain of success as that we know to be inherited by breeding to the Sunshine taproot, which, by the way, has just achieved another important win, as the V.R.C. Derby winner. Richmond Main, is a member of the tribe. SETTING THE TACE. . There is not the slightest scintilla of a doubt about 'Gloaming's brilliancy, but there is about his ability to get a distance. Hence there was a bad plan of campaign apparently mapped out in connection with the Champion Plate, which was one of the slowest-run races at the Wellington spring meeting, and_ the pace in consequence suited Gloaming, who scored comfortably at the finish. Where speed is obvious and stamina doubtful a race against such a horse as Gloaming should be made as solid as possible, but to wait with him is practically bestowing a present of the race. It would be injudicious to go out with a particularly speedy horse in the early part of a race, but the opposition should endeavour to keep reasonably handy, and be in a position, if possible, to force the pace if it is suiting speed rather than staying power. It is not difficult to occasionally sum up the situation before a race is run, but apparently there are occasions where riding instructions are not based on a complete grasp of things at a particular \moment. Gloaming had to race at Wellington under the disadvantage of a* sea voyage from l Sydney, which terminated a few days before the opening of the Trentham meeting. It was thus obvious that the only way to beat him was to make the Champion Plate a race over every inch, but instead of that being the case it reads comparatively speaking, one of the slowest races at the. meeting. There are two golden rules attached to racing. One is that a horse cannot concede ground—in the shone of a start or laying too far off in the early part of a ra.ee—and weight, and theL other is that it is absolutely suicidal for the opposition to a'Jow a slow-run race to take place when speed, such as represented by Gloaming in the Champion Plate, is the hurdle to be negotiated. Yet time after time such a race is allowed to be run to suit such as Gloaming. Many critics placed Desert Gold on a high pedestal, and she would never have been dethroned during her Australian campaigns if the opposition had not made her go every inch of the way in her races. Nearly every thoroughbred has a, turn of speed, but real speed combined with stamina is rare. Hence the great importance of making the opposition do it end to end in either short or long journeys, unless, of course, one is forced to rely on speerf rather than stamina. A race is just as much a test fo->- a tra. ; ne-'s ability as it is for a horse, and those who know the game should never fail to note the condition of the opposition iust as keenly as they are anxious to saddle up their own borre "trjiinrd to the hour." Tt is enually important to grasp the strength of the opposition in n race. Every endeavour should be made to run a race to (?uit one's own horse, and when the situation is not properly a.nalvsed a flukv w'n is vpry apt to occur instead of a result based on the urn-its of a field, as it may be -at any Particular moment. In every race the writer has seen Oloaming run he has been allowed to set his own pace in front. In a s'ow-nin race over anv distance un to 10 furloncs it would be difficult to find anything* capable of beatina: f-llonming for sored, and he would never suffer defeat if allowed +n run his own. race. In the Champion Plate Gloaming may not have been quite tuned up to cvnnoprt r« ; toh. and a slow-run rare would suit him down to the p-round. That such is the case is evidenced bv the fact that Muscot. who, so far. has shown r*o' great pretensions to w.fa. form, is allowed to set _ the pace, «r>d when it 'nmf to sooeditif homo ■TJVvairiinEr is allowed to play a -full hand instead of some effort beinp- ma do to try h'i.<» tvieks nr«d stvr»net,h in the earlier oart of tlv hot-He. ninnming got out first in +h<i Plato, but was steadied and allowed MV=oot to m-dvc the pace so loner ijo if -<siiit«\<-l and others tcotp in behind nlo-fincr i n tf, the opposition of fho favourite. n.id h"iice it wno pot surorismt* to find him winning comfortably in slow time. THE GORE MEETING. The Gore Racing Club's spring meeting takes rank as the most successful ever held on the course. The attendance on the second day was easily a record, and that of the first ran to very satisfactory numbers. The fields wore not very strong in point of numbers, but speculation was particularly bris<c. and will result in placing a substantial sum in the club's coffers. The success achieved should be particularly gratifying to the club, and give strong encouragement towards the issue of more ambitious programmes than the Gore m-eetings usually .provide. The track was in good order, but not so fast as usual owing to recent rainfalls. It was, however, excellent galloping ground. No one seemed to miss the steeplechase events, Avhich have been deleted from tho £«-mg programme, although a race between the flags is always an attraction to any meeting. The going at Gore has generally been too hard for cross-country racing, and as most 'chasers are out of commission during the summer months, there is a good deal of risk in catering for the jumpers. The principal event on the first day was the Waikaka Handicap, run over a mile and a distance. A field of seven faced the starter, and Tin Soldier, now trained by J. 0. Hymers, was always going well, and* won comfortably. The Calibre— Tinwald Beauty gelding looked a bit

rotund, but was galloping- stronger than anything at the finish. Claverhouse stayed on better than Sedd-el-Bahr, and cut him out of second money in the last half-dozen strides. A good deal of uso was made of Clenshine, and he stopped before getting a mile. John Barleycorn ran a fair race after losing ground at the start, but Highwater and Thaddeus showed indifferent form. On the second day, over a mile and a-quarter, Tin Soldier was meeting John Barleycorn on 141 b worse terms and Glenshine on 151 b worse terms. John Barleycorn presented a more pleasing appearance in the birdcage, and strode home a fairly comfortable winner from Tin Soldier, whilst the fast finishing Glenshine was a good third. A lot of money came for Marianne, but she was beaten before reaching the straight. Linden ran a good race until about half a furlong from home, but Thaddeus again made a poor show, and apparently the Gore track is a bit too much on the turn to suit him. The chief sprint on the first day supplied a red-hot favourite in Michaela, but when Mr Harley snapped the field off as the horses were moving into the barrier Michaela stood flatfoot, and the others beat her eight or 10 lengths over the first furlong. She gradually made up ground, but when under hard pressure in the straight her rider lot go her head, and she swerved in behind the placed lot. Glensponse won in good style, and as he recorded 1.15, Michaele would have required to do something fairly smart to pet up and win under the circumstances. On the second day Marjory bolted, and the field for Flying Handicap was sent away without her. The race at the business end became a duel between Redshire and Benefit, and the latter worried the other down in a good battle to the post. The minor events all assisted to make up an interesting meeting, which left a pleasant impression on all who enjoy sport amidst pleasant surroundings.

FOALINGS OF THE WAIKANAE STUD MARES, 1919 SEASON.

Lovesick (sister to Nones and Menelaus), bay colt to Kilbroney; Thames, bay colt to'Kilbroney; Peace, bay colt to Boniform; Peronilla (Welcome Stakes), bay filly to Clarenceux; Bcbe, bay filly to Boniform; Margarethe, bay colt to Boniform; Mistime (sister to Miscount), bay filly to Boniform; Lady Jean II (imp.), bay filly to Boniform; Desrina (imp.), bay filly to Boniform; Glen Helen, bay filly to Boniform; Snowlike (half-sister *to Rebecca), bay colt to Bezonian; Aloha, de-ad twins to Boniform; Lady Stewart, chestnut filly to Solferino; Paphia, bay colt to Martian; Vice Reine, brown colt to Boniform; Peirene (Wellesley Stakes), bay filly to Boniform; Killena, bay filly to Sunny Lake; Rosyth, bay colt to Kilbroney; Secret Link, bay filly to Boniform; Snow Waif, bay filly to Martian; Ribble (half-sister to Emperador), bay filly to Boniform; Philomel, bay colt to Boniform; Sunbird (sister to Ardenvhor and Mascot), bay fillv to Boniform; Satisfaire (dam of Weary Willie), bay filly to Boniform; Snowstell (dam of Rebecca), bay filly to Boniform; Khamsin (half-sister to Vladimir), chestnut filly to Boniform; Bonny Helen (Wanganui Guineas and Oaks), chestnut colt to Bezonian; Somniforni (sister to Bon Rev-e and dam of Sleepy Head and Wake), brown filly to Bezonian.