SOUTHLAND R.S. HANDICAPS.

Southland Times, Issue 17609, 25 March 1914, Page 2

SOUTHLAND R.S. HANDICAPS.

To tho Kditor. Sir. —Would you kindly allow me space to make a few remarks on .the above. In the Waverley Class Trot (two miles) Medallion. with a record of 'l.ll 1-7) (G. meeting in August last) on scratch, is only asked to give away msecs to Sweetchild, and S.M.. who have only got about 7 and 4..VJ respectively against them, .and they are made to trot 1.22. Why is Frank Henry on the 22sec mark after winning easily last March in 2.49? So 1 must claim that Sweetchild and S.M. are badly treated to say notiting of others T could name. In the Invercargill Trot lone mile and a-ltall) of course Fred is on the scratch. Xow Meree. who receives Kisers, is a maiden horse, and is asked to start off the-same mark as Doughboy. 1 would also like to ask why it is that Allstate, who won the Hirchwood Trot (one mile) at the Wairio .1.0. meeting in 2.29, with Doughboy second. and Doll-tip third, now meets Red Robert and Roll-up on One same mark at til Wairio? Again, Dolly Rodgers won a Trial Handicap in Dunedin last May, in very heavy going, in 4.9- —slow time, of course —but why should Roll-up and Red Robert concede a start to her. In the Southland Cup (one mile and a-quarter) Soldier's Chorus (9.12). Gapon (9.12). and Sombrero (8.12) are at the head of the weights. Sombrero is a harshly treated horse compared with Gapon and others. At Winton Gallon won the Cup with 9.fi on liis hack; Sombrero third witli 9.1. This was the only time on which the pair met tin's season. At (lie Southland R.C. meeting on January 2 and ■'! in the Invercargill Cup Sombrero was asked to carry 9.0. Gapon 9.2. and Martel 9.1 each accepted, but did not start. Gapon went to Xorth Otago on the 2nd Jamt■ry and was beaten hy a head by Martins ■n fast time. Tito same month Gapon came to Gore and won a double, in the second race carrying 9.9. Pa.rable (7.12) running only a moderate third. Gapon next ran second in tho lug handicap on (he second day of the Dunedin Cup meeting beaten by a head by Thrax in the fast time of 1.12. and on the third day was second again to Specialform over a mile and a-quarter in 2.9 4-2. I therefore think Sombrero is not rightly handicapped. and the same remark applies to some below him on the list. Gnome, Martel, and Dady Marcia arc very well treated. I must say a few words regarding the Steeplechase. I am not surprised at the scratching of Kia Ora, when 1 see the way he has been treated with Sportsman, and I am surprised at For-get-me-Xot being asked to give weight to Sportsman, who won in Dunedin witli 9.7. and on the second day with 11.2 lie ran second to Goldpin, who was carrying 11.9. But I must say (he worst handicapping at the meeting is in (lie Flying Handicap. Soldier's Chorus holds pride of place witli 9.12. Ogior 5.9. and Obsono 9.7. I cannot make out how Ogier should be asked to give Obsono weight. Xext. Moongiow is shamefully treated, being placed williin tlhs of Obsono. Mosgioi is weighted at 9.2, At Gore Otakeho carried 7.2 to victory, and Mosgicl ran third witli 7.12, a difference of (libs, Otakeho winning rather easily. Xow Mo.sgiej is asked to give him 141bs. Golden Webb, who won a hack race at Lumsdcn and another at Gore, is placed' on tile same mark as Iciima., anti giving weight to such performers as Gobi Sail, Fender, and Hupulite.— ] a m etc.. I XTHRESTED. AVinlon. March 22, 1911.