SPORTING

Southland Times, Issue 20498, 29 May 1928, Page 10

SPORTING

NOTES BY SIR MODRED. Acceptances for the first day of the Canterbury Park Trotting Club’s Winter meeting are due at noon to-day. Southern visitors can journey to and return by rail from the D.J.C. Winter races on Saturday, Monday and Wednesday. The one-time brilliant steeplechaser, Pamplona, will probably be a starter on the second or third day at Wingatui races. In discussing Overdrawn as a stayer several writers have failed to note that he was second to Count Cavour in Dunedin Cup. The first of the southern horses to leave for Wingatui will probably be Cupid’s Dart and Schottische, who are due to depart today. A. McDonald will ride Brigadier Bill in the Great Northern Steeplechase and Mister Gamp (9.0) in the G.N. Hurdle Race contest. A. G. Campbell, who piloted Perle de Leon at Wanganui, has been engaged to ride the Polydamon gelding in the Great Northern double. Trentham trainer H. Telford has completed arrangements to take his team to Wanganui for the winter and will probably leave early in June. A. McDonald won the Great Northern Steeplechase on Master Lupin in 1919 and Sir Roseberry in 1925, and next week guides Brigadier Bill. It is noticeable that Stormy (8.1) has been left hi the Cornwall Handicap (one mile and a-quarter.) on the opening day oi the Auckland R.C. meeting. The name of the Australian buyer who has purchased Covent Garden has not been announced, but he may be a consistent buyer of Maoriland horses. Despite various reports as to Master Doon and Stormy being raced as jumpers, both have been left in the Cornwall Handicap failed at the Auckland R.C. meeting. Two jumpers recently in the limelight, viz., San Fera and Polyphemus, have been left in the Greenlane Steeplechase at Auckland and both may race well. It is reported that the only Wellingtontrained horse to race at the Auckland Racing Club’s Winter fixture will be Catkin, who is prepared by the veteran J. W. Lowe. At the present time the Southland Rac ng Club’s staff are engaged in removing the old entrance gates and generally preparing for widespread improvements at this spot. It is understood that Bran Pie (Buckwheat, imp.—Eager Eyes) will probably be mated with Panmure (imp.) this season. At the present time the owners of the English stallion are making arrangements to accommodate a number of matrons from Canterbury and Otago during the forthcoming season. The promise displayed by Sir George Clifford's representatives, Prickles, Broadmoor and Hurlyburly, and the deeds of others of Panmure’s progeny during the current season have evidently directed attention to the Southland sire. In commenting on the Dunedin Jockey Club’s Winter meeting, “St. Clair” writes in the Dunedin Evening Star:—“An acceptance of eleven in the Birthday Handicap assures that the principal race of the day will be a good one, and though Overdrawn should start favourite, there will be solid support for both Overhaul and Bilbo. The latter is reported to have been doing good work on the Invercargill tracks, and he is one of the best stayers in the field.” The hunter-steeplechaser, Nylotis, has returned to Invercargill from his term with the Birchwood Hunt and has resumed work with the team under the care of F. W. Ellis, The descendant of Obolus was unfortunate in his last run with the dogs, as he was jumped on by another horse and sports an injured hind limb. The Western district jumper is hardly as well as could be wished, as he has had very little time in which to build up since he came to town, but he is apparently sound enough and ranks as a gelding to clearing the stiffest fences at Wingatui. The northern horseman, T. Green, who has now terminated his successful apprenticeship with R. E. Hatch, was at the Amberley meeting on Saturday, but was not seen in the saddle. Another spectator was A. E. Ellis, who has made a good recovery from his recent accident. “St. Clair" writes in the Dunedin Evening Star:—“Now Wharncliffe has not been paid up for in the Otago Steeplechase Handicap, it leaves it a much more open race, and unless Dubious is a surprise packet as a steeplechaser Greenstone will probably be found too good a stayer over the three and a-quarter miles than any of the others. After his win at Timaru last month Antrim Boy must be given a chance in the Tradesmen’s Handicap with only 71b above the minimum. He has been working well lately, and should again account for Booster, who is conceding him 341 b. Taboo, especially if the going should be heavy, is always a dangerous horse when well, and on his Timaru form he must be one of the hardest to beat. Gay Sonnet, with a good horseman up, is also one of the dangerous division.— The Hunters’ Steeplechase has only drawn a weak field, and the top-weight, on his Riverton form, should be both galloping and jumping when the others are tiring over the last half-mile. Soldiers’ Dream is probably the best of the others.-—Oriflamb and Kaikahu will be found dominating the betting on the Jumpers’ Flat Handicap, and Beauty Light appears to be the most dangerous of the others engaged.—A good field of eleven has been paid up for in the Winter Handicap, including five northern trained horses. Given firm going Flying Mist would be very hard to beat, but Rotor, who incurred a penalty at Amberley on Saturday, and Fairy Herald are a pair likely to show up.” After the decision of the G. B. Starky Memorial Handicap at Amberley on Saturday (remarks the Christchurch Press), the cup attached to the stake, presented by Mr J. B. Starky, was handed to E. Scoullar, trainer of Rotor, by Mrs G. N. McLean, w’ife of the club’s president. Mr McLean regretted the absence of Mr R. M. Greenslade, owner of Rotor, but felt sure the southern sportsman would cherish possession of the trophy, which was given by a worthy son to perpetuate the memory of a worthy father and a great sportsman. Mr McLean announced that the cup for next year’s race would be presented by Mr G. Starky, and that for the following year by Mr W. B. Starky, and he hoped the event would always attract a strong field, and an interesting contest such as had been provided that day. E. A. Berry’s bay gelding Awa-iti, who won the Kowai Trot at the Amberley meeting on Saturday, is a four-year-old gelding by Logan Pointer —King Cole mare (says the Lyttelton Times), so he is bred for stamina as well as speed. He is quite a novice, but he paced very evenly all the way and stayed out the journey in very attractive style. Later on he will do still better. He was ninth in order of selection. An Australian exchange throws some light on what “a certain consultation” means to “Tattsmania.” Last year the Tasmanian Government profited to the extent of £480,000. Over 300 clerks were employed continuously, and a countless army of agents. A select party of 20 postal officers did nothing else but handle the matter of the concern. Another 20 people were employed continuously printing tickets and result slips. English files continue to be full of tales about Tipperary Tim, the sensational winner

of the latest Liverpool Grand National. He himself, we are told, was once sold for £5O. His sire, Cipango, after an inconspicuous career on the turf, was sold for 13gns., and his stud fee in Ireland was only three guineas. Yet Cipango was a well-bred horse, as his breeding by a son of St. Simon out of a mare by Rosicrucian, was identical with that of the classic winners Volodyovski (Derby), Doricles (St. Leger) and Vedas (Two Thousand Guineas). The National winner is said to have one peculiarity, a parrot mouth, and he cannot eat grass. Further, he is a tubed horse, his wind having been affected since last year. The Riccarton owner-trainer, J. McCombe, who will probably seek fields and pastures new in the near future, has a number of young stock for private sale at present, including a pair of promising untried fillies by Archery (imp.) from Leading Lady, by Royal Artillery -Sopra, by Positano—Soprano, by Goldsborough -Melody, aged three and four years respectively. Another of McCombe’s horses for disposal is the three-year-old Amorist, by Ba verstock (Maltster — Wakeful, by Trenton—Insomnia, by Robinon Crusoe -Nightmare) from Amicitia (Grafton- Loveday, by Projectile--Love-loch, by Lochiel). Amorist, who was schooled for jumping as a youngster, might develop into a useful hurdler. The Riccarton mentor is not asking prohibitive prices for his horses. Most of the trouble in the Liverpool Grand National Steeplechase was caused by Easter Hero, for whom Captain Lowenstein, of Belgium, gave £lOOO a few days before the race. Easter Hero, "who carried 12.5, was caught on the thorn fence, which is sft high and 3ft 3in wide, and while he was astride it, and struggling to free himself, 20 other horses were stopped. Koko (12.2), who had also been bought at a high figure a few days before the race, fell at the Becher’s Brook fence and plunged head first into the ditch. Ropes had to be requisitioned to pull him out. I The Riccarton contingent for the Dunedin Jockey Club’s meeting (reports the Lyttelton Times) will number about a dozen horses, those booked for the trip south being Fresco, Rotor, Malmsey, Zeuxis, Nine of Spades, Nincompoop, Chickwheat, Gold Mint, and the hurdlers, Oriflamb, Heisler and Royal Land. They look a useful lot. capable of getting some money during the three days’ racing at Wingatui. Amberley form should be a good guide so far as most of them are concerned. The Hawke’s Bay correspondent of the Christchurch Star reports as follows: "There are a dozen occupants just now in Stewart Waddell’s stable at Greenmeadows. Beacon Light, looking well after a spell, has just been brought in, as also has his half-sister, Lucky Light, and King’s Jester, • a four-year-old full brother to Anomaly and 1 a half-brother to Shirley. Both Lucky 1 Light and King’s Jester look like being able | to gallop fast. Last Mark, a big two-year- • old full-brother to Anomoly and King’s I Jester, has been up some little time, but is not being hurried. He is such a big one that the patient policy should be a wise one. Scutari, by Cetigne—Dolara, is another of those which has just come in again. Then there is Kilmoyler, which S. Waddell is training for the Wellington owner, Mr. J. Dealey, and a two-year-old filly, Mosen, by Leighton—Freija. owned by himself. On appearance this is a real nice filly and she will, I think, prove speedy. The coming two-year-olds are five in number, of which Mr. W. T. Hazlett has four. These are a chestnut colt by Surveyor—Te Moti, another by Chief Ruler- -Nottawa, and two of his own breeding, a filly by Paper Money from that good winner-producer Simper, and the other by Grandcourt (imp.) from Simper’s daughter, Razzle Dazzle. This filly is Razzle Dazzle’s first foal and is a credit to her, but the youngster bears an ugly scar on one of the hind legs caused by coming in contact with a barbed wire fence. The Simper filly, on looks, is the pick of the bunch. She is a sweet filly with great quarters. Another nice filly is the last on the list. This is a big lengthy hack by Paper Money—Pelt, and is owned by her breeder, Mr. J. D. Ormond. She may not come to hand as early as some of the others, but when she has matured she should be one of the best of the lot.” Private information received on Saturday was to the effect that the rising three-year-old filly Flicker, by Paper Money—lllume, bred by Mr. W. T. Hazlett, had been beaten into second place in a race in Sydney, probably at the Ascot Pony meeting. CANTERBURY TURF NOTES. THE SALE OF WHARNCLIFFE. THE BABE WELL FOR DUNEDIN. THE AMBERLEY ANNUAL MEETING. ROTOR'S CONVINCING SUCCESS. MALMSEY GALLOPS WELL. SMART JUVENILE PACERS. (Special to the Times.) Christchurch, May 28. We had very heavy rain during the week. It started early on Wednesday, and it poured incessantly until almost mid-day on Thursday. It put the plough out of commission at Riccarton, but did very little damage to the other tracks. There has been very little schooling during the week, although the schooling tracks are the best at headquarters. Satrap is sold, and is now well on the way to his new home in Queensland. The deal having been completed T. H. Gillett took the Paladin gelding to Wellington on Thursday evening, and handed him over to his buyer’s representative. M. Duggan did not go across in charge of Satrap, as was previously stated. He is here in Christchurch. Mr J. S. Barrett has purchased Wharncliffe from Mr J. J. Lewis, subject to the con of Thurnham passing the vet. It took some days to complete the deal, as Mr Lewis, having stated a price, stuck to it. What the price was has not been stated, but several people w’ho profess to know say £BOO, and a heavy percentage of the gelding’s winnings for one year. Mr Barrett completed the deal before the acceptances closed for Dunedin. He allowed the gelding to drop out of his engagements at Wingatui, having decided to race him at the Wellington winter meeting, and finally at Riccarton in August. The Grand National Steeplechase is, of course, the particular race in view. A. E. Ellis was present at Amberley on Saturday. He is still somewhat stiff, but is confident that he will be fit to ride at Dunedin. Gay Queen hit herself on the eve of the acceptances for Amberley, and was allowed to drop out of her engagement in the hurdle race. Her owner was unlucky as on the rnare’s work she could hardly have lost. F. Christmas entered Zeuxis in a race at Amberley, but did not accept for him. There is nothing wrong with the son of Sarto. He is galloping well so Christmas decided to save him for Dunedin. Chickwheat is to race at Dunedin, after which he is to resume his schooling over hurdles, which was interrupted owing to a slight accident. He raced at Amberley on Saturday, but never threatened danger. On looks the race should do him good, as the course has always been to his liking, he may do better at Wingatui. C. Emerson denies that he has been engaged to ride Black Mint at Dunedin. He Is riding very well at present. The Babe is reported to have done particularly well since he raced at Timaru. A good jumper and stayer, with a nice turn of speed, he should do well over country this winter. The Amberley meeting attracted a large number of people from Christchurch. The train was fairly well filled, but was not a success, as it was half an hour late I in getting to Greney’s Road on its outward I journey, and forty minutes late in arriving back to the city at night. Its late arrival

at the course cost the club some money, as the investments on the first race were very light. ’ The loss was made up later and in the end the totalisator turned over considerably more than it did a year ago. The weather was perfect for a jaunt into the country, and this no doubt accounted for the large attendance. The track was in splendid order, not fast, but beautiful for horses to gallop on. The racing was specially good, and there was not an inquiry during the afternoon. The five runners in the Brackenfield Hurdle Handicap were a particularly bad lot. Any decent class hurdler could have carried 12.0 and beaten them. When told to go Heisler rushed to the front, and soon established a long lead, although the pace .-set was not fast. Before going five furlongs Oriflamb, who pecked badly at the i;tand hurdle, went up and joined Heisler. Shortly afterwards he went out by himself, and it looked as if the race was all over. With three furlongs to go Heisler ran up and challenged the leader, who compounded at once, and left the Lord Multifed gelding to run home alone, albeit he was a very weary gelding. The favourite Royal Land finished third, but was never dangerous at any stage of the race. Why he was made favourite by the public is beyond understanding. Tarleton and Rangiawhio finished well behind the placed horses, and ran very badly indeed. The time this race was run in 3.5 4-5, does not in any way show that the track was/ in a bad way, it wasn’t; but rather the capabilities of the horses. Of the twenty-three horses engaged in the Novice Stakes, twelve were withdrawn on rhe course. On paper Solgele, with C. Emerson up, looked a good bet, and the public went solidly for him, with Greyfinch next best. After these two there was a very big drop to Gay Crest. On looks the two favourites were certainly the best conditioned in the field. Despite the fact that he had drawn a place well out at the barrier, Solgele was soon in front being chased by Greyfinch, and there he stopped to the finish. This is the second time he has won this race, and he is still eligible to win it again, as it is for horses that have not won a stake of £lOO. Scrambler looked to have a chance of beating Greyfinch for second money, with a furlong to go, but she tired badly, and could do no better than finish fifth. Despot ran a very disappointing race, and evidently is not much good. Merivale did better than usual, but Gay Crest ran a wretched race. It will take time for him to come good. The eleven acceptors went to the post for the G. B. Starky Memorial. The top weight Battle Colours was spoken of, and backed, as the best of good things. When the machine closed he had nearly three times as much invested on him than had Rotor the second favourite. When the barrier was released Amor and Bronstell took charge from Moratorium and Rot or with Battle Colours and Thorndale next. All running in pairs and close up with four furlongs to go Bronstell failed, and Rotor took his place alongside Amor, while he was obviously going well. At the end of another furlong C. Emerson asked Battle Colours to move up, but there was no re sponse, so he sat down and rode him along. Then Thorndale left him and went after the leaders, while Sir Roy and Fresco came along from the back. Rotor entered the short straight clear of Amor, Moratorium and Thorndale, with the race won, ana he ran on to win comfortably. The race for second place was good. Moratorium beat Amor by a neck, with Sir Roy a head away, having Thorndale almost level, with Fresco alongside him. The rest were not strung out, but Battle Colours was last of them. Mr G. N. McLean, president of the club, when presenting the gold cup to Mr R. M. Greenslade’s representative, announo. ed that two more gold cups had been promised the club by members of the late Mr G. B. Starky’s family. The win was a very popular one. The fact that a number of young pacers with classical engagements were to run in the Kowai Trot, attracted a lot of interest to the event, indeed it was the sole reason why a number of enthusiasts had attended the meeting. There being twenty-one horses to go off the front, they were split into two divisions. Indeed the starter was approached as to the advisability of making them into three divisions, on account of a numer of them being veritable babies. This however he would not listen to. There was very little delay before the lot got away to a beautiful start. No Fear at once assumed the lead, with a big bunch handy in which the favourite Grandlight, who is a two-year-old black colt by Matchlight —Our Aggie, was very prominent. A solid pace was set, but J. Bryce let the favourite head off No Fear after going half the journey, but E. A. Berry who was shepherding him with the four-year-old Awa-iti, continued on at his wheel. This pair soon put a good gap between themselves and the rest. Try as he would Grandlight could not shake off Awa-iti who was being driven very confidently, and it caused no surprise when the older horse came on to win after enter ing the straight. Though beaten Grandlighk was in no way disgraced. He is a fin-, stamp ofr a pacer, and he will do gooa things. Mussolini who finished third is a member of W. Warren’s team. He did not begin as well as the others, but he was running on at the finish. The runners in the Seadown Hack Handicap, are never likely to do much good for their owners. Waihemo was the first to find his feet, and he was never seriously troubled afterwards. The win does no; make Waihemo out to be a good one, as none of those in the race are ever likely to make much money for their owners. It would be hard to find a weaker field. The Amberley Handicap was a really good betting race. Of the six runners, four of them were evenly supported and nothing would have paid a “limit” dividend. When the machine closed Gold Mint was a slightly better favourite than Zaragoza, while Sprinkler and Sagittarius were almost as well backed. The lot got away in line, but Sagittarius was at once rushed to the front with the intention, if possible, of winning all the way. Running along the back he had a clear lead of Polydectes, who had Zaragoza and Sprinkler at his heels, with Gold Mint next. Approaching the straight the lot closed on Sagittarius who, owing to his damaged knee, was hanging out so badly that W. Bush had to use his whip along his neck in an endeavour ta keep him in. Polydectes having retired Zaragoza and Sprinkler slipped through on the inside of Sagittarius, followed by Gold Mint, and Zaragoza looked to have the opposition beaten very comfortably, when Gold Mint threw out a determined challenge that got him to within a head of the mare as the winning post was passed. Sprinkler was a fair third, but stopping, and was well clear of Sagittarius, who is not the galloper he once was. Gold Mint appears to be racing much more generously than he used to do. It is only a matter of his continuing in the same humour for a little while longer, and he will win a race or two. Polydectes is I am afraid a traitor. Malmsey was backed down to under evens in the Glasnevin Hack Handicap. Lancer and Amor were however very well supported. For once Amor met something to beat him for the lead. Atone went out at a great pace, and soon had a big lead of Amor and Solfello, who were well clear of Malmsey and Master Clarence. Page Boy, a good-look-ing, but unexperienced, six-year-old gelding by Clarenceux —Tatrix was slow to find his feet. Once galloping he rushed through the field until he was in front of Malmsey He could not keep going however and soon dropped back. He will do better later on. Atone was still in the lead entering the straight from Amor and Solfello with Malmsey behind them, all being under pressure. Once' straightened up for the winning post Amor took charge. Forty yards he was still clear of Malmsey who was galloping so well however that she beat him home by a good length. Lancer who had lost ground in the early stages of the race, finished well and just missed getting into the money Malmsey was much too good for the opposi tion, and is the makings of a good mare. Amor as usual ran honestly, but he is not much good. Had Lancer got a better run early he also would have beaten Amor. The distance was just a little too far for Atone, who is sure to win over shorter courses. At the end of a mile the Teviotdale Trot had resolved itself into a two horse race. Lightfoot, pulling hard, had gone to the front, and pursued by Danny Boy was leaving the field. Twice Danny Boy ran

up to the leader only to be beaten off each time. Then D. Withers who drives Danny Boy gave him a breather and having waited until the straight was entered he threw out a final challenge that was just good enough to land him a winner. Had V. Alborn allowed Lightfoot to run along instead of pulling at him it is problematical if he would not have won easily. He certainly had more pace than Danny Boy. AUCKLAND TURF NEWS. THE COMING MEETING. WILL BEAU CAVALIER GO TO AMERICA ? (Special to the Times.) Auckland, May 28. It has been decided to divide the Jervois Handicap, making eight races instead of seven, at Ellerslie next Saturday. Each division will be treated as a separate race, the totalisator being opened on each occasion The money for the Jervois Handicap has been raised from £4OO to £650, £325 being allocated to each division. The first division is composed of Waltzer, Respirator, Speechless, Auriculus, Orchus, Appellant, Catapult, Storm Fiend, Lord Abbey Template, Parfait Amour, Miss Myrtle, Sunny Morn, Te Whaka, Viburnum, Good Boy, Blue Spear, Tidal and Kildeer, with the remainder in the second division. Billy Barton was sent to England to represent America in the Aintree Grand National a couple of months ago. He was leading with Tipperary Tim at the last fence, where he fell, but eventually got second 'money. Will Beau Cavalier be America’s hope next year for the English Grand National? This question is prompted by the knowledge that sportsmen from the United States are negotiating with the owner of Beau Cavalier and there is every prospect of a deal being completed, so it is understood. Beau Cavalier claims engagements at Ellerslie this week-end, the programme mapped out for him being the Great Northern Hurdles, Great Northern Steeplechase and Winter Steeplechase on the first, second and third days respectively. Apparently the Americans are now paying more attention to the jumping branch of the game, for there is one steeplechase to be run a few months hence that is worth £ll,OOO, nearly six times the value of oui Great Northern Steeplechase. It is no doubt with the idea of winning this that Beau Cavalier is wanted and if he performs up to expectations, may be sent to England. It is understood that the position at present is that even if a deal is completed, Beau Cavalier will fill his Ellerslie engagements. Of course, the price necessary for the American sportsmen to acquire Beau Cavalier is certain to be pretty solid. It will bo remembered that last year there were negotiations between the owner of the Chesterfield gelding and an Australian syndicate and the price then mentioned was stated to be 4,ooogns, but this sum is not confirmed. While that is a lot for a steeplechaser, it is doubtful whether the Beau will change hands at much less than that price if he does go to America. The outcome of negotiations will be awaited with considerable interest by the racing fraternity. Last year Beau Cavalier accomplished a remarkable feat in winning the three biggest cross-coun-try races the Dominion can offer, the Great Northern Steeplechase, the Wellington Steeplechase and the Grand National Steeplechase. Incidentally, the trainer, H. Tooman, now has the Beau even better - ' than the horse was twelve months ago. Town Bank has arrived from the Waikato and has been taken over by A. Trilford who will train him in future for Mr J. M. Samson. The Archiestown gelding is looking in nice condition to fulfil his engagements at the coming meeting. ARCHIBALD A BRILLIANT HURDLER. TIME TEST FOR JUMPERS. The work on the tracks the past few days has ./been of increasing interest, for not only has the work itself showed up some candidates at the Great Northern meeting in a more favourable light than others, but it has also served to indicate what the mission of some of the horses is to be. Now that it has been announced, semiofficially, that Beau Cavalier is to take in both the Northerns, even more interest has been manifested in his efforts in the mornings, and from what has been seen of him it can be said that his connections must feel very satisfied with the efforts he is making. He has not been schooled over hurdles yet, but he has gone ov.er the country a couple of times, on the last occasion his task being a full round—twelve fences—of the steeplecha.se course, including the hill. Then he gave a grand exhibition of lepping, barely making a mistake and clearing the fences very fast. To show that he has not lost his pace he. galloped a slick seven furlongs on Thursday morning so that there is every reason to hope that Beau Cavalier will take a good deal of beating in both Northerns. Easily the best display of hurdling seen at Ellerslie for some time was that given by Archibald last week. He was associated with Aberfeldy in once round on the outside of the course proper and the manner in which he fenced was reminiscent of his schooling twelve months ago on the eve of last year’s Great Northern Hurdles in which he was eventually beaten into second place by a good one in Wedding March. Archibald had it well on the southerner throughout, but then there are not many horeses that would foot it with lhe Archiestown gelding over nine furlongs and clear five hurdles. It appeared as if Aberfeldy was more than a bit strange at these hurdles, more so than being required to work the righthanded way, for he did a lot of racing at Randwick, on the flat, and over the big and small obstacles, so that it could not have been this that unsettled him. Probably when next schooled here Aberfeldy will show that he is all that is claimed for him. He looks remarkably fit, and if he makes a good showing in his next time over the sticks he will maintain his position as one of the favourites for the big Hurdles at Ellerslie next Saturday. That there was merit in the performance put up by Archibald is confirmed, if such confirmation were really necessary, by the watches. From the first hurdle to the last, a distance of nine furlongs, and with five hurdles to be jumped, took 2.15 2-5, and this was registered very wide out, Archibald being probably as much as 75 feet out from the rails, whilst his companion had the inside running throughout. That the pace was also on in the middle stages was shown by the fact that from the first time past the post to the three furlongs, a distance of six furlongs, the watch showed 1.31 3-5, and going out of the straight, and again passing the five furlong post, the going was decidedly uphill, and the track was soft. Compare this with the times registered by others that went over the same ground, both before and after Archibald galloped. Karamu ran from hurdle to hurdle in 2.22 3-5, the middle six furlongs as above being done in 1.37 2-5. Later Royalform and Zircon occupied 2.20 for the same circuit, with 1.34 4-5 for the six furlongs. The latter would give a good line on Archibald’s effort, for both Royalform and Zircon had the pace on. Knowing this, it cannot be gainsaid that Archibald has a fine chance in the Great Northern Hurdles. His rider, A. H. Burt has not had the best of luck for some time and superstitious backers will not be induced to be with him for this reason. Remember when Comical got beaten in the G.N. Hurdles three season ago? The chestnut should never have been defeated on that occasion, in the writer’s opinion, but there it was—an example of Burt’s luck. Will it turn next week? For Ellerslie’s sake we hope it will. Glendowie was given strong work on the flat on Thursday and he looks a greatly improved horse since he raced at Ellerslie at Easter. It would eeem that there is little doubt as to his starting in the Great Northern Steeplechase, to fit him for which he will probably be given a run in the Hunters’ Hurdles the first day. Considerable interest was taken in the effort of Perle de Leon over the steeplechase course on Thursday, and it can be said that he acquitted himself very favourably. At only one fence did he make an

actual blunder, and that was the sod wall time, when he landed on top of it, but he made an excellent recovery. In the long run from the old water jump to the top of the hill both he and Rahepoto were only going half pace, and only sharpened up when they went for the fence. On the whole, however, Perle de Leon gave a pleasing display and perhaps this will be confirmed next time over, when the pace will probably be on all the way. On Thursday it took them nearly half a minute more than Pompeius and company to cover the same distance, so it will be seen that they took their time. Little notice should be taken of Zircon’s mishap when he slipped after jumping the last fence of his schooling effort over hurdles on Thursday morning, for *up to this point both he and Royalform had been doing well. It is probable that this pair will both start in the G.N. Hurdles, and perhaps in the G.N. Steeplechase as well. Karamu is expected in some quarters to play a prominent part in the decision of the G.N. Hurdles, but he will have to improve very considerably if he is to beat the more fancied candidates. He went well at headquarters on Thursday, although the pace was at no time particularly fast. It was just a nice bit of schooling work. Karamu won at the last Avondale meeting five weeks ago, and yet that success did not suggest possibilities in next week’s big Hurdles. THE JERVOIS HANDICAP. A DIVIDED FIELD. (Per United Press Association.) Auckland, May 28. The Jervois Handicap, one mile, at Auckland, will be run in two divisions treated as separate races as follows: —First Division:—

PROPOSED LIGHT HARNESS MATCH. TWO YOUNG TROTTERS CONCERNED. AUCKLAND v. CANTERBURY. (Special to Lyttelton Times.) Auckland, May 26. It is doubtful if even the most ardent supporter of trotting in Auckland would have been brave enough to offer the prediction that Auckland would have a two-year-old straight-out trotter capable of winning a race or of challenging the right to be termed the best square-gaited youngster of his age in the Dominion, (says the Lyttelton Times correspondent) yet both have come to pass, and, thanks to the spirit of the Auckland Trotting Club executive, Aucklanders, all going well during the next month, will be in the happy position of seeing a match between First Wrack, owned by the Ashburton sportsman, Mr. H. F. Nicoll, and Koro Peter, owned by Mr. T. W. Cooper, of Tauranga. It was at Ashburton in April that First Wrack opposed a solid field of older and experienced trotters. The youngster was made favourite and went a great race to get third, her time for the mile and a half being 3min 46 3-ssecs a really good go for a youngster. At once she was hailed as a coming champion but hardly had all the good things been written about her than another smart two-year-old trotter came to light quite unexpectedly. This was at the Cambridge Trotting Club’s meeting on May 5. The youngster in question was Koro Peter, by Peter Moko—Koro Ena, owned and trained by his owner, Mr. Cooper, at Papamoa, Tauranga. There were twentytwo starters, and Koro Peter beat his older opponents pointless. His time was 3min 54 3-ssec, but the track was slow, and he would do a lot better on a fast track like Alexandra Park. Considerable interest always centres in the doings of two-year-olds, particularly when they are straight-out trotters, and the possibility of gettting First Wrack and Koro Peter together was seized upon by the Auckland Trotting Club, and both owners were communicated with. The result of the overtures is that, unless something unforeseen happens in the meantime, a contest will be staged between the youngsters on the second day of the Auckland winter meeting. The club is giving a stake of £175, of which £25 goes to the loser to cover expenses, and it ie understood that there is to be a substantial side wager between the respective owners. The distance will be either a mile and a half or a mile and a quarter, most likely the latter. DUNEDIN JOCKEY CLUB. RE-HANDICAPS FOR SATURDAY. (Per United Press Association.) Timaru, May 28. The following re-handicaps have been announced for the Dunedin Jockey Club's meeting:— TRIAL HURDLES—HeisIer 9.11. BRIGHTON HANDICAP.—Rotor 9.11, Malmsey 9.3. WINTER HANDICAP.—Rotor 8,7. OTAGO HURDLES.—HeisIer 9.2. RACING PERMIT. THE WAIKATO DISPUTE. DEPUTATION TO PREMIER. (Per United Press Association.) Hamilton, May 28. The dispute between the Waikato Hunt Club and Waikato Racing Club, the date over the racing permit for Labour Day, was the subject of an appeal to the Premier at Morrinsville by a deputation representing the Hunt Club including Mr Samuel, M.P. The interview was private but it is reported that the deputation was pleased with the Premier’s reply. VICTORIA RACING CLUB. GRAND NATIONAL WEIGHTS. LOCHELLA WELL TREATED. (United Press Assn.—By Telegraph—Copyright.) (Rec. 10.40 p.m.) Melbourne, May 28. In the handicaps for the V.R.C. Grand National Hurdles, Pildin is top weight with 11.7 and the New Zealander Lochella has 9.7. In the V.R.C. Grand National Steeplechase Clanrobert is top weight with 12.2, while Lochella is placed at 10.5.—Australian Press Association.

st lb st lb Waltzer . . 9 13 Parfait Respirator . . 9 3 Armour 8 0 Speechless . . 8 11 Miss Myrtle . 8 0 Auriculas . . 8 9 Sunny Morn . 8 0 Orchus . . . 8 4 Te Waka . . 8 0 Appellant . . 8 0 Viburnum . . 8 0 Catapult . . . 3 0 Good Boy . 8 0 Storm Fiend 8 0 Blue Spear . 8 0 Lord Abbey . 8 0 Tidal . . . 8 0 Template . . 8 0 Kilddeer . . 8 0 —Second 1 Division.— Modest Boy . 9 11 Kelso .... g 0 Billikins . . . 8 11 Oscar .... 8 0 Taurimu . . 8 11 Brampton . . 8 0 Restaurant . 8 4 Arikitoa . . . 8 0 Quinsilla . . 8 1 Syndicate . . 8 0 Wyoming . . 8 0 Still Jim . . 8 0 Marble King 8 0 Royal Trek . 8 0 Miss New Moe Hall . . 8 0 Zealand 8 0 Mountain Kiilute . . . 8 0 Guide 8 0