SPORTING

Southland Times, Issue 25226, 9 March 1935, Page 8

SPORTING

NOTES BY SIR MODRED.

The Wyndham Trotting C.lub’s Annual gathering takes place on Wednesday next.

Acceptances for the Clifden Racing Club’s Annual meeting close on Tuesday.

The opening event at Timaru Trotting Club’s meeting to-day is set at 12.30 p.m.

First day handicaps for Oamaru Jockey Club’s Autumn meeting are due on Monday.

Acceptances for the opening day of Wellington R.C. Autumn fixture close on Monday.

Win and place wagering will obtain at Waikato meeting to-day and on Monday.

The opening event at Waikato R.C. fixture each day is fixed for about 12.5 p.m.

Dunedin J.C. and Amberley R.C. are applying for permits to race on May

Wyndham T.C. acceptances number 115, against 123 last season, a decrease of eight.

At Napier Park R.C. meeting to-day, first race 1 pin., win and 75, 25 per cent, betting.

Bracken, Todd Lonzia and Rey Spec will be leading event fancies at Timaru to-day.

Square trotter Todd Lonzia may trouble the pacers on the Timaru T.C’s. track.

The uncertain Grecian Prince is engaged at the Oamaru J.C. Autumn fixture.

Good Melbourne youngster Don Miguel races for Mr J. Edmonds, not unknown here.

Smart two-year-olds, Velocipede and Triune, are expected to race at Waikato meeting.

Well-bred mare Prolyxo retires from the turf and will go to the stud next season.

The track at Te Rapa is said to be in good order for the Waikato R.C’s. gathering.

Starting a fresh horse, L’Allegro has been galloping well for the Waikato R.C. meeting.

Following on the North Island Challenge Stakes race, Silver Ring will go to Sydney.

King Flight is a youngster expected to race well during the Waikato R.C. meeting.

Knight of Australia, who is fancied for the Waikato meeting, is a son of Windbag.

The steeplechaser Graball is progressing favourably in his work on the S.M.R.C’s. tracks.

Little Toreador is getting gay again and this fact indicates a return to racing form.

Locally-trained Lochlaggen is not being hurried, but is standing her track tests nicely.

Working on the plough circuit suits Signaller, who has put on condition in new hands.

Enwood is walking and moving as if she means business at Oamaru J.C. ing Club’s meeting on March 16: meeting.

Miss Winston is being kept moving on S.M.R.C. paths, with J. Gray hoping for yielding tracks.

The chestnut Rosenor mare in A. McKenzie’s local string is becoming a free and bold galloper.

June the Third looks better than ever before, but \as yet to demonstrate her real speed.

Silver Issue is not being strenuously taxed on the S.M.R.C. tracks, and continues to let down.

F. W. Ellis is persevering with Valiska and the gelding is improving, with a win overdue.

His strenuous efforts at Dunedin and Gore do not appear to have troubled First Song.

Never unduly hurried, Corban (Balboa—Sabor) is furnishing into a powerful gelding.

Four-year-old horse La Trobe will be strongly fancied for the Australian Cup race to-day.

The very consistent Endeavour Lodge hack, Bowlands, looks bright and well for O.J.C. meeting.

Recently taken up again, The Smuggler is in steady work, but firm S.M.R.C. tracks are against him.

Local mentor R. Bromby has Young Sentinel at exercise again, but softer tracks would be welcome.

It is safe to say that Rocks Ahead will be fancied for 'Wyndham Trotting Club Handicap next week.

When not at her best, Rocks Ahead won over Im. 5f at Wyndham recently —she should get two miles.

Winton J.C. holds the Southland record for promoting annual consecutive meetings since 1875.

Winton J.C. has held together down the years, while other turf bodies have undergone various changes.

Most of the riding of Sir Charles Clifford’s team at Trentham will be entrusted to W. J. Broughton.

Fracas, Knock Out, Owlsgleam and Hororata will represent Sir Charles Clifford at Wellington.

It is claimed that Adelaide will presently become the centre of light harness sport in Australia.

The galloping events (12) on the Oamaru J.C. card have drawn 246 entries, the largest for many years.

Imperial Spear ran himself out of hack class at B.P.R.C. meeting, but can race at Trentham as a hack.

Gay Seton is likely to be very warmly fancied for President’s Handicap at Waikato meeting.

Rey Spec is likelv to go out as first in order of selection for the Timaru Trotting Cup to-day.

The Timaru. Trotting Club’s track to be used to-day is laid out as of six furlongs in circumference.

At the Wellington R.C. meeting L. J. Ellis will pilot Variant and Hostis in their engagements.

L. J. Ellis and G. Humphries will be riding at the Waikato meeting to-day and on Monday.

Starlight, by Day Comet, is a mare schooling well over hurdles at Riccarton for H. Turner.

Rebel Chief has recovered from soreness and is preparing at Riccarton for Great Easter Handicap.

Rising ten years of age, N.Z.-bred Second Wind is still earning place money in West Australia.

The Amberley Racing Club has been granted a permit for a meeting on May 11.

The veteran steeplechaser, Copey, has resumed work at Hawera and looks well.

Youngster geldingTonnerre, a winner at Franklin, is the first of the progeny of Vaals to score.

Stakes to the amount of £4220 will be distributed at the Canterbury J.C.’s Autumn fixture.

At the C.J.C. Easter meeting the Champagne Stakes and Challenge Stakes have been raised in value.

There were backers in Invercargill anxious yesterday about Auspicious at Cromwell J.C. meeting.

On each day of Wellington R.C. Autumn meeting the opening events are at about 12.12 p.m.

The Ascot Vale Stakes, £2OOO, two-year-olds (6f.) will be a feature at Flemington this afternoon.

At the C.J.C. Autumn (Easter) meeting the Kildare and Peerswick Brush Steeplechase Handicaps will be named the Kildare and Peerswick Brush Hurdles Handicaps. Owners and trainers will understand from this change that real brush hurdlers will be in demand at Riccarton at Easter time.

It is not surprising to learn that Vintage has been scratched for the Australian Cup to-day, as his weight of 9.7 appeared to be prohibitive, but it is disconcerting to be informed that the big son of Shambles has been under veterinary treatment.

Owing to the fact that some of the horses nominated for the Clifden Racing Club’s Annual fixture are at present assisting at the Cromwell J.C.’s meeting, the C.R.C.’s handicaps have been held over until Monday.

Royal Limond, with J. Pickett in the saddle (reports Christchurch Press) was schooled over six brush fences at Riccarton on Wednesday, jumping well, and on Thursday, with his trainer, D. O’Connor up, he repeated the task, clearing the three brushes down the straight twice in a faultless manner. Royal Limond mastered the country fairly well last year, with the exception of sod walls which may trouble him again this term.

Wagering at the Timaru Trotting Club’s meeting to-day will be conducted in one pool—7o, 20, and 10 per cent, in fields of nine or more, and 75 and 25 per cent, when the numbers are six to eight. That ridiculous 10 per cent, ratio again!

It will be interesting to note how long more than one northern totalisator contractor will be permitted to successfully object to win and place wagering in favour of single-pool betting at 75 and 25, or 70, 20, and 10 per cent, as fields dictate. In each instance it appears to be a case of the tail wagging the dog, but canines have been known to have their tails cut off!

Wee Wrack, engaged in the Trial Handicap of a mile and five furlongs at the Timaru T.C. meeting to-day (remarks Christchurch Press), is a five-year-old mare by Wrack—Lady Swithin, and is trained by J. Bell, jun. At the last meeting held on the Washdyke course Wee Wrack finished second to Gold Salute in the Improvers’ Handicap after doing 3min. 44sec. from a 4min. 3sec. mark for a mile and five furlongs. On that occasion she had the winner fully extended and she may add interest to to-day’s race.

A Melbourne writer draws attention to the fact that a good New Zealand colt now racing with success in Victoria has ways with him:—“Synagogue has peculiarities all his own, and he has to be humoured. For instance, he cannot be ridden with spurs, and his owner and trainer consider now that they will not be able to allow any jockey to carry a whip on him, for when his rider (J. Pratt) applied the whip on Saturday Synagogue swerved away from it and attempted to savage Heros.”

' The veteran steeplechaser Paris has been steadily at work on the S.M.R.C. tracks during the current week with a featherweight on his back, his preparation embracing lengthy pacing varied by occasional sprints. The ancient jumper looks well and rather enjoys his outings on the flat, but it may be another story when stiff fences bar the way and real poundage has to be carried. The lengthy spell of fine weather enjoyed in the south this season has been against Southland jumpers in all centres and here may rest the rock on which Paris will strike when it comes to leaping exercise.

The Auckland provincial sire, Vaals, is a well-bred Australian horse by Valais (imp.) from Galtic Queen, by Bobadil from Vibrate, by Wallace (son of Carbine) from Swing, by St. Albans (imp.). His son, Tonnerre, created a favourable impression when he won at Franklin meeting the other day and thus put his sire on the winning progenitors’ list for the first time. With a galloping pedigree on his side Vaals might become a valued sire in the far north.

Special conditions of interest to owners and trainers have been framed by the Canterbury J.C. in connection with the Easter meeting at Riccarton, as follows:—“In accordance with the resolution already passed by the committee, all hack races on the programme, with the exception of the Addington Handicap, will be deleted, and the races will be run under the following special conditions:—‘For horses that at time of nomination have never won a flat race ofjjthe value of 200 sovs to the winner, or flat races of the aggregate value of 400sovs. to the winner.’”

The Waikato Racing Club’s Summer fixture will open to-day and conclude on Monday. Ranking as one of the most important provincial meetings in the Auckland province, it is certain to command widespread attention. The principal event this afternoon will be the Storey Memorial Handicap, £3OO (l|m.) and an attractive field of ten fills the acceptance list. On his recent running there may be strong support for Mungatoon (8.1), but there should be support for the home performer Knight of Australia (7.6), who is reported to have been galloping well again of late after a let-up, as he is a very useful racer when produced at his best.

The Invercargill-owned Chief Light (7.3) should have a fighting chance in the Farewell Handicap (one mile and a furlong), the concluding event of the V.R.C. Autumn fixture at Flemington to-day, as the son of Chief Ruler is quite capable of seeing the distance out and his poundage is tempting. Mr Hazlett’s gelding has been a somewhat unlucky racehorse in the running of several good stakes, while his best form indicates that he is very useful under lower division weight. When trained at Riccarton he was found to be a smart galloper, but a difficult gelding to catch at the top of his form, as he would lose

caste quite unexpectedly. By defunct Chief Ruler he is out of Illume, by Kilbroney from Simper (imp.) and on breeding lines he possesses excellent credentials, although his sturdy dam has yet to produce a solid galloper. A three-year-old full sister to Chief Light at present racing for the Southland sportsman in Melbourne is known as Luminare, a filly who may furnish into a useful entrant, but, in the meantime, market indications suggest that she has yet to race up to her private displays.

“Stopwatch” writes: In conversation with an old Southland sportsman recently, reference was made to the excellent Jubilee fixture recently staged by the Wairio Jockey Club, the keen interest shown by all in this gathering, and the financial success of the meeting. It was mentioned that this year marked the sixtieth anniversary of the first fixture held by the Winton Jockey Club, and it was considered that if this body undertook a special effort as did the Wairio Club, but in this case to stage a Diamond Jubilee gathering, the club could fittingly celebrate the occasion, with the hope of a financial addition to its funds. While the Winton J.C. has been referred to on repeated occasions as the oldest turf institution in the home province, it has been pointed out that early records are missing, and the actual date on which the club held its first fixture is not definitely known. In reply to this, it was pointed out, that while a few of the old timers contended that the first meeting of the club was held in 1874, this was not correct, as the initial gathering was held during 1875. These suggestions are put forward for what they are worth.

Still they come, all sporting impressive pedigrees and in many cases excellent racing performances in the Old Country to recommend them. Another English sire is on his way to New Zealand, the five-year-old horse Foxbridge having been purchased by Mr L. S. Otway for his Trelawney stud at Cambridge. He will reach the Dominion next month. Foxbridge is by the Son-in-Law horse Foxlaw from Bridgemount by Bridge of Earn from Mountain Mint by Spearmint from Adula (sister of Pretty Polly and half-sister to Veneration 11, dam of Craganour). Cresta Run, a halfsister by Hurry On to Foxbridge, won the One Thousand Guineas in 1927. Foxbridge himself, won the Atlantic Cup, of £2500, one mile and a half, at Liverpool and finished third in the Eclipse Stakes.

It is satisfactory to learn from an Australian source that the New Zea-land-bred colt Synagogue is to be restricted to light racing for the remainder of the season and then laid aside until the new turf term is entered upon. He ran twelve races in Maoriland as a two-year-old, winning three, acting as runner-up once, and securing two third placings, then, immediately on ranking as a juvenile, he was called upon to compete at the Grand National fixture of the closing season, when the going at Riccarton was holding and stopped many horses of more matured age. This was a heavy demand on a youthful racer, and Synagogue displayed great recuperative characteristics to come back as a classic winner and then voyage to Australia to deadheat and win outright in his first two starts in Victoria. In looking him over at the National meeting at Riccarton it struck the writer that he had been severely tested and one was inclined to feel sorry for a fine three-year-old in the making, but he has undoubtedly risen to the occasion in Melbourne. A colt of marked virility, he may train on to further distinction, but his early career was a trying one.

Mr E. E. D. Clarke, who is announced to be selling his stud in Victoria, but who will continue to race, is one of Australia’s best known veteran turfites. At one time The Welkin (by Flying Fox) was the sire at his stud, where Gloaming was foaled to the credit of the English stallion. On the racecourse Mr Clarke’s colours were borne by many noted performers as trained by James Scobie. One of the best horses ever raced by Mr Clarke was Trivalve, winner of the Melbourne Cup in 1927, but many classic events and valuable handicaps have been secured by his representatives down through the seasons that are included in past history.

Private advice is to the effect that Gold Trail is fancied in some quarters in Melbourne for the Australian Cup (2* ( m.), decided to-day, but she may still start at a very remunerative price, as Maoriland’s handicap performers of the current season have rightly or wrongly been moderately estimated in the Commonwealth. However, just as the Australians were misled as to the capabilities of Synagogue, so may they fall into error with regard to Gold Trail, whom Maorilanders recognize as a stayer of the first water and it takes a stout-hearted galloper to win Australia’s most lengthy handicap. As run-ner-up to Steeton in the N.Z. Cup under 7.9, and subsequently returned as winner of the Auckland Cup (2m.) Gold Trail should at least present a bold front at Flemington this afternoon in the livery of Mr D. M. Douglas. Her trainer, J. M. Cameron, is well aware of what is required for the task—his pupil The Hawk was narrowly defeated in the race some years ago—and he is not given to pampering his charges when under preparation for long-dis-tance racing. In any case, it will be of interest to see how the Chief Ruler— Pure Gold mare shapes to-day, as she has another valuable engagement ahead in Sydney Cup, £5OOO (2m.) at Easter time. In the event of defeat at Flemington friends of Gold Trail are not likely to forget that she has a chance later on to retrieve herself in the big A.J.C. handicap at Randwick. THE TROTTING SPORT. THE HANDICAPPING QUESTION. ROCKS AHEAD LENIENTLY TREATED. KIBO AND MARGARET BELL COMPARED. A COMPLICATED POSITION. BY STOPWATCH. (Special to the Times). Winton, March 8. While it has to be jgranted that to some extent the present system of handicapping has been responsible in a measure in assisting to popularize the light harness sport, it must be admitted that the mechanical system is far from perfect as yet, and until certain anomalies and irregularities are overcome, the system will be just as inclined to have a detrimental effect. The writer has favoured the present system, in the face of stern opposition, as the principal point of argument in favour of the new method is that it is a vast improvement on the old system, while the present method is likely to later lead to improvement in the direction of fixed penalties. When the latter comes into vogue, several of the’present anomalies are likely to be overcome, and a good deal of the dissatisfaction among owners and trainers that .is in the air at present is likely to be passed by. However, the point is that owners and trainers, as far as Southland is concerned, have been up in arms at the inconsistency of the present methods of re-adjustments, which in some instances have been described as farcial. When the present system was brought into force, one of the main ideas, on which it was stated the success of the system would be assured, was that owners and trainers would know exactly the penalties their horses would incur, and the marks that they would be on. Such is not the case, however, and on occasions, far from it at the

moment. This is one of the points that has caused some concern among those directly interested, and several cases have been pointed out to support their contentions. As to whether the present difficulty of a handicapper for Southland is the cause, may be another point, but one trainer was quite emphatic in remarking to the writer, that twelve months ago a man had a good idea as to the penalty his horse was likely to incur, but at the present time, he had little idea. Several new points appeared to be at the discretion of the handicapper, and these trainers and owners alike, know nothing or little of. While in a number of cases the complaints that are going the rounds appear to be quite justified, it is interesting to point out one or two assessments that appear to confuse the ordinary enthusiast. At the S.M.R.C. fixture during the New Year Vologda was placed third to Happy Knight in a close finish over two miles in a 4.52 class. Both these horses started off the same mark on that occasion but at the I.T.C. meeting they met at a difference of 24yds. The class on this occasion was 4.53 (2m.) Hapny Knight had been penalized 12yds., for his second, while Vologda had not been re-assessed to the tighter mark for racing out of his class. To some this may appear a trivial point, but to others it means a good deal. At the I.T.C. meeting last week, Rocks Ahead won the mile saddle contest, a 2.23 mile from a 2.20 mark. At Wyndham next week Rocks Ahead figures in a race over a similar distance but a second tighter, a 2.22 class, and is handicapped on a 2.19 mark. This means that she meets practically the same field that she defeated at Invercargill on the same terms. It makes the Wyndham race read somewhat of a farce. It is rather startling, however, to note, that while Rocks Ahead was penalized a second or 12yds, for her win, Anthum who filled the role of runner up to Rocks Ahead has been re-assessed from a 2.23 mark to line 11, according to the re-assessments published. Line II brings Anthum back to a 2.22 mile mark, and thus she has been penalized 12yds, for her second to Rocks Ahead. This seems almost incredible but that is the way it reads,- and it would be interesting to know what the connections of Anthum had to say on the matter. While Rocks Ahead only came back 12yds, for her last week’s win, it is interesting to point out that when Stowaway won at Gore in the same class and over the same distance, and although the stake was a little bigger he was penalized 36yds, or 3secs, for his win.

It appears to be an unwritten law with those responsible for re-assess-ments that a horse (other than a maiden) be brought back 12yds; for every second second placing it secures. This has been the case with Happy Knight, who has secured five seconds this season and as a consequence has come back 36yds. Yet, at Gore, Gold Salute secured a second placing, following a win bracket at Timaru, but his assessment was not altered. It has been given out that the connections of Margaret Bell, have expressed dissatisfaction at their re-as-sessment for Wyndham in comparison with the mark of Kibo. C i the opening day of the I.T.C. meeting Kibo was placed second from 72yds, to All Sunshine, with Margaret Bell off 60yds, not in the money. On the second day Kibo did not start, while Margaret Bell filled second berth. At Wyndham next week in a 4.46 two mile (a second tighter class than Invercargill) Kibo and Margaret Bell are both assessed off 60yds. This means that Kibo was not penalized for her second, while Margaret Bell was brought back 12yds. In face of the fact that Kibo conceded Margaret Bell 12yds, and a beating, the prospects of the latter on level terms, are far from bright. While some argument has been caused over this handicapping, it must be pointed out that Mr Paul is correct in his re-assessment, as far as the working of the system is concerned. However, from the point of view of bringing the field together and providing keen racing, from the viewpoint of close finishes, it does not read too well. After her Gore Cup success Kibo started of a 4.43 (2m.) mark in the Winton Cup and for rur : ng second was brought back to 4.42. She was later placed second at. Forbury, and was brought back a further second, to make her two mile mark, 4.41, from which she started at Invercargill. When she ran second at Invercargill she was not further penalized, although Margaret Bell being similarly placed, went back 12 yards. Mr Paul was probably placed in an awkward position, as Kibo could quite easily have escaped a penalty at Forbury, and brought back a second at Invercargill. As far as the present marks are concerned it would have meant the same thing,, but would not have looked so bad. As it is at present it looks as though Margaret Bell has had much the worse of the deal, for when All Sunshine won the first day she went back 36yds, with her runner-up escaping a penalty; while on the second day All Sunshine went back only 24yds, with her runner-up also penalized 12yds. As far as Kibo being penalized for her second goes, this would have been rather drastic, as, had it been done, she would have been penalized 36yds, for three second placings on end. The position is rather a complicated one, but such it is, and these and other questions have been responsible for quite a disturbance in light harness camps, and in the face of some of these instances, it is apparent that there are reasons for questions being asked,—if only to clear the air.

CLIFDEN RACING CLUB. HANDICAPS FOR TROTTING ’ EVENTS. (Per United Press Association.) Christchurch, March 8. The following are the handicaps for the trotting events at the Clifden Racing Clubs meeting on March 16:— TUATAPERE HANDICAP TROT, (saddle). £35. Class 3.5. One mile and a quarter. Blue Prince scr yds bhd Bondi Chimes scr Margaret King 12 Desert Sun scr Gracile 36 Frank Dewey scr Happiness 36 ALTON HANDICAP TROT, (saddle), £35. Class 3.43. One mile and a-half. Blue Prince scr Vacation scr Bondi Chimes scr yds bhd Desert Sun scr Margaret King 12 Frank Dewey scr Happiness 36 WYNDHAM TROTTING CLUB ACCEPTANCES RECEIVED. The following are the acceptances for the Wyndham Trotting Club’s annual meeting to be held on Wednesday, March 13:— FERRY HANDICAP, (saddle), £lOO. Class 3.49. One mile and a-half. Highfield scr yds bhd Rita Paul Bingen 12 Rothchild scr Ferr.lte 36 Fair Voyage scr Imper'al Wave 48 Clipped Wings scr Lady Sonoma 48. Annie Moko scr Sylvia Moko 48 Waikiwi scr Bell Norris 84 Trafalgar Boy scr Cathedral Blue Logan scr Rose 96 NOVICE HANDICAP, £lO5. Class 3.43. One mile and a-half. Happy Star scr Worthy Claire scr Firecrest scr Bill Drusus scr Mishap scr Seamark scr Queenie Lee scr Master Garry scr Grand Mogul scr Silver Guy scr W’nnle Lee scr Chie: nj-psur scr Picotec scr . Storm Chimes Mountain Lad scr Junior scr Blue Spark scr yds bhd Captain Sun scr Desert Cloud 24 Vacation scr Lee Voyage 36 Edith Grattan scr Carillon Gcid Valley scr Chime; 48 Autogo scr Chevalier 48 Pacha scr TOI TOIS HANDICAP, (saddle), £ll5. Class . 2.22. One mile. Anthum scr yds bhd Weary Voyage scr Sergeant Dallas 24 Dusky scr Mountain Jewel 24 Lord Antrim scr Scotfree 24 WYNDHAM TROTTING CLUB HANDICAP, £250. Class 4.46. Two miles. Wrackette scr Erin’s Fair 24 Lindrum scr Tcviot Downs 24 Moko Child scr Lynwood 24 yds bhd Margaret Bell 60 Rocks Ahead 12 Kibo 60

EDENDALE HANDICAP, £135. Class 3.56. One mile and five furlongs. Ready Money scr Dame Fonune 12 Erin’s Star scr Lord Antrim 12 Vologda scr Real Gold 12 Dusky scr Bronze Wave 24 Royal Drive scr Royal Guy 36 yds bhd Fairhaven 12 MENZIES HANDICAP, £125. Class 5.4. Two miles. Highfleid scr Imperial Wave 24 Molly King scr Lady Sonoma 24 Sandy Drusus scr Sylvia Moko .16 Coreopsis scr Lee Boy 60 Paul Bingen scr Leeway 50 Fai r Voyage icr Kippagh 72 Annie Moko scr Golden Bingen 84 Absttr Oag scr Helen’s Bay 84 Anna’s Voyage scr Journey’s- End 84 yds bhd Cathedral Rose 36 Fernlee 12 PRESIDENT’S HANDICAP, (saddle), £ll5. Class 3.39. One mile and a-half. Monty Chimes scr yds bhd Hard Times scr Sunny Grand Mogul scr' Southland 12 Carillon Red King 12 Chimes scr Master Lee 12 Stalwart scr Vologda 24 Happiness scr Erin’s Chief 24 Lucky Lee scr Fairhaven 36 Sir Gowan scr Dame Fortune 36 FINAL HANDICAP, £155. Class 2.56. One mile and a quarter. yds bhd Bingen Wrack scr Erin’s Boy 12 Wrackette scr Rocks Ahead 12 Sergeant Impel lai Bingen 12 Dallas scr Erin’s Fair 24 Mountain Jewel scr Lynwood 24 Scotfree scr Margaret Bell 48 Frank Mac scr

timaru trotting club PROSPECTS FOR SATURDAY. A COMPREHENSIVE SURVEY. (Special to the Times.) Christchurch, March 8. On his good showing at the recent New Brighton T.C. meeting, when trotting from the front, Travis Pringle never gave anything a look in, winning easing up and going 3.31 1-5. Handicapped to go 3.43 in the Kingsdown Handicap of one and a-half miles at Timaru, he should again get the big end of the purse, with Esther and Renegade in pursuit. A moderate lot will contest the Trial Handicap of one mile and five furlongs. Lady Hannah, who is trained at headquarters by F. G. Holmes, is working well and, with Wheat Pool and Vanity Fair, may be the hardest to head off. On his recent good showing Rey Spec will most likely go out first choice for the Timaru Trotting Cup, two miles, 4.34 class. If John Jinks, who has gone 4.22 3-5, was back to his best form he would be the hardest to beat. Little Nelson off the front will be one of the well backed ones, and with Todd Lonzia should get some of the honours.. Lone Derby, who is a great beginner, will be sure to be one of the favourite selections for the Fairlie Handicap of one mile, 2.19 class, but Gay Sister, who went 2.11 this morning, and Grace McElwyn, will never give him time for a breather, as both are very well. Harold Wrack, who went 3.22 when he won at Wellington and is trained on the track, will be sure to be the first choice for the Seadown Handicap. He will need to be at his best to beat Graham Direct, who has gone 3.19 2-5 and is working very well. Finnebrogue, Paragon and Golden Square are each working well. Perhaps the running of the Kingsdown Handicap should be the best guide for the Temuka Handicap, but Gyrate, who is on 120yds, handicapped to go 4.50, in a 5.0 class, went 4.42 at New Brighton, and the race was just thrown away through his driver easing him up before he reached the post. If they should miss a re-handicap for winning earlier in the day. Gay Sister Grace McElwyn and Battlefield will be the hardest for Village Guy to head off in the Wai-iti Handicap of one and a-quarter miles, 2.55 class. The Washdyke Handicap of one and a-quarter miles, 2.47 class, brings the days’ racing to a close. If Rey Spec misses a penalty earlier in the day, he will most likely be sent out. a short-priced favourite. He is working very well. ACCEPTANCES FOR TO-DAY. The following are the acceptances for the Timaru Trotting Club’s meeting on March 9:— 12.30 p.m.: KINGSDOWN HANDICAP, £lOO. Unhoppled trotters. Class 3.44. One and a-half miles. Esther scr Nelson Guy 24 Isabel Patch scr Silver Sea 24 Pleasant Winsome Voyage scr Laddie 24 Renegade scr Chudleigh 36 Travis Pringle 12 Carl 48 Bon Haven 24 Gyrate 96 1.10 p.m.: TRIAL HANDICAP, £lOO. Class 4.3. One mile and five furlongs. Colene Derby scr Shandon Colonel Bogey scr Chimes scr Cream Wee Wrack scr Harvester scr Wheat Pool scr Cruiser scr Zest scr Dual scr yds bhd Lady Hannah scr Snowy De Oro 12 Neola scr Sea Trail _ 36 Prince De Oro scr Vanity Fair 60 Sea Peter scr 1.55 p.m.: TIMARU CUP HANDICAP, £230. Class 4.34. Two miles. Bracken scr Todd Little Nelson scr Lonzia (T) 24 Manoeuvre scr Great Logan 36 Mountain Ore scr Gunfire 36 Queen Author scr Rey Spec 36 yds bhdElvo 48 John Jinks 12 Native Chief 48 Craganour 24 2.35 p.m.: FAIRLIE HANDICAP, £llO. Class 2.19. One mile. Black Jester scr Battlefield 12 Gay Sister scr Dollie Derby 12 Grace Red Spur 12 McElwyn scr Tatsy De Oro 12 Lena Thorpe scr Village Guy 12 Lone Derby scr War Officer 12 Marie Celeste scr Yankeeland 12 Royal de Oro scr Worthy King 48 Ruin scr 3.15 p.m.: SEADOWN HANDICAP, £llO. Class 3.37. One and a-half miles. ' yds bhd Big Author scr Midnight Sun 12 Charteris Vale scr Noble Prince 12 Einnebrogue scr Graham Direct 24 Golden Square scr Silver Harold Wrack scr Axworthy 24 Paragon scr Colene War Betty scr Parrish 36 3.55 pan.: TEMUKA HANDICAP, £llO. Unhoppled trotters. Class 5.0. Two miles. Bosun scr Silver Sea 24 Esther scr Winsome Isabel Patch scr Laddie 36 yds bhd Sonoma King 48 Travis Pringle 12 Gyrate 120 Bon Haven 24 4.40 p.m.: WAI-ITI HANDICAP, £llO. Class 2.55. One and a-quarter miles. yds bhd Black Jester scr Battlefield 12 Gay Sister scr Dollie Derby 12 Grace Tatsy De Oro 12 McElwyn scr Village Guy 12 Happy Lass scr Whippet 12 Lone Derby scr Yankeeland 12 Marie Celeste scr Red Spur 24 Ruin scr War Officer 24 5.25 p.m.: WASHDYKE HANDICAP, £l2O. Class 2.47. One and a-quarter miles. Bracken scr John Jinks 12 Mountain Ore scr Queen Author 12 Morning Sun scr Rey Spec 24 Taxpayer scr Elvo 24 Willow Wave scr John Noble 24 yds bhdNative Chief 48 Craganour 12