SPORTING.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 35, 2 June 1914, Page 2

SPORTING.

(Notes by Cicero.) Wo are once again on the eve of the Auckland ttacing Chili's winter fixture, wliicii is very popular with racegoers from tliis part of the Dominion. The fields promise to lie large, and some splendid racing should eventuate. Proceedings will commence with the Maiden Steeplechase, lor which thirteen accepted, Itiro Atu will only have to run a similar race to that which lie ran in the Wangatmi Steeplechase last month, and the Northerners will he doing their host. Makiri ran a couple of good races at Napier Park last season, and ran a really good race in the Hack Steeple at AVanganui, and with Riro Atu should make the event interesting. No less than twenty-six appear in the Jcrvois Handicap. Self and Lady Elgiva will probably command most support. The Maiden Hurdles lias drawn seventeen acceptors. First Wairiki and Admiral Soult have pace, and jump fairly. Ingenkender will only have'to reproduce the pace shown when trained in Hawera to keep the opposition 'busy in the Hunters' Hurdles. The field both as regards class and [ numerically engaged in the Cormva'll i Handicap, falls short of former years, hut Ooldsizo (who ran splendidly at. Wanganui), Royal Arms and La Reina should make the event interesting.

Although the Great Northern Hurdle race is endowed with a prize of £IOOO, one has often seen a larger and decidedly better lot competing for a £l5O race. sandy Paul (11.5) heads the .handicap, but as the chestnut not had a run in public for over the months, flie distance may beat him. Horeola (1,0.11) lias not of late shown his, true form, he may come hack any time, and should he be at his best tomorrow, the prize - would get a big

shake. Merrimax (10.7) won on faster Saturday.at Ellerslie, and is looked ; on by Aueklanders as a likely sort, 'hut-the writer cannot fancy him over the l 2i mile journey. Black Northern (10.7), who was recently operated on for a growth on the back, which ailment it is considered was the cause of his erratic behaviour, is greatly fancied by his party, and was admittedly a good horse a couple of season's back. Cloudy Dawn, on performances, can have little chance, but Idealism (9.12) is the "blot" of the handicap. 1 With 9.1-'? last year he l'nn a creditable third to that good horse Marton (9.6), and St." ffevin fO.d), and the field that finished behind him was much, stronger than that which he will meet to-mor-row. As the Birkenhead gelding has not had a race for twelve months, he may fail on that score, but if at his best, it would be difficult 4o pick one likely to be more fancied.' Pip, Puffy, Don/.el, Kauroa, Barbwi're, and To Onga comprise' tlie rest if the acceptors, but oh public form 'Coiftd ■ not be hacked in a race of this description. Idealism, Bcrbok, and Sandy Paul should makea'gdod race."' ' ••' ■'■■ The large number of twenty-five made the payment for the Members' Handicap. Crown Pearl (9J3) looks very well in this event on performances, but as in many such'cases the handicapper may get a "life.' Grattan ( s -li) and Sp.aiiish t *,jU,U)- appear best of the others.

The Hags will be flying tomorrow, when the winter meeting of that Club' will open. T]iQ f 4JeJds promise to be large, and some first-class racing should'be witnessed.' Ngarua, who run well at Wanganui, will probably carry most money in the Flying Handicap, in which event he will be opposed by an ordinary lot; Silver Mpnach and Exotic will probably carry the bulk of cash in the Hack Steeplechase. The iiuakawa Cup bears an Ippen appearance, but those in the know say Pavlova will have something to say in deciding it. Montang and Sir Donald are nicely handicapped for the Otaki Handicap. A number of first-class sprinters are engaged in the Raluii Handicap, Wild Lupin, who is Ivery well just at present, and Eraengarde, who will have the services of

Oliver, should be well backed. The day will be brought to a close with the Birthday Welter. Despite his weight (10.11) Square Deal will' no doubt start favourite.