SPORTING.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 9, 5 December 1916, Page 5

SPORTING.

WOODVILLE MEETING. (Notes by Cicero). As a rule the Woodville Jockey Club obtains remarkably good fields, and the Summer meeting of that club, whie'i opens to-morrow, is well up to the standard. The 'Maiden Plate contains the names of promising animals. Hymestra (Ormond's) is well up to classic form, tlie only doubt about him is whether six furlongs is too far just yet, However, the writer is quite prepared to see the bearer of the cerise jacket very hard to heat. Mascot and Alteration are also expected to run well. Kurapai has shown good form over the battens recently, and despite a penalty of lOlbs must take a hand in the decision of the Hkck Hurdles. The Grandstand Handicap looks open, Glorify ran well at Riccarton, but may have difficulty in defeating Antwerp and Mascot (if reserved). The Woodville Handicap will serve as a try-out for several Auckland Cup candidates Bjorneborg, Red Ribbon ,and Chortle must all command respect. A number of good hacks are engaged in the Flying, of which Ngarua and Probation appear likely. The Borough Handicap has drawn seventeen acceptors, Veto and Black Ada are nicely handicapped. Of the hm-ses left in the Welter Hack, Hvlami and Sir Agnes should have supporters. The Electric Handicap contains the names of some useful sprinters, Menelaus, Marimba, and Tino Atua can begin well.

STRATFORD RACES.

NOMINATIONS CLOSE TO-NIGHT. The annual meeting of the Stratford Racing Club takes place on January 1 and 2, 1917, and the splendid stakes offered at the gathering should attract big entries. The four open events at the meeting are: Stratford Cup, of 500 sovs., l.i miles; Malone Memorial Handicap, of MOO sovs., ,8* furlongs; Douglas Handicap, of 200 sovs., 6 furlongs; and Ngaere Handicap, of 200 sovs., 6 furlongs. In addition, hacks of all classes are well catered for, stakes (with the exception of four maiden races of 100 sovs. each) ranging from £125 to £175. Following within a week of the Taranaki Jockey Club's Christmas meeting there is every inducement to outside owners of both open performers and hacks to race their horses in Taranaki at this holiday season, while provincial horses should be entered en masse. All nominations, accompanied by fee of 20s. close with the Secretary, Mr A. Coleman. to-morrow (Wednesday) evening, at 9 o'clock. The Stratford telegraph office closes at 8 p.m. ,