TURF TOPICS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 85, 16 May 1914, Page 11

TURF TOPICS.

Little work of interest "was accomplished on the training tracks at Riecarton this morning. As a result of the rainfall experienced overnight the grass tracks were closed, the sand and tan being the tracks thrown open. The going being heavy nothing beyond half to three-quarter pace work was indulged in. Daylight Bill (Coker) and Kingsway (Douglas) were companions in a round over the steeplechase fences. Commencing at the brush fence iw front of the stand, the pair raced together until the back stretch was reached, where the former gained a lot of ground on his rival. The last fence Avas negotiated safely, both horses giving a fine display, especially Daylight Bill, whose jumping Avhs a treat to witness.

Silver Blaze Avas also given a round over the. big fences, his jumping leaving little to be desired. It is a great pity that he is not possessed of a little more pace on the flat, for he is an ideal cut of a steeplechaser, and being such a beautiful jumper, nothing in the illegitimate game should be beyond his reach.

O. Bourne's team will be strengthened during the comiug week by the addition of a. four-year-old mare by Phaeton from a Son of a Gun mare. She has raced over hurdles once, and on her arrival is to be schooled in view of jumping events at the forthcoming winter meeting. An unbroken three-year-old gelding by Sarto from Shenok will accompany the mare. The hurdler Merry Valet, in F; Pine's stable, has been showing signs of lameness in his knees. He is engaged in the hurdle races at Oamaru, but should he not throw off the soreness he may not be taken south.

Troon has been bowling along freely, in her tasks at headquarters, and the Glenapp mare may be'expected to keep her opponents busy next time she "carries silk.

There will be racing at Oamaru and Wanganui on Thursday next. . .-• The Wanganui Jockey Club receive acceptances for its winter meeting up to Monday next. Goldsize, who is one of the fancied candidates for the Connolly Handicap, is to be ridden in that event by JJ Buchanan.

Pleasing accounts are to hand regarding Gondolier's training work at Wanganui, and he is sure to have a large folloAA T ing on Thursday in the Wanganui Steeplechase. The injuries sustained by Tiresome when returning from the AA-ondale meeting 'have . turned out to be much more serious than AA*as at first suspected, and it is doubtful if she AAill ever race again. Peary stands his ground in both the 1 Great Northern Hurdles and Great Northern Steeplechase, and 1 the Birkenhead gelding is well fancied for both races. "'"""' "./'".. The cpiestion of handicapping is to be discussed at a meeting of the Owners and Breeders' Association on Wednesday next. It is understood that a proposal is to be brought forward recommending the desirability of never letting horses out from their fastest time, no matter how often-they may fail to equal that time in subsequent essays. A similar proposal Avas submitted to the local clubs some years ago, and at a conference of delegates was promptly turned doAvn. , The latest news in respect to Tod Sloan is that he has purchased the New York Bar in Paris, Avhich Avill in future be known as Tod Sloan's Bar.

Despite the fact that four races to be run at the Manchester November meeting had to be abandoned on account of fogy the total number of events.decided in England last year was 1754, as against 1749 during the previous season. These were contested by 4055 horses, or 54 more than were seen out in 1912. The total value of the stakes won was. £518,67.'}, which works out at nearly £l2B per horse. The bulk of this money Mas subscribed by owners in the way of sweepstakes, entrance fees, etc. An Australian racing identity, who will not be surprised at the result of this year's Two Thousand Guineas is Mr A. Robertson, manager of Blackwood Park Stud Farm in 'Victoria,. Mr Robertson was in England in November last, and then wrote to a Victorian exchange in the following terms :—>- -"Bailing The Tetrarch, Kenny more, by ■.John o' Gaunt, is easily the best two-year-old in England. He is a great stayer, and 1 will not be surprised to see him beat the grey over a distance of ground." As Kennymorc has won the Two Thousand, and is favourite for the Derby, Mr Robertson's "tip" is not unlikely to come off. , TEMPLAR.