THE RACING CARNIVAL.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume IV, Issue 1164, 3 November 1917, Page 6

THE RACING CARNIVAL.

CUP DAY PROSPECTS. OPENING DAY'S EVENTS. Once again we arc on the eve of Canterbury's great racing carnival. Throughout next week Christehureh will bo the Mecca of sportsmen from al] parts of the Dominion, ami for the time being all other burning questions of the day will be sunk in paying tribute at the shrine of St. Hippo. In compliance with the decree for less racing, the Canterbury Jockey Club has curtailed its fixture from the usual four days to three, ami as a result the racingwill all be got into a week. This reduction lias necessitated a rearrangement of the programme, so for the first time in many years the New Zealand Cup and Derby will be decided on the same day. Despite the curtailment of events, the meeting has found just, as much favour with owners from other parts of the Dominion as ever, and, though the absence of so many good horses in Australia will impair the quality of the fields, any deficiency in this respect will be counterbalanced by the increased number of competitors. So far as the sport is concerned, the prospects have seldom been brighter. Nearly every stable of importance from Auckland to the Bluff has one or more representatives, and, as in the past, it seems certain that the enterprise of the visitors in coming so far afield will meet with fitting reward. Tuning to the social side of the gathering, matters |are not so bright. Sportsmen have responded to the Empire's call iu its time of need so generously in the essentials of men and money as to take much of the glamour off next week's gathering. This is bound to be reflected in the pleasure of many who make Canterbury's Carnival Week their one holiday of the year; but no doubt the optimism inherent in all who go a-racing will rise to the occasion. May the fifth War Cup be decided under the more happy conditions that we are now all looking forward to so confidently. Opening Day's Events.

Yes, Monday's card is one that for all-round excellence has never been equalled by any racing club in the Dominion. Firstly, there is the New Zealand Cup, that greatest of all tests of endurance. Secondly, the old-estab-lished tilree-yoar-old classic, the Derby; and, thirdly, the event par excellence for two-year-olds, the Welcome SStakcs. These, with the well-endowed handicap events, make up a programme that, even such an enterprising institution as the Canterbury Jockey Club has every right to be proud of. Never has the historic convincing ground shown to better Advantage than at the present time, and nil that is now required to ensure a highly successful gathering is line weather. The Cup Candidates. Though we have had many higherclass Cup fields than the lot engaged in the coming race, there is no getting away from the open nature of the issue. It, does not say much for the calibre of the field when a horse of Multif mil's moderate credentials is found heading the list. Last season lie registered several fair performances up to a mile and a-half, including a victory in the Hawke's Bay Cup. Since his arrival at Riccarton there has been nothing impressive about his track work, and with Bst 111b in the saddle he has a racehorse's task in front of him. There are'few more genuine stayers in the race than Koike's Drift, who has already shown winning form this season. Still, staying is not the only essential, even in such a test of stamina as the New Zealand Cup, and as he failed 12 months ago under 41b less than lie is now set to carry, the Calibre •gelding's prospects do not look particularly bright. Snub is a horse whose prospects arc very difficult to size up. Going on track forin alone, his chance would be second to none, but with the colours up he seems an altogether different proposition. Since his failure at Eangiora he has been responsible for two splendid gallops, and no horse iu the race has better staying credentials. No one would begrudge his new owner a turn of Fortune's wheel, but while quite prepared to see Martian's unlucky son taking a hand in the finish, I would be diffident about recommending him as a winner. There lias been nothing particularly attractive about John Barleycorn's form this season; indeed, it has not beeu of such a satisfactory nature as that shown by him prior to contesting last year's race. Still he has only to reproduce his best showing, as for instance his A.R.C. Handicap race, to be in the fighting line at the finish. From Fordeil. Ever since the weights appeared Client has figured as one of the mostfancied candidates. At the recent Wellington Meetyig he showed up in a very favourable light by winning the Wainui Handicap iu brilliant style. This race demonstrated that the Elevation gelding is back to his best form, and though he has not yet raced over a two : mile journey, he has all the necessary qualifications to do so. Another thing in Client's favour is that he is trained by one who thoroughly understands the art of getting a horse ready for a twomile contest. Menelaus was a clinking good three-year-old who, on breeding, should be able to stay. So far, he lias not been raced over' lengthy courses, and may not be quite seasoned enough for the severe contract in front of him. In some quarters Sleight of Hand is looked on as the best of good things. True, lie has a great record to boast of, and his partisans argue that, a horse capable of winning a Grand National Hurdles practically from end to end, will not be troubled by the Cup journey. That may be so, of course, but the two races are of altogether different character. [Mystification's son is one of those freegoing sorts that always likes to be ont in front. Tactics of this kind seldom prevail in the New Zealand Cup, and I should not be surprised to see him wanting over the last stages of the journey. There is this in his favour, however, that he will be one of the fittest horses of the field. Amongst the Light Weights. Multiply appears to be a snout light, ami if llendra's form at Trenthani was correct his prospects need hardly l*e discussed. A different proposition altogether is Teka, who both on Wellington form and track work at Riccarton, must be given a royal chance. The only doubt in his case is to whether the journey will not find him wanting. In this respect he has to be taken on trust, but. there seems no valid reason why he should not. stay with the best. There is little attractive about Marsa's chance, while King Star, Sir Solo, and Johnny Walker are not likely to cause speculators much concern. Paraoa | shaped like a stayer at Wellington, I while Cleft and Midnight Star are a pair of likely outsiders. Altogether, the 'issue looks particularly open, and 'though form points to Client, Teka, aud

Snub playing their parts well, it is just the kiml of race that may find outsiders in evidence. The Hurdle Division. With the exception of the three topweights they are anything but a select lot remaining in the Spring Hurdles. The better of Trilford 'a pair—Crib and San Sebastian —is bound to take beating while it is only a question of .leannot jumping well to set his opponents a rare task. Quite a number of smart three-year-olds figure in the Spring Plate, several of whom elaim more important engagements at the fixture. One of these in Xanna can lie relied on to acquit herself with distinction, as few horses trained at Riccartou have been responsible for more attractive work. Rude is another of whom the best of has 1 not yet been seen in public. Of the many standing their ground in the Lin wood Handicap, the two topvveights, Charley and Borodino can be relied on to see out the full journey, while V'nndubhe, who will have to put ii]) a 101b penalty, is credited with being something above the ordinary. Some Promising Juveniles. Most of the 16 two-year olds remaining in the Welcome Stakes have nlready sported silk, and several can lay claim to winning form. Pontoon and Finmark are a pair of very promising colts, both of whom should be well suited by the Riccartou straight. Outside of this pair the Demosthenes filly Karo is likely to show the most improvement. There is no question as to what, will start favourite for the Derby, as the situation appears to be completely dominated by Estland. This son of Finland and War Scare was amongst the first flight of two-year-olds, but repeatedly bumped against something just a little better than himself. That he is likely to develop into a clinking good three-year-old is practically certain, and there is no getting away from the merits of his achievement in the Champion Plate at Trentham last month. Gamecock cannot be at his best, while Kilrush, Arrowfield, and Mortham are hardly class enough. Probably the Hawke's Bay colt will meet with the strongest opposition from Impediment and Silver Tongue, both of whom showed promising form at the Wellington meeting. The Big Sprint.

Mr Henrys has set backers a rare puzzle in the Stewards' Handicap, one that will take a lot of solving. Croesus iloes not appear to be quite wound up, and though Form Up ran disappointingly at Trentham there is every indication (hat he may show to more advantage at Bieearton. No horse has shown better form this season than Fiery Cross, who can be relied on to fight out every inch of the journey. Gazique brings with him a great reputation, and has already given a taste of his quality at Bieearton, ;is has Nystatl, who, despite a 71b penalty, is bound to show a bold front. Trentham form points to Lady Black having rare prospects, while Miss do Val, Elocution, Lingerie, and Wrestler can all be relied on to cut out a very merry six furlongs. In races of this class luck can always be expected to take a hand, consequently such quick beginners as Lady Black, Form Up, and Fiery Cross may be worth}- of respect. The first daj''s operations will be brought to a conclusion with the Bieearton Welter, always a popular event with owners. - Of the heavy-weight division Comely may be most worthy of support, while Kiltess and Comment should also be in the running. Racing will commence at 12.30 p.m., and there will be an efficient tram service to and from the course. The day 's card is as follows:

2.50 p.m. NEW ZEALAND CUP, of 2000 sovs. Two miles. St. 11). C. Prior's 1) g MuHifual, by MultiOd— Flag, liyrs (G. Sinclair) .. .. 811 V. A. and V. N. Price's b g Rorkc's Drift, by Calibre - - O'Rorke's Pancy, liyrs (inc. :ill) pen.) (W. Robinson) 8 .'J \V. R. Keniball's 1) g Snub, by Martian —Lady Disdain, syrs (C Emerson) 8 2 NV. Gardiner, jnn.'s li g John Barleycorn, by Sarto —llrisa, aged (\V. Bell) 8 1 \Y. Duncan's ell g Client, by Elevation —Uonheur, (iyrs (C. Price) .. .. 8 t V. and E. Rlddi ford's b g Menclaus, liy Martian —Lovelorn, lyrs (A. Reed) 8 1 E. Armstrong's 1) g Sleight of Hand, by Mystification Wonderland mare, (iyrs (J. Olsen) 7 9 T. E. Wlielch's b g Multiply, by Multifld—Lady Augusta, aged .. .. 7 8 11. E. Troutbrck and T. E. Quinlivan, jun.'s blk g Hendra, by Royal Artillery—Hecuba, syrs (H, Cray) ..78 J. Hart's 1) g Teka, by Mystification— Tattle, syrs (inc. 71b pen.) (G. Clarke) 7 8 D. P. Wilson's br m Marsa, by Martian—Nantes, (iyrs (A. H. Wilson) 7 2 A. Lile's b g Paraoa, by King lUil'us The Boyne, syrs (Inc. 71b pen.), (S. R. Bagby) 7 1 F. J. Lysnar's b g Cleft, by Multifld Criciuni, syrs (Con. Reid) .. .. 7 0 J. Calvert's b g King Star, by Martian —Rosiphele, aged (F. Cray) .. .. d 13 W. Garrett's b g Sir Solo, by Sir Laddo— Wepener, aged (Corlett) (i !) V. and E. Riddiford's b g Johnny Walker, by Martian- Silkgown, 4yrs (M. McCarten) 6 fl B. C. McCormack's b g Midnight Star, by Starinu— Lady Flora, aged (U. Young) (! 7 X.'tii p.m. WELCOME STAKES, of 1000 sovs. For two-year-olds. Colts and geldings 8.5, fillies 8.0. Four furlongs. A. .1. Toxward's ch r Gipsy Gold, by liczonian—Gipsy Belle. Mrs M. Bethell's ch c Lockweir, by Elevation—The Weir. P.. ,P. Watt's blk c Pontoon, by Wolawa— Float. Sir Ceo. Clifford's blk c Sir Fanciful, by Rokeby—l-ady Wayward. W. E. Herbert's b f 80-Pccp, by Bczonian— Shepherdess. G. D. Greenwood's br g Elcus, by Elyslan—■ Kowerewere. G. D. Greenwood's br g Indus, by Danube— Ingala. H. E. Troutbeck's b f Piricus, by Demosthenes—Formula. 11. E. Troutbeck's b g Demagogue, by Dcmostlieues —Gold Bound. 11. Card's b f llonvillc, by Boniform —Garston. J. Hart's br f Karo, by Demosthenes— Kautuku. 11. Whitney's br g Preface, by AchillesPrelusive. T H. Lowrv's ch c Einmark, by Finland— War Seine. W. A. Nicholls's ch g Canaman, by Menschlkoff —Khamsin. J. J. Corry's ch f Rebekali, by Bczonian— Snowstell. J, Goring Johnston's b f Cherry Mart, by Birkenhead—Martia.

4.15 p.m. NEW ZEALAND DERBY STAKES, of 1500 sovs. For three-year-olds. Colts nntl geldings 8.10, Allies 8.5. One mile and a-hnlf. T. H. Lowry's br c Estland, by Finland— W. Duncan's l>r c ArrowlieJd, by Cardinal Beaufort—Collarene. Sir Geo. Clifford's cb c Gamecock, by Sun Francisco—Brave Hcrrt. A. W. Rutherford, Jun.'s b g Kilrush, by Kilbroncy—Prank, IT. E, Troutbcck's br f? Silver Tongue, by Demosthenes—Gold Powder. .1. Walker's ch f Impediment, by Demosthenes— Kautuku. It. C. (iillics's br r Mortham, by Rokcby— Canterbury Belle.

12.30 p.m. SPRING HURDLE handicap. =>r ;;on sovs. Two miles. st. lb. St. 11). Crib: .. .. .. 12 5 Compulsion 10 7 San Sebastian 11 4 Want 1) 8 Naupata 11 3 Hon Francisco !> 7 Cast Iron ., 10 9 Port! ami I.aUy !) 5 Jeannot 10 8 1.10 p.m. SPRINT. PL.A .TO, of 100 sovs. Sn( ■cial wci glits. One mile. Ascalaphus 7 13 Imar ibbon 7 1! Blackall 7 13 Sunn y ("limes 7 11 Blackheatll .. 7 13 Than les 7 11 Bloomine .. 7 13 Winter Cherry 7 II Euripos .. 7 13 CIov( TllOUSC .. 7 7 Glenshinc 7 13 Kilrush .. .. 7 4 Johnny Walker 7 13 Untie 7 4 Kilkec .. .. 7 13 Missc mri 7 •) Killaril .. .. 7 13 Kami a 7 2 Leaping Burn 7 13 War Star 7 2 Platoon 7 13 2.5 p.m. LINWOOD HANDICAP, ,,i 200 sovs. Seven furlongs. si. lb. St. 11). Charley .. 11 0 Placi (1 . . . . 7 4 Borodino .. 8 8 Subtt xfuge .7 3 Bellrock .. 8 4 Leap ing Bum 7 a Golden Prince 7 12 Missc mri 7 2 Mai vol ia .. .. 7 12 Love Token .'. 7 tl Thestius 7 12 Imar; ibbon ., 7 i) Vandubhe (inc. Tc Anau .. .. 7 0 Kill) pen.) . . 7 lOHenr: iette .. .. 7 0 The White King 7 8 Pall Mall 7 1) Kimbolton 7 8 Spyg lass .. .. 7 (1 Galore .. 7 0 Myth ology 7 0 Spangle 7 5

. r >.. r i p.m. STEWARDS' HANDICAP, of 1500 sovs furlongs. . Six St. 11). st. lb. Cnesus .. 8 13 Bjorneborg .. 7 8 Form Up . . .. 8 10 Wrestler 7 7 Fiery Cross .. 8 8 Ladogeur (inc. Nystad (inc. 711) 511) pen.) .. 7 i pen.) .. 8 7 Moutoa Queen 7 2 (lUKiQIIC .. .. 8 5 Lingerie (inc. Seadown .. ..83 511) pen.) .. 7 0 Lady Black .. 8 1 Margerine 6 1.1 Miss dc Val .. 7 13 Kilboyne 6 13 Klocution .. 7 12 Trcmcna .. (i 1 Multiplication 7 il R1CCABTON .i.r.: p.m. WELTER HANDICAP, < sovs. ()))e mile, st. lb. if 400 St. lb. Oxpnhope ..10 3 Heeltap .. .. 8 7 Gang Awa' .. 10 3 Palamon .. 8 7 Cleft .. !> 5 Kilrush .. .. H 4. Comely .. Q 5 Black Ada 8 3 King Star .. il 4 lulkee .. .. 8 2 Sedd el-Bahr .. 9 2 Blackall .. .. 8 a Good Hope .. y 1 Kiltess .. .. 8 1 Battle live .. 8 12 Comment 8 0 Wanlanecr .. 8 11 Glendower H 0 Bed Hook .. 8 9 Pariform 8 0 Potentiality ..8 8 Ogier ., .. 8 0 Devotion .. ..8 8