SPORTING.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 November 1926, Page 5

SPORTING.

THE METROBOLITAN MEETING. A CCEPTA NCES ANNOUNCE I). By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christchurch, Nov. 2. Following are the acceptances for the Metropolitan Trots:— Spring Handicap (in harness), of 300 sovs. Unhoppled trotters. 3.52 to 3.42 class. Onto mile live furlongs.—The Toft, Randolph, Lady Fan. Koraki, Queen Ida, Rose Peters, scr.; Kola Boy, Frisco Beau< Bundaberg. Duke Bingen, Ingle Bingen, 12 yards behind; Bingenette, Pete Peter, Charlie Dixie,. 24; Engagement, Autobell, 36; Little Logan, Peter McKinney, Young Blake. Harold Child, 48. St. \ Alban’s Handicap (in saddle), of 300 sovs. 2.16 class. One mile Choubra. Direct Wood, Macaranda, Lady Wildwood, Bing Boy, scr.; Tarzan, Daltnenv, 12 yards behind; Ouimet, lalciij/ 24; Bellfasliiou, 36; Bruce, 48. Empire Handicap (in harness), of 400 sovs.; 2.52 to ?.45 class; iy 4 miles.— Some Wilkes. Harley Dillon, Nipper, Berenice, scr- Holly Boy, Logan Holme, Pearl Coronado,' Pakoti, Wliarepiana, Double Event. 12 yards behind; Diamond Child, Harold Burwood, King Dillon, Trenand, 24; Harry Audubon, Talent, Ouimet, St. Maura, Taurekareka, Bessie Logan, 36; Cardinal Logan, 48; Logan Lou, 96. Ricearton Handicap (in harness), of 350 sovs.; 4.42 to 4.37 class; 2 miles. — Wairua, Bundaberg, Rapier, Bob Logan, Grey Cloud, /Killincliy, Alvira, Homer, Lord Bingen, General Bingen, scr.; Young Blake, 12 yards behind; Transport, 24; William the 'Great, 36; Hustler, Granite City, 48. Dominion Handicap (in harness), of 1000 sovs.; unhoppled trotters; 4.38 class; 2 miles. —Peter Swift, Master Audo, Clonmel, scr.; Le Todd, Bonny Spec, 12 yards behind; Escapade, Red Oak, 24; Money Spider, Audominion. Judge Hancock, John Mauritius, 48; Whispering Willie, Peterwah, 60Victoria Handicap (in harness), of 400 sovs. 4.37 to 4.32 class. Two miles. —Lady Embrace* Stormy, Stunt Artist, Direct Wood, Bing Boy, scr., Wild Thyme, Tom Thumb, 12 yards behind; Harold Burwood, Dahiahine, Silk Thread 24, Succession Main Voyage, St. Maura 36, Countrvman 84.

Hagley Handicap (in harness), of 400 sovs. 2.45 class. One mile and a quarter.—Glenelg, Lightnig, Riocole, Bonny Logan, sc*;., Becky Logan, Loganwood, Locanda Mac, Dillon Wilkes, 12 yards behind; Willie Logan, Delavan’s Quest, Nelson Derby 24, Logan Chief, Great Hope, 36. New Zealand Trotting Cup (in harness), of 3000 sovs. and cup. 4.28 class. Two miles. —Taolaro, Queen’s Own, Dolly Dillon, Black Admiral, Native Chief, Pedro Pronto, scr., Nelson Derby, Prince Pointer, 12 yards behind; Ahuriri, Jack Potts, 24; Acron, Man-o’-War, 36; Great Hope, 48; Waitaki Girl, Onyx, GO; Sheik, 72; Great Bingen. 84. NOTES FROM THE TRACKS. TRAINING AT RICCARTON. * By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christchurch, Nov. 2. The weather was fine for track work at Ricearton outside the course proper, which provided good going. Precious was the first to work, and did five furlongs in Imin 2 3-ssec-Nincompoop led Lucinda and Haze over half a mile up the back stretch in 52 l-ssec. Front Rank, with a mate, over the last six furlongs, did nine furlongs in Imin 59sec.‘ Broadmoor beat Scrambler over half a mile up the back in 52sec. Shirley took 50sec for the last four furlongs. Moorland sprinted half a mile in 49 sec. Reremoana, with a big weight up, and Lady Desmond ran six furlongs in Imin 17sec. Centrepiece, with a mate for the last part, covered seven furlongs in Imin 29 2-ssec. Clarinda beat Rapine with Beacon Light and Desert Glow two lengths away, and Kalakaua did 1£ miles in 2min 11 sec, the last mile in 1.43 2-ssee. Beacon Light carried most weight. Jarretierre beat Tarleton over a mile in Imin 44 3-ssec. Phaola beat David Garrick. Footfall and Lucky Days over a mile in Imin 44 2-ssec. Glentruin and Set Sail were together at the end of six furlongs, the last five covered in Imin 2 2-ssec. The two-year-olds, Jericho, Glad Light and Rigoletto were in that order at the end of a half mile in 50 l-ssec. Starlight just beat -Bolero over hdlf a mile in 49' 2-ssec. Licinius and Young Lochinvar beat Mimetic over six furlongs in Imin 16 2-ssec. a Full Swing ran miles in 2min 11 2-ssec, the last mile taking Imin 44 2-5 sec. Count Cavour, with Countersign for the first six furlongs, and Violet II for the last seven, ran 1£ miles in 2min 11 2-ssec, the last mile taking Imin 44 2-5 sec. Sayonara went better than Black Cruiser over foTir hurdles. Rangi Sarto jumped six hurdles alone, but seemed sore.* Booster, going easily alongside Brown Lady, covered half a mile in 51sec. Goosestep ran six furlongs in Imin 20 3-ssec. Assniaun and Peho did seven furlongs in Imin 30sec. Margaret ran six furlongs in Imin 15 1 -ssec. Finora took Imin 15 3-ssec for six furlongs with a mat'? for the last five. Mireusonta and Pint hail' did easy work on the sand. Battlement did threequaTters pace work. Pink Note. Pink Terrace. Comic Song and Coastguard arrived from the Soil th last night. Fools’ Paradise. Buoyant. Jemidar, Santiago, Royal Ceres, Cimabue. High Pitch. Seatoun, Avola, Vaward. Sovena, ITynanna, Cosmetic, Revel. Many Colours, Alyson. Anthanie. Inferno. Tanadees. Grand Knight, and Nadarino, arrived by this morning’s steamer. ELLERSLIE TRAINING NOTES. Auckland. Nov. 2. The weather was fine for training at Ellerslie this morning. The outside of

the course proper was available for fast work. Judge’s Box and the Kenilworth filly ran four furlongs in 52see. Quineoma was just ahead of Inoc. with White Bird last, at the end of five furlongs ran in Imin ssec. Gold I'ern and Chairman were about on terms at the end of six fnrlon"s, run in Imin 22sec. Serang was not bustled to run five furlongs in Imin 9 2-osee. Tresham and Muscari went round in 2min 9sec. being together at the finish. Gala Day and War Officer ran six furlongs in Imin 21 4-ssec. Charlady beat Newbury over six furlongs in Imin 22sec. Tall Timber, Merry Damon and King Mcrv were on terms at the end of a similar distance, run in Imin 21 l-ssee. Aurumavis, Barometer, and Rahenoto were in that order at the end of a round in 2min 7 2-ssec. Master Doon covered the last four furlongs of his work in 51 2-sscc. Abbey Day and Charis ran half a mile in 55sec. Archibald was in front of Pavo at the end of six furlongs, run in Imin 20sec. Nucleus and Claris finished together in seven furlongs, run in Imin 34sec. Tukia covered four furlongs in 51 2-5 see. Hassock and Master Mind were in front of Wonder Star, Salamander. Temple and King Selwyn at the end of five furlongs from the new post in Imin 6 3-ssec. Quondong and Corinax ran the last four furlongs of their work in 57see. Ruanui, one of F. Tilley’s team, sprinted four furlongs in 53 4-ssec. Mundane went a round in 2min osee. the last four furlongs taking 54see—a good gallop. After breakfast Archeno sprinted down the straight, and Balama and Waitokohe ran half a mile in 51 3-ssec. Karam and Companion covered five furlongs in Imin 50 2-ssee. Chamour was going nicely at the end of six furlongs, run in Imin 21 2-ssec, Town Guard and Prince Abbey taking Imin 23 1-ssee. Auriculus and Zane Grey ran half a mile in Imin 51 2-asec. Clockwork, Homai and Waiau Lad covered the last six furlongs of their work in Imin 26sec. Dave sprinted but was not timed. Lomint ran six furlongs on the tan in Imin 20 4-asec. Star Ranger did pace work on the same track. Town Bank, who 'bruised one of his feet recently, was also given steady work oh the tan. Tom Moore jumped fences on the flat safely but slowly. Indemnity set out over the same obstacles but ran off at the second fence of the double. He went on and juntped the stone wall. Peter Amans went over the steeplechase fences on the flat twice. With the exception of a tendency to get too close to some of the fences, the display was good. Sea Comet, Dimlight, Mahgaloire, Kendal and Syndicate started off over the sod wall double and the stone wall. Kendal was then pulled off. The other four continued over the hill and on to the flat, where Sea Comet and Dimlight were taken on to the course proper. Mahgaloire and Syndicate finished over the fences on the flat, tlie former being well in front. Glenotus was given a schooling task over the big fences, including the hill, and jumped well. The arrivals include Star Ranger, Merry Jest, Royal Mint, Mint Leaf, To Monanui, Lysandor and Mask. THE CANTERBURY MEETING. (Notes by “Moturoa.”) Final payments for the New Zealand Cup leave poor field of thirteen to contest Saturday’s 2100 sovs. handicap, the scratching pen. accounting for Star Stranger, Ngata, Tanadees-, Indian Sage, Diogenes, Perle de Leon and Mali Jong. Of this bunch, Star Stranger lias been suffering from a cold, and Ngata has failed to stand a preparation. Tanadees has been scratched for Auckland engagements as well, so something must have happened to him since winning the Masterton Cup. Indian Sage has turned out a non-stayer, or at least a doubtful stayer, and Diogenes, Perle de Leon and Mali Jong were "flattered'’ by entry for such a race. ’ # » «= A

As the field now stands, Rapine, Count Cavour and Beacon Light represent good class staying ability, and while the old hoodoo of Bst. 91bs. —the maximum weight carried to victory in the New Zealand Cup —hangs over Rapine (9.0) and Count Cavour (8.13), the form of Beacon Light with 8.2 looks really promising, and the Boniform gelding is likely to start a good favourite. Ravenna has won innumerable ten furlongs races under good weights, but even with 7.5 she may find two niiles beyond her powers. Tarleton is another which is better over a shorter course, but Clarinda stays well, as she proved when 'she won the Manawatu Cup at. the right end, carrying 7.12 and wearing down Enthusiasm (8.11) and Ngata (8.11) in a great finish, and, leaving Merry Day, Tanadees, Tresham, Waetea, Kilfaire, Scotch Mixture, Kalakaua and four others well in the rear. Her popular owner, Mr. R. A. McKenzie, has always had a good stayer to carry his colours, and with Sunart won the New Zealand, Hawke’s Bay and Wanganui Cups; two Manawatu Cups with Clandhu and Clarinda, a Metropolitan Handicap with Kilgour, etc. As previously stated. Mr. McKenzie holds high hopes of Clarinda running prominently on Saturday, as she was never better in her life. Desert Glow and Novar have both won over a distance of ground, though having to strike their colours to top-notch horses in such races as the Auckland and Wanganui Cups respectively. While hardly taking the risk of “counting out’’ such great stayers as Rapine and Count Cavour, the law of averages, as far as the New Zealand Cup is concerned, appears to favour the chances of horses weighted like Beacon Light, Clarinda and Novar. « # « The Stewards’ Handicap has drawn a great field of twenty-two. the only withdrawals of note being The Hawk and Commendation, the other absentees being little fancied ones like Money Order, Baldowa, Father O’Flynn, Nincompoop, Nadarino, Black Cat, Royal Damon, First Acre, Finora, Epistle and Joy Bird. The Hawera trainer, O. Cox, holds a strong hand with top and bottom weights, Reremoana and Lady Desmond, and while the big horse may be the more reliable of the pair, the filly would only require to leave the mark respectably to cause no end of trouble. Grand Knight's running in the Champion Plate at Trentham was very disappointing, and Glentruin (winner of the Stewards’ Handicap in 1922 and 1923) will be a freak if she can win again on a necessarily light preparation. Orchid does not appear to be quite “top class," ami,

with Mireusonta, may be on the down grade. Inferno is capable of big things if he behaves well at the barrier, but there is a big “if” about the Fordell cast off. He was third with 8.13 last year when voted a certainty by the stable. Set Sail has won under big weights on southern courses, and gave a taste of her quality in the Suburban Handicap at the Wellington autumn meeting, when she carried Bst. home in front of Le Choucas (7.8), Merry Jest (7.(1), and other smart ones (including Inferno, Tukia, Civility, Lady Ridicule, Motley, Shirley, etc.), and ran the six in I.ll], She should have more than an outside chance, though, on recent form, Shirley (on the same mark) reads a trifle better. Shirley carried 8.10 wlicu he woi. the Nainai Handicap at the recent Wellington ,meeting, and should relish 7.12 in the Stewards. Comic Song carried the minimum when lie scored a surprise victory in the Stewards’ Handicap last year, but as it was the only race he won that season there is good reason to regard the win as a fluke. Of those lower down, Young Lichinvar ran good races in Australia, and Fool's Paradise won the Shorts Handicap at Trentham recently, carrying 7.12. Licinius has sprinted consistently, and Arpent has done well also, but Lady Desmond —with a start —should hold most of the lightweights safe. .Summed up, Reremoana even with 9.13, Shirley. Set Sail and Lady Desmond should run * « * « Nothing of much account has dropped out of the classics at the meeting. Fifteen remain in the Welcome Stakes, Tallisker, who failed signally in th? Wellesley Stakes, being the principal defection. The field as it now stands includes the strong Greenwood pair, Agrion and Eulalie, as well as the Avondale Stakes winner, Cimabue, and promising youngsters such as Frenzied Fi ■ nance, Royal Ceres and Laughing Princa #’ * # * Kilperon, Jazz Baby, Last Flight and Henna have-been taken out of the New Zealand Derby Stakes, leaving nine, including Commendation, Seatown, Battlement, and Countersign. Ten remain in the New Zealand Oaks, the withdrawals being Aldebaron, Last Flight and Henna. The fillies are not a strong lot, but Countersign, Zarisee and Helen may see the distance out. Minor events on Saturday’s card for Ricearton have filled well. Nukumai and Santiago represent'~good class in the Spring Hurdles, and both have won well recently. High Pitch, Margaret Birney, Hynanna, Helen and other good ones remain in the Spring Plate. Mime, Zarisee and Sovena arc not badly placed in the Linwood Handicap, and Pangolin reads well in the Apprentices’ Handicap. Commendation will probably be given a run in the Ricearton Handicap in which Pink Note and Mountain Lion may offer stout opposition. The New Zealand Cup candidate, Overdrawn, is also engaged in this event.

CLASS OF MANFRED.

AUSTRALIA’S BEST ’ Melbourne, Oct. 17. While Australians are prone to worship the latest star in the racing firmament, it must be admitted, after Manfred’s race on Saturday that they have much justification for placing him on a pinnacle among Australian thoroughbreds. More than one old-timer said yesterday: “He’s a greater horse than Carbine.” But perhaps it were as well to wait until after the Melbourne Cup before the pair can be truly compared. At the present there is practically general agreement in Melbourne that he is the best horse in Australia just now. One authority, at least, Mr. Harry Chisholm, remarked yesterday: “He is the best horse in the world.” Other men who, like Mr. Chisholm, have been to England in the last year or two: would not go quite so far as that- Mr. Sol. Green, for instance, who is one of the latest back from the Old Country, said: “Great horse though he is, I don’t think he is as good as Coronach or Solario.” Mr. James Hachett, of Sydney, chipped in : “I would back Manfred even against Solario at a mile and a half, but the English horse might beat him at two miles.” “Or over any distance,” rejoined Mr. Green, and he went on to say: “We can’t hope that our best will be as good as the cream of English horses, because we don’t get the best mares out here to breed from. We are allowed to have only the culls. It is not a mere matter of money, but English owners of a high-class mare will nfft put a price on her, except a prohibitive one. For example, they wanted 17,000 guineas for Straightlace, an un-prov-ed brood mare, though, a great performer on the racecourse. Australia’s best chance is to buy yearlings in England, in the hope that one bred on first-class, if not quite the most fashionable lines, which may be got for about 2000 guineas, will prove what a gamble yearling buying is, and turn one better than one of the ten thousand pounders.” Mr. Green, who has spent thousands in this way, got Tragedy Queen, who threw Comedy King, and founded a great line of Australian winners. But nothing will convince Mr- Green that Australia can produce such great horses as England, where a process of selecting and mating of the very best is always going on. James Scobie, > who is just back from England, was not in town yesterday, but he remarked to Trainer McCalman as Manfred was walking out at Flemington in the early morning: “If yoii had him in England, Mac., you would get 70,000 to 100,00 guineas for hiin.”_ Quite apart from what we have seen Manfred do in public, he did at least one private trial which was extraordinary. McCalman said yesterday that last spring, during the week after Whittier had won a weight-for age race, Manfred, although two years younger, gave the Woorak horse 71bs and beat him by a dozen lengths over a mile and a quarter, run in 2.11 No wonder he was backed for the Melbourne Cup, and what a great horse is Windbag, who beat him in the twomiler.