CAPZ AND JACKET

Observer, Volume XVI, Issue 922, 12 September 1896, Page 5

CAPZ AND JACKET

BACING FIXTURES. Sept. 12— Otago Hunt Club Sept. 17 & 18— South Canterbury J.C. Spring Sept. 19 & 23— Auckland B.C. First Spring Oct. 5 & 6— Hawke's Bay J.O. Spring Oct. 13 & 14— Napier Park B.C. Spring Oct. 22" & 23— Wanganxd J.C. Spring Nov. 9 & 11— Auckland E.C. Second Spring Nov. 9, 11 & 14— Canterbury J.C. Spring Nov. 21 & 25— Wellington B.C. Spring Nov. 25, 27 & 28— Dunedin J.C. Spring Dec. 26, Jan. 1 & 2— Auckland R.C. Summer Jan. I—Hawke's1 — Hawke's Bay Summer Jan. SO & 22— Wellington R.C. Summer Feb; 7— C.J.C. bummer Feb. 24, 25 & 27— Dnnedin J.C. Autumn Mar. 4 & s— Wanganui J.C. Autumn Mar. 17 & 18 - Hawke's Bay J.C. Autumn Mar. 23 & 24— Napier Park R.C. Autumn Mar. 27— Dunedin Anniversary April 6, 7 & 11— Auckland R.C. Autumn June 6 & B— North N.Z. Grand National

A.R C. FIRST SPRING MEETING. The chief interest of lonal sporting circles this week is centred on the weight adjustments for the Ellerslie First Spring Meeting. I don't think Mr Evitt's work has much to be cavilled at. The handicaps appear to me well put together There are one or two cases where horses have possibly been treated somewhat leniently in respect . to others, but these are few, and on the whole Mr Evitt's work is good work. The Spring Handicap, ljm., entails a penalty in respect to New Zealand Cup prospects. But both Ajiita and Daystar have such light imposts in that event, that an additional Sib. would scarcely have an appreciable effect. Anita gives the three-year-old 61b. at Ellerslie, and 71b. in the New Zealand Cup, so there is very little difference of opinion between the two handicaps. Considering that Daystar is a non-performer, the adjustments are not very flattering to Anita's past form. Yet she is one of the most consistent of our performers. St. Paul and Armilla can be treated irrespective of latest contingencies. Mr Evitt assesses St. Paul at 51b better than Armilla. Over a shorter distance, say five or six f uriongs, Armilla would prove a good match for St. Paul at even weights. In a mile and a quarter I should say St. Paul is most likely to prove the sticker. Of course we have no form to guide us, only relatively. I should think Acone at 9st 51b would beat St. Regel, Bst 111 b, both horses well. Lady Agnes, tist 101 b, if forward, will show pace enongh for anything in the race, and I do not see why she should not stay it out. In early spring the previous season's form must not be too closely adhered to, the question of condition and forwardness is then the chief point of note. Given necessary condition, I think the three most likely to win the Spring Handicap to be AcoDe, Anita, and Lady Agnes. The last named may possibly run in the Trial Handicap, 7 furlongs, which is the first race of the day. and if so, I see nothing to beat her udess it be one of the three-year-olds, Antares or Daystar, neither of whom, however, can be said to have the race at their mercy at the weights. Lady Marion and Merry Maid at their best would beat both three-year-olds, unless Antares has improved a deal, and Daystar proves good. I don't see anything I like better in the Hurdle Race at the weights than Augbadowey. Miss Nelson, Paddy O'Rorke and Grenadier come next in my favour— all light weights with the exception of the mare. If long work has not spoilt Fabulist for sprinting, I think he will oe found as good as anything in the sis furlongs. Waiuku (9st lllb) gives him Sib, and St. Clements (9st 101 b) gives him 71b, which I don't think they will bo found ready to do. Armilla (7st 101 b) certainly looks well in, as does St. Elmo with 61b less. I will not weary rer ders by. further comment on the less important events. I shall have an opportunity of further dealing with the events after acceptances are in. These are due to-morrow (Friday), 11th met. Good acceptances should result seeing that all the events, with just one or two exceptions, are composed of local horses.