SPORTING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11217, 24 October 1914, Page 5

SPORTING.

RACING AND TROTTING.

NOTES BY "ARGUS." FIXTURES. October 26—O&mnru Trotting Club. October 2(5, 29 —Grey mouth Trotting Club. October 26, 27—Gore Racing Club. October 27; 28—Gteymouth Jockey Club. October 21), 30—Poverty Bay Turf Club. October 31, November 3, 5, 7—Victoria liaoing Club. November 7. 9, U. 14 —Cauterbury Jockey Club. ?JoT«mbftr 10, 12, .B—Metropolitan Trotting Clul». It has been freely predicted for soim time past, and with every ;>how of reason, that the November Carnival was likely to suffer no diminution in popular favour this year, despite tho effects of the war. How the racing portion of .the carnival will turn out, in the matter of public attendance and volume of total isator speculation, lias still to bo proved. In one respect', however, the prospects for the week seem beyond all region of doubt. A few weeks ago, when nominations closed for some ot' the principal events, it was apparent that owners had serious designs on Ricearton with their cracks, and further evidence under that heading was provided last night, when general entries were received, alone* with acceptances and forfeits for a tew of the richest stakes. A study of the list should serve to demonstrate very clearly that thero is no fear of a shorage of horses at the Canterbury Jockey Club's meeting next month. Twenty horses survived the New. Zealand Oup payment, and it is safe to say .that the withdrawals Have in no way endangered the prospects of the race. Bleriot is evidently being reserved for shorter events, but the stable from which she hails is still doubly represented. .Royal Arms, Peroneal, Portraiture, Specialform, Soult-ikoff and Columbus may not be seen wt tho meeting at all, but they have not been among the star attractions at any stage of tne Oup discussion. The three-year-olds, Football and Want, were among tho fancied candidates some time ago, but their recent form has completely disposed of their prospects. Atheldana, Chillies, Montana and Magdala have other engagements, which will suit them much better than the New Zealand Cup. Hyettus had some admirers, but it lias been known for some time that he was a doubtful starter in the two-mile race, though he may still have to be reckoned with in some of the other big races at tlio meeting. The twenty horses still holding their ground are a thoroughly representative lot, and they should provide a fine contest. With the exception of Rinaldo, they have all raced since tho weights were declared. Their form hav, been somewhat mixed. Some ol ! them have performed rather disappointingly, but, on the ether hand, it cannot ba said that any _of them stand out for specially brilliant efforts. As a rbsulfc the issue in the big race lookg.parfciculaTly open, and this doubtless influenced a few owners to continue their engagements. Expect, Labour Day and Indigo have done best this season, but a few others can be cited, including Ivilrain. Sinapis, Sea Pink, La Re in a. and Multiply, as likely to be more forward on Oup Day than when they last raced. The Stewards' Handicap withdrawals include a few brilliant sprinters, prominent among them being Autumnus, Warstep, Reputation and Olynelish, but with the exception of Olynelish they are all likely to be seen in others, events a,t the meeting. The field still numbers thirty-four, and it is doubtful if a better all-round lot has been engaged in the big six. furlong race in recent years. The Derby prospects are excellent. The early spring fixtures have, of course, served to eliminate several candidates whoso chances looked good at the olose of last season, but there is still material for plenty of interest. Reputation and First Flight stand out as the best performers of the season so far, a.nd they should furnish plenty of discussion between now and Derby Day, while Oampeador, Ringform, Camulus and Hyettus will assist to provide further excitement in connection with the classic race. It looks as if the Oaks would attract a latge field. On two-year-old running Rencontre would be an easy first choice, but she may not stay, judged en her only effort this season. Of the others engaged Riccarton Stables can claim a strong representation, with Charmilla, Honesty, Snapdragon, Court Martial, Wise Bird and Martigues, wni'e the North Island contingent, includes Steinheil, Mia Cara. . Tete-a-tete and Husheen. The Three-year-old fillies are, after all, an unknown quantity, so far as the Oaks journey is concerned. The "Wei- j come Stakes promises to provide plenty of excitement. Nones, Asterias and Gold Foil have already won, but they do not threaten to spoil the oorrest, in which several others pi'omise to nlay prominent parts. Sutala, Eve, Floweret and Spangle are four Ivk carton candidates that may be included in this category, together with Bonny Dream from Yaldhurst, while Hvla. Freya, and Desert Gold are North Island juvenile?, that are credited with possessing somo pace. With regard to the minor events, it can jo said that they have all filled ly wp.l tne j total entries being slighly ahead of those received a year ? go. All parts of the Dominion are well ana at present it looks as if tho rr.ee from a sparing point of view, would be one of the ever heid at Iticcailtu.

When Mr W. G. Stead purchased the English stallion Faramorz in Sydney this mttntli, it. was. .generally understood tljiai he was secured for the stud. His owner evidently intends, however, to tako advantage of the horse being in racing condition, and he has been nominated for several events at the Canterbury Jockey Club's meeting.

Of the twenty horses remaining m the New Zealand Cup.' fifteen come from North Island stables, the South Islaml being represented bv Tannhauser, Wars tap, Rinstldo, Fabrikoft and Rongahere.

Merry Roe still figures in the Stewards' Handicap, as well as in the New Zealand Cup. The Auckland mare, who has proved herself a good one over all courses, is the only performer holding her ground in both the big events on the opening day of the Riccarton cainrval.

Exceptionally good nominations have been received for the hurdle races at the Canterbury Jockey Club's meeting, a.inl the prospects in 'this department are much brighter than usual.

Pariform has proved a. great disappointment to the Bighdori trainer, Cx. Price, this season. His two-vear-old form encouraged the belief that he would prove one of the best of his age, but he lias not run a decent race this spring. He has been allowed to drop out of the Derby, and though he may b9 at Riccarton next month, his will bo confined to minor events over short courses.

Garance did not accompany G. Price's team to Trentham, not having quite recovored from the slight accident that occurred to him at Hastings. He may, however, be one of the Highden team for Riccarton,

Bequest is fast getting into form, but it is doubtful if she will be seen at her. best at the approaching meeting. She worked out this morning in a solid maaner.

Denver Huon was restricted to walking exercise at Addington this morning. The horse struck himself on tho foreleg some time ago, and has had. *,o be let up for a slight spell. Ha

was walking round the track with his foot encased in a leather boot. The horse, however, looks in capital condition.

P.. Riddle had his team of six on the Addington track this morning, but the horses were not worked at all fast. Winn Alto is an ; aged stallion by Dixio Alto from Winona, both America.]! importations,- and is a trotter. Ji© is a big, Upstanding horse, but doos not show a great deal bf quality. He looks light behind, but when moving along slowly showed a good gait, and is reported to be a fine trotter. Nan is n quality looking five-year-old marc by Ribbomvood-—Miss Fritz, by Huon Junior Sho is somewhat on the small side, but ia an attaotivo pacer, who has some smart performances to her credit on Sydney tracks. Spot is a, big up^banding bay Raiding by Judge Huon, and looks like a. hunter in ap--0 liorse has been raced ill. Melbourne, and is a great favourite with racegoers in that city. Lord Ribbon wood, as his name ritrcr e stg is by Ribbomvood-—-Lady nd 'is'four yeais old. He is a. good looker and resembles his aire in. colour. I was raucU impressed with him, and he looks abb „o go fast while he? should also gtaj well. He has not done much racis a five-year-old stallion by Huon Junior—Greta. He is a quality looking horse in e very way, and. gives th& appearance of being very fast, as ha is built on somewhat fine lines. He has dono a good deal of racing in Sydney, chiefly over short, distances, and looks as though he should bo seen to advantage in the shorter races at tho meeting. Fancy Gantle is a fiTO-yßar-old mare by the American horse Tregantl?, who is one' of the most successful sires in the Land of the paoei and trotter. She is a trciter, and does not show nearly so much quality as others of tho team, but she looks a likely sort. The horses had a very fine trip across and are all in capital health, besides looking, in splendid condition. Mr Riddle.' who is a great enthusiast of the light harness sport, is greatly impressed with the appointments and track at Addington. In conversation 119 stated that lie" has for a long time wanted to make tho trip and is delighted to be here. He quite realises that his team will have to " go some," as he expressed it, to win races, but ho hopes to be able to show that they have some .-.'good horses in Australia. He has already met a' number of the trotting owners and trainers, and from what I gathered from a short conversation this morning he is highly impressed with everything he saw. I feel sure Mr Riddle will make him-

self very popular with everyone he meets during his stay.

A largo number of horses left for. tho south to-day, to take part in the; G?.maru Trotting Club's meeting on Monday. Indications point' to tho club having a very successful fixture, and it will' probably attract a big contingent of Canterbury sportsmen. A special train will leave Christchurch at 7.20 a.m., arriving in time for the first and leaving 'again at 7.5 p.m., being duo to reach Christchurch at 1.5 a.m. on Tuesday.

The Oh am pi on Plate, to be decided at Trenfcham on Monday, promises to provide a- race of more than usual interest. Last year's •winner, Merry Roe, is likely to be again in tlie held, with Kilrain. and Expect to assist her in upholding: the claims of the olden division. The three-year-old contingent will make a very strong team, headed by .Reputation and First Flight, who will provide' plenty ol : excitement, in view of their smart form this season, while others of the same age who will he welcome additions to the field are Camulusj Campeador, Hyettus and Ring form. So far as the three-year-olds are concerned, the race will have :t- special interest, in providing a line •to the probable result of the Derby, to be decided at Riccarton next month.

The track at Addington was very fast this morning and some good times were recorded by the horses working; there. A few 'or the trainers expressed the opinion that there was too much loose dirt on top, which would: prevent speed, but the work done and the times registered did not bear oufc the contention.

dingseliild and The Whip were worked together and sprinted over several quarters at a fast gait. Clingschild, who has become quite quiet in his work, shewed a lot of pace and easily beat his stable mate. The Whip, however, also paced along in. good style and both horses look very well.

Aberfeldy was pacing along in his moat attractive manner ;to-day, but did not appear to be going as fast as he has clone in the past, and it is doubtful if the old horse will ever return to his best form.

Frandocia is working very well at) present. lie has not been troubled lately with the abscess in the head, although the injury has not been totally cured, but the wound is being kept open and does not appear to be troubling the horse in any way. |ie 'is in first-class fettle and his manners are now of the best. I expect to see this

1 horse race well next month in any raco tor which lie may be started.

A sister to A 1 Franz is working regularly at Addington. She is . very much smalfir than her disappom mg relative, but is an attractive peer and should race well whon thoroughly wound np.

The trotter Michael Galindo worked well this morning, lie was driven ij J. Taslter and showed a lot of dash ai c vim in his work. Sinca his accident his leg troubles prevent him from c trolling his action properly when rounding the turns, but ho is improving tast in this respect, and should race ve • He is not yet thoroughly fit, carrying plenty of condition, but i is iinnroving in every work out. . more one sees of him the giea-.ei e comes the regret that h's legs are no good, to. enable him to show really How o-reat a trotter ho is in every way. Once going at top. he does not seem to know how to leave hi r i feet, and ho is without doubt tho most- attractive trotter in action seen here.

I saw Wallaco Wood worked fast this morning. He was, not sent anv distance. his tasks being confined to ast soriutino-. '['hose who remember hun when ho last raced hero will bo snro to notice a great improvement, as ho has developed" into a splendid pacer He has the best of actions, both m front and behind. besides having grown into a commanding stallion.

Tho Auckland trotter Craibwood is doing a solid preparation under his owner's care at Adding to n. _ 1 understand that A. Julian will ride him in his races next month.

Don Cffisar was worked out over a distance this morning, and did his woi k in a pleasing manner, covering the las. mile at a fast gait, llie horse no shows no signs or lameness, and pulled up after his work in great heart.

The sensation of this morning at Aldington was the work out of Adelaide Direct one of the Australian team m M. Edwards's charge. The visitor was sprinted over two separate quarteis at a fast gait, and then covered a halfmile at a great pace. Talking after the work out with a local trainer, who has been a, regular attendant at the track for years, he stat-ed that Adelaide Direct's work out was the fastest lie had ever seen, with the exception of an effort by 0.Y.M., who was once responsible for a half-mile in lmin 2sec. Adelaide Direct does not impress one when doing slow work, but once put to it she becomes a veritable pacing machine. Although the Australian mare was responsible" for such a phenomenal work out, she was not actually driven out over the last thirty yards.

Bonification, who looks - really well, was worked out a solid two miles this morning, with Chapman riding. Although lie tired a bit over the latter part of the journey, it was the best work he has done to date on the track.