RACING AND TROTTING NOTES

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18349, 29 December 1927, Page 2

RACING AND TROTTING NOTES

RACING NOTES. The Riccarton tracks are very quiet at present. Most of the trainers are on tour and there are only a few horses left at home, being prepared for meetings near at hand. The first of these •will be at Ashburton, on January 14, and the following week a contingent will probably leave for Trentham. * * # * A. Messervy, who was riding at the Dunedin meeting, returned home on Wednesday and left this morning for Greymouth, where he has a number of engagements on horses trained by R. Longley and other Riccarton trainers. ❖ * * * D. Campbell had no horses racing this week but he has gone south with Battle Colours and Moorland, who are engaged at Wyndham and Invercargiil next week. * * * * . W. G. Hobbs brought Luminant and Merivale home after the Dunedin meeting. where each of his pair earned place money. * * * * Lytup was badly cut about the legs while racing at the Hokitika meeting, and she has returned home, as it was realised she would not be fit to race again on the West Coast holiday circuit. * * * * The two-year-old Silver Paper is bowling along freely in useful tasks on the Riccarton tracks. He had no holiday engagements but he may be sent to Trentham next month. ♦ * ♦ * G. Murray Aynsley is keeping his home team going in strong work, as some of them will be required for early racing. Scoff may be raced at Ashburton. while Starflight is a possibility for a trip to Trentham. s * * * * The imported horse Honeycomb, in W. G. Hobbs’s stable, was gelded a few weeks ago. He has resumed work and he may be given a race at Ashburtpn next month. * * ♦ * H. Ellis gave Margaret Birnev a spell after racing her at South Canterbury, a few weeks ago. He has her in commission again and she may be racing at Ashburton. * * * * With only three horses racing in Auckland during the holidays, Cutts Brothers have a big team at home. They are being kept busy, and some of them may be nominated for . the Wellington Racing Club’s meeting.

While G. J. Pine absent in Auckland, with Paper Boy and Doq Joce, F. Hill has the other members of the team doing useful work on the home tracks. Silver Coot and Fair Exchange will be racing at Ashburton, while engagements may be made at Trentham for this pair and the two-year-old Noteworthy. * * * * Tn the absence of !F. Christmas at Auckland, where he ’ has Martarma racing, his home team is under the care of George Reed. Economist, a recent addition to the stable, is getting through useful tasks. A three-year-old Warplane gelding is also working well. Ilis dam is a sister to Nobleman, a Sir Laddo gelding who was a useful performer in his dav. * '* * * The Sarto mare Benshee. who went lame last week, is still in a bad way, and she will need a long spell. * % • * Haze has rejoined R. J. Mason’s team after a spell... He is, a much improved gelding in appearance, but he has a doubtful-looking leg. and he may not stand a severe,, preparation. * * * Charlatan had the misfortune to get into a wire fence a few days ago, and he is suffering from some scratches on his legs. •* * * * C. Emerson was riding in his best form at the Dunedin meeting. He rode several winners, and his artistic handling was responsible for the result more than once. * * * * The Wingatui. trainer R. M’Donald had an unfortunate experience with his team at the Dunedin meeting. Royal Saxon broke down while doing his preliminary on the first day, when Streamer also went lame, while Miss Winkie pulled up lame on the second day.

Nincompoop started the holidav campaign by winning a each day of the Dunedin, meeting. He is in great fettle at present and if he continues his journey south he may get sojne more money at Wyndham and Invercargill next week.

The Wairarapa and Hawke’s Bay meetings will be commenced on Saturday and concluded on Monday, while the Stratford and Marton meetings will be held on Monday and Tuesday, on which days the Auckland Racing Club’s meeting will be brought to a close. Racing enthusiasts in the North Island will thus be able to work in three days’ racing, if they are prepared for some travelling.

The English bred mare. Celerity 11, has -worked her way up in the handicaps, as a result of two recent successes. She is such a good galloper, however, that she still will have to be seriously reckoned with in the chief events at Invercargill. Provided she gets through her home engagements satisfactorily, she may be given a chance to earn higher honours, as a trip to Trentham is in contemplation. Dismantle was very -unlucky on the second day of the Dunedin meeting, but may make amends very soon.

The two-year-old colt Rin Tin Tin, who followed up his Maiden Plata win at the Oamaru meeting by capturing the juvenile event at the Dunedin meeting on Monday, is by Some Boy 11, an Australian bred sire who left a number of smart gallopers during his bried stud career. Fanform, the dam of Rin Tin Tin, is bv Boniform from the Birkenhead mare Satisfaire, and is thus a half sister to Satisfaction, the dam of Receipt and Battle Colours.

Countersign started favourite for the Otago Handicap, but raced disappoints inglt". Her performance was much below her best, as she was well beaten some distance from home. Countersign was in the best of order when she left Riccarton, and something better may be expected before she gets through the southern holiday campaign.

Rapier has now achieved the rare distinction of winning the New Zealand Cup aqd the Auckland Cup in the same season. It is a double shared by St Hippo and Scion, while Warstep dead heated with.. Indigo at Riccarton and then won the Auckland Cup.

Stewards of racing clubs should insist on their starter making either a flat-foot start or a walk-in despatch. In the Otago Handicap, writes “Sentinel,” the riders apparently expected to come in and stand flat-foot at the barrier fend when a snap despatch* took place it resulted in the only bad start of the day. It should be either one thing or other, walk up or flat-foot.

Having rejected the Bill for the licensing of bookmakers, the Tasmanian Parliament has passed a rfieasure, the object of which is to make it easier for the police to deal with offenders against the betting laws. It gives the police power to arrest any man they suspect of making. book, anA search him for evidence. Hitherto, the police could obtain a conviction only on evidence of a witness who had made a bet with a bookmaker, and that man was usually a recruit of the force. Many constables objected to being called upon to trap a man into breaking the law, and magistrates occasionally, denounced the practice.

During the spring meetings, when the ex-New Zealand horseman, Maurice M’Carten, was riding Limerick so successfully, if anyone had ventured to predict that he would not steer another winner for three months he would have been, advised to have his head examined. Yet (says an exchange) since he piloted the New Zealand champion to win the Craven Plate, M’Carten has ridden regularly; in fact, he had no fewer than thirty-three mounts, which were rewarded by no more than seven minor placings before he won a double in Sydney on December 10. Few jockeys escape a similar almost inexplicable run of outs. In race after race they wait for the opening which never comes, until they often lose confidence in themselves. M’Carten, like nearly all .New Zealand jockeys, and other good riders, too, for that matter, has a strong penchant for a run on the rails, but it is not often that a beaten horse, dropping back, gives him the chance for a final dash, as Lilah did. Having got out of the long lane, M’Carten rode Royal Sun very confidently, and had no hesitation in taking the outside running with him.

TROTTING NOTES. Acceptances for the Greymouth Trotting Club’s meeting will close at nine O’clock to-night. * * * * The following hordes, who had been competing at the South Wairarapa Trotting Club’s meeting, arrived at Lyttelton by the Wahine this morning: Vecto, Trampcrisp, Bell Somerton, Royal Audubon. Repute, Nelson’s Request, Airman, Molly Pointer, Hard Knocks, Dorie and Iluon Dillon. The Canterbury Park Trotting Club's summer meeting will be held at Addington on •Monday and Tuesday, and will provide excellent holiday sport for Canterbury racing enthusiasts. The club is fortunate in having no counterattractions, so that a large attendance may be looked, for. Acceptances for the first day were taken yesterdaj', when owners made a very satisfactory response, and good fields will be the * * * * While the acceptances for all the events on the first day of the Canterbury Park Trotting Club's meeting are highly satisfactor 3*. Mr F. C. Thomas, the club’s handicapper, has special cause for satisfaction over the Canterbury Handicap, the chief race of the meeting. With a nomination of fifteen horses, he succeeded in pleasing every owner, and all the horses have had their engagements continued. It is a high-class field and there should be a great contest.

Prince Pointer and his brother, Kotuku Jack, have had a change of stables and they are now being trained by J. H. Wilson.

History repeated itself at the Auckland Trotting Club’s meeting on Tuesday, when Waikaha won the Rowe Handicap, with Betty Moko second, as there was a similar result in this race a year ago.

Messrs IT. E. and J. Fuller, t-wo Blenheim sportsmen, raced Mercury and Kangaloon at the South Wairarapa Trotting Club’s meeting. Mercury, an Adonis gelding, bred in Australia,’won the Trial Handicap, just beating J. N. Clarke’s Dorie. Kangaloon was a hot favourite for the Clareville Handicap, but he gave such an indifferent showing that his owners and trainer were of opinion that something had happened to the other Australian importation. On the second day, Mercury put up a capable performance in finishing second to Lady Barrington and covering the mile and a half in 3min 30 3-ssec. Mercury also started in the final event of the meeting, and was again second, this time to the Aucklander, Nella Dillon, who is bv Author Dillon from Nell Pointer. In this race Mercury began slowly, and had a very bad passage.

The South Wairarapa Trotting Club’s annual race meeting, which was , held on Monday and Tuesday, was quite a successful function. For a number of years the club made little headway; in fact, it almost passed out of existence. An important change took place when the club decided to race at Clareville. Satisfactory arrangements were made with the racing; club in that district, and many sportsmen- now are officials of both clubs, which work harmoniously together.' Each club now helps the other, with the-result that better racing and more amusement are provided for the residents. The South Wairarapa Trotting Club has also got together a splendid lot of stewards, and Mr J. F. Thomp-' son is ope of the most enthusiastic presidents possessed by any club in the Dominion. The sport is just be-, ginning to be properly appreciated In the district, 1 and as the #dub is a popular one with visiting owners better horses are found racing on the course each season. There Is still much progress to be made before the club jpins the best class, but it is going along on right lines. Favoured with fine -weather, there was a capital attendance on each day of this week’s meeting, and i some keen* contests and close finishes were in e.vidence. Most of the classes were .for slow horses, in which finishes, are not usually close, so in this respect the club was most fortunate. It was quite a pleasant meeting from every viewpoint, and those who were making the trip for the first time were loud in their praise of the good holiday experienced. (

Quite one of the features of the< South Wairarapa Trotting Clvib’s meeting was the performance of the trotter Trampcrisp. The American stallion is' owned by Mr J. R. M’Kenzie, who some months ago promised he would gend a horse to the meeting. Tramp-' crisp is a useful trotter, but in all his efforts prior to this meeting he has performed very badly. He has either refused to begin or has broken up after starting. He has been made the, medium of solid speculation, despite his failures. With D. Withers in Auckland, with Mr M’Kenzie’s larger team, Trampcrisp was in the charge of J. Bryce, jun. On the first day,-starting from the limit In a 3min 57sec class, io saddle, he won with ease in 3min 56 3-ssec, on a track that was good but • had far too much grass on it. The stallion did not seem inclined to do. his best, being anxious..to do anything but trot, but his aider gave a splendid exhibition of horsemanship during the race. Later in the day Trampcrisp started in the two-mile harness race, class smin lOsec. Originally on the limit, he was penalised 24yds for his win, but he did much better than in ( his first race, winning in smin 3 3-ssec. He trotted solidly throughout, although once or twice he was nearly to a break. In the mile and a half race on the second day, class 3mm 57sec, Trampcrisp was on 144yds. He again won, but only through the- brilliant effort put forth by his rider. The time was 3min 403-ssec. In the two-mile harness event, class Sipin lOsec, Trampcrisp was on 120yds, but was penalised 72yds. He finished third to Ben Bin* gen and Repute, doing 4min 50 3-ssec. In this race he broke more than once, but Bryce was again seen to great advantage, as he got the big trotter down to his wprk again very quickly. The racing stfould do TrampcrKsp a lot of good. * * * * The well-known Hawke's Bay owner-trainer,-IT. Jones, won his first race at the South Wairarapa Trotting Club’s meeting when he drove Ben Bingen to victory on the second day. Jones has been in the sport for a' great many years, and he stated that he had won on every course on which he had started a horse excepting at the South Wairarapa club’s meetings. He had been- attending them regularly for the last twenty years, but luck was against him until his success on Tuesday. When it was seen that defeat was impossible, the crowd gave Jones cheers, which were renewed when he came back to the paddock with the trotter, who is owned by Mr W. A. M’Farlane, of Hawke’s Bay, a ke<*i enthusiast and breeder of trotting stock. Ben Bingen is by Native King from Muriel Derby.

Tui -Wildwood, who won the chief event on each day at tfie South Wairarapa club’s meeting, is a five-year-old mare by Wildwood Jr. from Pakotui, by Prince Imperial from Ma Honey. She paced two good races, and over the last half-mile on each occasion she showed plenty of stamina. Her wins were very popular, as she is owned by Mr G. M’Kenzie, a steward of the dub, and one of the few owners in the district.

Nelson's Request, by Nelson Bingen from Welcome, was bred and is owned by Mr C. Davey. He showed a lot of speed in his races at the South Wairarapa meeting, but he would not keep steadily to his work. With more race experience, Nelson's Request should make a good trotter.

Derby Lj-nn, who won the Carterton Handicap at the South Wairarapa meeting, is a three-year-old filly by Nelson Derby. She looks like making a good pacer. She is owned by Air J. A. Mitchell, of Palmerston North.

H. Frost raced Bell Somerton, Royal Audubon and the trotter Repute at the South Wairarapa meeting, but he did not get a win. The first-named went very badly in her races, but the racing did Repute a lot of good, and she* should soon win a race.

\ ecto was made a hot favourite for the W airarapa Cup, ajid the chief event on the second day of the South Wairarapa Trotting Club’s meeting. In the Cup he absolutely refused to go away and took no part in the race. On the second day, he began well, and had every chance, being well placed in the run home, but he failed badly, and finished third R. Humphreys, who drove him, stated that Vecto could not handle the track at all on the second day.

WEST COAST NOTES. From Our Correspondent. GREYMOUTH, December 2S. Gold Mint has been in a bad way since racing on the first day at the Westland meeting. It is thought he suffered a slight internal rupture as a result of a bad bump in his race, and he will probably require a reasonable spell before being raced again. Donne has made a satisfactory recovery from the lameness which he showed after contesting the Electric Handicap at Hokitika on Monday last, and he may be well enough to be produced on the second or third day of the Greymouth meeting. Motor Smash appeared to be sore at the Westland lneet.injc;. and ran much below his form on both days. Large acceptances have been received for the first day of the Greymouth meeting to-morrow, and again unwieldy fields will have to be dealt with on a short course, which, however. does not possess such difficult bends as exist at Hokitika. Several fresh horses will be saddled up.' including Oriflamb, Royal Land, Mar-

tian Spur, Flaming Ray, Greyfinch, Ophir and Projector. Thorndale was weighted at 30.10 for the principal event and at 11.12 for the High-Weight Handicap, but declined acceptance, and his next race will probably be in the Greymouth Cup on Saturday. The stable will be represented by Jarretiere, who will make a creditable showing with 7.5. The course is .at present in very hard order apd a good fall of rain is required, which, by indications to-day, appeared to be imminent. Oriflamb will be a starter in the. hurdle race at Greymouth to-morrow, but in's stable-tfnate will be an absentee from the principal event. He will be reserved for the Cup contest on Saturday.

J. Beaile will race Arrowmir and Rina Maunga at the Greymouth meeting, and a trip to the Waikouaiti .fixture will probably be cancelled.

MANDANE WINS SUMMER CUP.

(Special to the “Star.”) AUCKLAND, December 28. The Auckland meeting was advanced _ another stage to-day in warm but overcast weather. A little rain fell midway through the day, but not enough to damp the course. The attendance was good and the racing was fair, considering the condition of the track, which is very hard, and the holes caused by the racing when it was soft just filled up with top dressing. Compared with the gardens and other etceteras the racing track at' Ellerslie is apparently the Cinderella department. For the Fergusson Handicap Saucy Lass was a very, hot favourite, with a good price going about the others and. Yaqui, the winner, at very long odds. Mervette led down the back from Quinsilia, Cynthia, Yaqui, Saucy" Lass and Singleton, with Paper Boy last. Quinsilia ted across 'the top from Yaqui, Mervette. Saucy Lass, Abbey Day, Singleton, CVnthia N and Piet, with Paper Boy moving up fast round his field.. At tHe turn Quinsitia led from Yaquf, Paper Boy, Saucy* Lass and Cynthia N. A good race home saw both Paper Boy and Singleton strike trouble, 'while Yaqui, Quinsilia and Mervette had a grea.t struggle ot> the inside. Yaqui won by a neck, from Quinsilia a©d Mervette, whom the judge could not separate. Singleton was fourth and Piet, Paper Boy and War Officer were next. Yaqui "sprang- fe big surprise, and battled out the finish very .well, while both Mervette and Quinsilia ran good races. Paper Boy and Singleton were Unlucky, but no excuses could be made for Saucy Lass. Piet was running on at the end.

In the King's Plate Lysander was favourite, but it was a good betting race, and all five runners had plenty* of admirers. Gascony appeared sore in his preliminary, but the other four looked well. Gascony showed out first. At the end- of a furlong Aussie had charge from Gascony, Lysander and Grand Knight together, with Martarma last. Aussie was clear of Grand Knight and Gascony half a mile from home, with Lysander dropping back and Martarma moving up. Aussie was still clear of Gascony at the turn, witlf Lysander and Martarma coming fast on the outside. Aussie held on to his advantage and won by three-quarters of a length from Gascony, who beat Martarma by three lengths. Grand Knight was fourth and Lysander last. Aussie won in great style. Both Gascony and Martarma ran fine races. The pace was on all the way, the first half being run in 49 2.ssec and the last half in 48 3-ssec. A. Tinker, on the winner, rode a masterly race.

In the Ponsonby Hurdles King’s Guard was backed down to a Limerick price, and breaking down at the last fence he just lasted long enough to defeat Glenotus. King’s Guard, Beau Cavalier, Blue Sky and Gold Rep led to the first fence, and down the straight Beau Cavalier led Blue Sky, King’s Guard, Gold Rep and Glenotus, with Slump tailed off. Gold Rep jumped to the front six furlongs from home from Beau Cavalier, King’s Guard and Glenotus. King’s Guard took charge two fences from home, where he made a prodigious leap. Then came Gold Rep and Glenotus. King's Guard carried on and beat Glenotus home by a length, with Gold Rep six lengths away third. Beau Cavalier was fourth and Slump -last. Blue Sky fell. At the last fence King’s Guard looked a cot case. Beau Cavalier is very big \-et and ran a great race. Glenotus stayed on well.

In the Summer Cup Mandane was favourite, with good money for Joy King, but it was a great betting race. Day Guard led out of the straight with Gala Day, the pair being followed by Joy King, In the Shade, Mosaic and Mandane, with Pegaway, who was interfered with at the start, last. Gala Day and Gay Guard still led across the top from Cohesion, Joy King, Mosaic, Mandane and In the Shade. Cohesion led half a mile from home from Gala Day, In the Shade, Battlement, Joy King, Mandane, Day Guard, Pegaway and Mosaic. Pegaway ran through his field at the turn and Mandane took charge a furlong from home. Pegaway and Mandane had a great battle to the post, the judge declaring in favour of Mandane by a head. In the Shade was four lengths away third, with Battlement, Joy King, Cohesion, King Lu, Gala Day and Day Guard next. Pegaway was most unlucky and should have won easily. In the Shade ran a good race, and Joy King should win at any time at a mile. In the Criterion Handicap Freehold and Marion’s Birthday carried over half the total invested, Patadawn being at a lucrative price. Freehold, Pari and Look Out began best, but at the end of a furlongs Pari and Freehold led Mauriaena, Prodice and Marion’s Birthday, with Patadawn and Look Out last. Racing for the turn Freehold lost his position and Pari led Mauriaena. Marion’s Birthday and Prodice. Pari was beaten a furlong from home, where Patadawn going well on the. outside. Patadawn stayed on to beat Mauriaena by half a length, with Prodice a length away third. Marion’s Birthday was fourth and then in order came Pari, Freehold and Look Out. Patadawn, by Kilbroney from Bon Chic, finished very well, and Mauriaena and Pari ran promising races. Freehold was a complete failure. In the Waitemata Handicap Royal Doulton was naturally at odds on in this weak field. Whaka King led out and round the back from Nassock, The Lover, Bold Front and Royal Doulton. Royal Doulton moved up to second half a mile from home, Whaka King still being in front with Nassock next and Bold Front, under the whip, moving up from the rear. Royal Doulton strode away in the straight to win, pulling up, by four length from Nassock, who beat. Bold Front, by a length. The Lover and Frowning Beauty were next. Royal Doulton won with ease

In the Electric Handicap Eulalie was-backed as if the race was all over, but being hampered at the start she lost her chance at the barrier. Cimabue showed out first from Kingfield and Paganelli, but at the end of a furlong Paganelli was in front and led across the top from Cimabue, Dave. Eulalie. Royal Damon and Paperchase. Paga-

nelli still led at the tou.rn from Dave, Cimabue, Royal Damon, Eulalie and Paperchase. Cimabue strode to the front a furlong from home and beat Paganelli by two lengths. Paperchase was two lengths away third, with Royal Damon fourth and Eulalie, Receipt and Dave following at intervals. Cimabue was well ridden to win. > Paperchase should do better at seven furlongs, for she was unlucky to-day. Eulalie gave a puzzling display. ’ Paganelli showed speed. Royal Damon ran a really good race.

For the Plunket Handicap Ruanui was a pronounced favourite, with Big Money for Ti Tree and Doree. Doree, on the outside, began best from Don Jose, Nucleus, Archeno, Siaosi, Master Doon and Ruanui. Doree led down the back, from Archeno, followed by Siaosi, Nucleus. Don Jose, Ti Tree, Ruanui and King Smock. So they raced round to the turn, except that Ti Tree moved up on the rails and Doree and Archeno had drawn well clear. Doree. Archpno, Siaosi and Ti Tree were the first to turn for home, and Doree, staying on, beat Siaosi by two lengths. Ti Tree was two lengths away third with Front Rank fourth. Archeno, King Smock, Ruanui and Scat were next. Doree ran race, to win all the way. Front Rank finished well from a long way back into fourth place. Ti Tree was not knocked out at the end. Ruanui was not a possibility at any stage.

RASCAL SHOULD NOT BE BEATEN.

GREYMOUTH RACES BEGIN TO-MORROW. (BY “MARTIAN”) The West Coast carnival will be continued to-morrow when the Greymouth Jockey Club will commence its meeting. .With a large representation of Canterbury horses engaged the meeting is sure to be of interest to a large number of enthusaists on this side of the mountains. , Rascal will be racing over his favourite distance in the Grey Valley Handicap, and with his form at Hokitika as a guide,*the Absurd gelding should not be beaten. Buoyant has winning form at Hokitika to recommend him, but probably Ophir will be Rascal’s most dangerous opponent. In the Maiden Plate. Smithereens and Waikaia are a pair that should show up. Rina Manga is nicely handicapped in the Paroa Handiicap and with her stablemate. Arrowmir, should give a good account of herself. Greyfinch will be making his first appearance ori the coast circuit and his running will be closely watched. Oriflamb will be a popular fancy in the First Hurdle Handicap, and he is not likely to be beaten. Goldtown and Red Heather appear to be the pick of the others. Martian Spear is a promising galloper that will be in demand for the Otira Handicap. Gay Bird is due for a winning turn. Rina Manga is also engaged. If reserved for the Stewards' Handicap Arrowmir will be very hard to beat. Kenmore has not raced up to expectations, while Princess Mafalda is improving.

Scrambler will probably experience most opposition from Projector in the Welter Handicap. A return to his best form would give Beaming a good chance of capturing the stake. Moratorium has only to start in the Brunner Handicap to give a good accord of himself. Martian Spear is also engaged, while Saxette may be the best of the light weights.

WAICULLUS HAS GOOD CHANCE AT HAWKE’S BAY.

(By “MARTIAN”) The Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club will open its New \ ear meeting on Saturday. A poor field of six is engaged in the President’s Handicap, with Waioit 11 us at the top of the handicap with 9.0. lie should not experience much opposition, but probably Butterscotch will do best of the others. In the Stewards’ Handicap Lipsol will carry most money, but Sarchee and Inner Harbour will make him travel over the last bit. Red Fuchsia find Garzon should fight out the finish of ihc Otatara Jumpers’ Flat Handicap. Tiega will be very hard to beat in the Hastings Handicap, although Queen’s Choice will have his admirers. Tea Miss has the best form of those engaged in the Juvenile Handicap, and with Monetize, who was unlucky last week, should provide an exciting finish. Grand National should race well in the Waipatu Welter Handicap. Merle is due. Card Trick and Chelone are the pick of the Havelock Flying Handicap. Avazone and Clavers should show up in the Mahora Maiden Race.

DAVID GARRICK’S GOOD PROSPECTS AT TAUHERENIKAU.

(By “MARTIAN.”) The Wairarapa Racing Club will commence its New Year meeting at Tauherenikau on Saturday. Fields are large and racing should be interesting. The Wairarapa Cup will attract most attention, and the racing should be full of interest. Joy Bird has a number of recent successes to her credit, and she has earned her place at the top of the handicap, but whether she can beat some of the others at their weights is another matter. Yertigern (8.7) raced fairly well at Riccarton last month, without Winning. He should be prominent. Probably the favourite will be David Garrick, who, with 8.5, looks a good bet. He has recent winning form to his credit. Blatk Mint, with 8.9, will not be neglected, but it wil l take a good one to beat David Garrick. In the chief sprint, the Kaiwaiwai Handicap, Royal Ceres and Liciniu? will be in great demand, and it will not be surprising if they fight out the finish, xvith the first-named the win- - Rotowhero will be hard to beat in the Featherston Welter Handicap, with Mandarine and Vexatious also prominent. Panther has not yet raced up to expectations during the holidays, and may make amends in the Wharckaka Handicap, in which Bissac and Arch Arrow are a good pair. High Disdain will be warmly supported in the Nursery Handicap, and, with Gold Bag and Concentrate, should provide the winner. If reserved for the Wardell Handicap, Royal Game should not be beaten. Otherwise Lausanne and Alyson should be prominent. Ring Boy should take a hand in the settlement of the Rimutaka Handicap, with T.wink the best of the remainder.

In the Tauherenikau Stakes, Holus Bolus, Skvbird and Mark Mint are a likely trio.

ACCEPTANCES. GREYMOUTH JOCKEY CLUB. Per Press Association. • GREYMOUTH, December 2 8. The following acceptances have been received: — MAIDEN STAKES, of SO sovs; five furlongs and a half (weight. 8.13) Mercutia, Miss Cashman, Waikaia, Lady Ruth, Jazz Queen. Smithereen, Atone, Toomyvara, Craftsman, RaraeSC PAROA HANDICAP, of 100 sovs: six furlongs.—Arrowmir 9.3, Scrambler 8.12, Ayrburn 8.4, Rina Maunga 8.3, Callburn 8.2, Flaming Ray 8.2, Rich Prize 7.13, Princess Mafalda 7.13, Kipg Cheops 7.12, Spode 7.11, Greyfinch 7.6, Attract '7.6, Big Rush 7.6, Benmure 7.6, St Nicholas 7.2. GREY VALERY HANDICAP, of 135 sovs; one mile.—Rascal 9.3, Buoyant 8.7,

Fresco 8.1, Prince Ferouz 8.0, Mors* torlum 7.13. Ophir 7.13. Corn Rigs 7 12. Wharfedale 7.9. Pare 7.«, Jarretlere "hurdle HANDICAP, of 140 sovs; one mile and a half and 110 yards.— Tenterfleld 11,12. Oriflamb 10. 9 r Rad Heather 10.5, Clontarf 10.3, Gold Town 10.2, Flying Master 9.10, Diana’s Lad 9.7. Ellah 9.6. OTIRA HANDICAP, of 100 sovs; six furlongs and a half.—Prince Ferous 9 0, Corn Rigs 8.10, Bronstell 8.9, Martian Spear 8.6, Gaslight 8.4, Gay Bird 8.3, Rina Maunga 8.3. Motor Smash 8.2, Callburn 8.2, Orbit 7.0. STEWARDS’ HANDICAP. of 110 sovs; six furlongs.—Arrowmir 9.3, Kenmoro 9.0. Piccaninny 8.7, Krin-go-Bragh 8.4. Bronstell 8.4, Ayrburn 8.4, Princess Mafalda 7.13, Greyfinch 7.6. Attract 7.6. HIGH-WEIGHT HANDICAP, of 105 sovs; seven furlongs.—Scrambler 9.4, Gaslight 9.2. Flaming Ray 9.1. Projector 9.0. Rich Prize 8.12. King Cheops 8.7, Take Take 8.4, Beaming 8.3, Casli Box 8.1, Salamat 8.0. BRUNNER HANDICAP, of 100 sovs; six furlongs and a half.—Arrowmir 9 0, Moratorium S.B. Royal Land 8.2. Soma Abbey 8.1, Martian Spear 8.0, Para 7.9. Spode 7.5. Birthmark 7.7, Saxette 7.7, Benmure 7.3.

HANDICAPS. IYAIRIO JOCKEY CLUB From Our Correspondent. INVERCARGILL. December 2* The following nominations have been received for the Wairio Jockey Club’s annual meeting on January 14:— OHAI MAIDEN PLATE, of 100 sovs; seven furlongs—Attractive Lady, <’aramba, Coomassie. Gay Oma. Gong. Insolence, Lady Winton, Mananui, Soldan, Tuhamor, Vine Grove, Wairio. Zelanian, Otolus—Blue Gauntlet gelding. NIGHTCAPS HARNESS TROT HANDICAP. of 120 sovs: one mile and a half— Cardinal and Blue. Chimeaway. Cloverley, Coldwood, Eiffel Tower. llush-a-B>e, John Logan, Luath, Postmark. Princess Thorpe, Royal Sun, Slump, Turi Chimes, Vltalis, "Weary Dillon. WAIRIO GOLD CUP HANDICAP, of 250 sovs: one mile and a quarter—Baldnwa, Bilbo. Black Duke, Bugle Note, Celerity IT.. Circulation, Dlvinal, Equerry, Flying Mist, Jack o’ Lantern, John Bradbury, Overdrawn. Pink Note, Piton, Queen Balboa, Schottische, Solrose. Soltoe, Some Rose. Takaka. WOOPLAW HACK HANDICAP, of too sovs; six furlongs and a half—Attractive Lady. Coomassie. Flying Mist, T-fokloi, King Balboa. Lady Winton, Mananui. Navy Cut, Piton. Red Leaf, Solzia, Sparkling Eyes, Strathna.ver, Takaka. Vine Grove. A PA RIM A HANDICAP STEEPLECHASE, of 150 sovs; about two miles and a half—Atapo, Blazing Light. Calibration, Cashman. Galway, Hokioi, Nvanza; Scamp, Soldier’s Dream, Thistledown. Vice Grand. WATRAKT STAKES, of 100 sovs; weight for age; five furlongs—Cetchela, Coomassie, French Singer. Insolence, 1 ady Sprinpmead, Miss Fleete, Money Mint. Red Boa, Red Sea. Slanther. Some Form, Some Signal. Traction. ZflanianBIRCHWOOD SADDLE TROT HANDICAP, of 120 sovs; one mile and a quarter —Azaleas, Bianchie. Cloverley, Coldwood. Eiffel Tower. Great Gun. Hush-a-Bye, Luath, Matilda’s Match. Miss Adonig, Pert Pointer, Princess Thorpe, Red Abbey, Rnowcap, Sonata, Southern Light, Storm Bell, Sunshade, Sunspot. The Smoker. WREY'S BUSH HANDICAP, of 150 sovs; one mile—Apache. Bilbo, Black Duke, Bloom, Equerry, Jack o’ Lantern, John Bradbury, Kilbarry, Piton, Queen Pal boa, Schottische. Snatcher. Solrose. Soltoe. Some Ktd, Some Rose, Spean Bridge, Strathnaver, Takaka.