NOTES BY MONITOR.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXIII, Issue XXVI, 23 December 1899, Page 1153

NOTES BY MONITOR.

The Takapuna stewards are to be commended for their attempts to rigidly stamp out anything savouring of crooked practice. In giving the rider and owner of Pokomoko a sentence of two year’s disqualification they showed that it- was their intention to put a stop to “stiff” running, but it must be pointed out that, their actions were somewhat unequal at the meeting. On the first day in the Pony Race the sentence on the rider of Blue Paul was disqualification for the rest of the meeting, while for an almost identical case Pokomoko gets two years’ suspension. I cannot help thinking that the latter decision was the correct one, but in the case Of the pony a very much harsher sentence should have been meted out. To the outsider it is impossible to see where the difference between the eases came to account for such a great disparity in the decisions arrived at. Everyone will however sympathise with the stewards in the firm stand they have taken in the matter.

It was bad news to a good many to hear that St. Paul had once more broken down in his work, and it seems probable that the game little son of St. Leger has seen the last of the racing track. Few more popular horses have ever appeared on the race track, as his backers were always sure of a strongly contested finish, and whenever he had to strike his colours (which was seldom) it was only after a desperate battle. It is probable he will now enjoy a well deserved rest, and will be relegated to the stud, where, it is to be hoped he may be given every opportunity of once again distinguishing himself. English papers State that the exNew Zealander Waiuku has developed roaring tendencies, and that he is getting worse instead of better. The same paper says that Multiform is perhaps' the best looking horse in training, but he also is reported to have become affected in his wind. Nor'-west is doing consistently good work at Ellerslie, and he bids fair to start a red-hot favourite for the big steeplechase. His win at Takapuna stamps him as one of the games*, and as he knows the. Ellerslie course well the big son of Sou’-wester will make things very merry on the day.

The Southern contingent for the A.R.C. Summer Meeting arrived by the Waihora on Sunday’ last. Included in the list are. the Hon J. D. Ormond's trio—Renown, Jabber and Ideal; Mr O. G. Stead’s Screwgun, Skobeloff and Sant. Ilario; and also the steeplechaser Ruby.

The champion, Seahorse, is pretty constantly beaten in his work by Tire, and it may lie that the latter has greatly improved. It must not be forgotten, however, that Nelson’s great son is a very lazy worker, and is a very different horse when the colours are UP- . —

The popular Ellerslie trainer. Mr H. Franks, has had wretched luck with the gelding Courtier, which he recently purchased from Mr Stead. The other •lay when cantering at Ellerslie the horse fell, and it was discovered that he had broken the pastern joiut of the off hind leg. As the break was a very bad one nothing could be done in the matter except to give him a friendlybullet, which was accordingly done. ® ® ® AUCKLAND RACING CLUB SUMMER MEETING. The Auckland Racing Club will make a commencement, with their big summer fixture next Tuesday (Boxing Day). Since the last meeting the elttb has spent a considerable sum of money on improvements which will be welcomed by the regular patrons. The course is at present in perfect order, and if the weather remains good the meeting should prove a record one. Mr Percival, the popular secretary, has been hard at work of late getting his arrangements in order, and as the acceptances are very good the success of the meeting seems assured. On the first day’ the Auckland Cup will be run for, and for this Mr Stead has donated an exceedingly handsome trophy to be competed for, which in conjunction with the 1000 sovs. prize will make the race well worth winning. In looking through the acceptances Explosion stands at the top of the list, and even with his heavy’ impost of 9.5 he has a perfect army of supporters. The work done by the son of Cuirassier is full of merit, while his recent wins in the South stamp him to be a bit above the ordinary. At the same time it will require an exceptionally, brilliant horse to win the big race under the top weight, and personally I don’t think Explosion is quite equal to the task set him. although he is sure to run prominently. A more danerous candidate to my mind is Record Reign, who with 8.12 has been by no means ■ harshly treated. His three wins at the last Ellerslie meeting under heavier weights than he is now asked to carry stamp him as a real good horse, and I must certainly have the son of Castor- on my side. Battleaxe I have no great fancy for, as I think he would be better suited over a shorter course, w’hile Uhlan, who took the race last year is an unlikely starter. The same may be said about St. Ilario, but should he face the barrier Mr Stead’s horse will prove one of the most dangerous in the race. Coronet has been nicely’ treated with 7.10. and as he is in rare buekle at present his chances are second to none. Bluejacket’s running at North Shore shows that he must possess a good winning chance with 7.9, and he is sure to be well supported on the day. For Swordfish 11. I have but little liking, but Tire, which comes next on the list, is well spoken of, as his track work show’s him to be in great heart. At the same time it is a long time since he registered a winning bracket, and I will pass him over. Of the light weight nothing seems to stand out as likely to bring about a surprise. Auld Reekie is a stayer, but her track work recently has been disappointing. while Admiral Hawke or Knight of Athol may be able to run the journey out. To sum up I take Record Reign, Coronet. and St. Ilario (if started) to finish in that order. There are sixteen still remaining in the Railway Handicap, with Record Reign at he top of the list, but in view of his Cup engagement he is an improbable starter. Rex with 8.9 is very well treated, but is a bit backward in condition. At the same time he is such a brilliant sprinter that he will prove very hard to bent. Firefly is a good mare, but also lacks condition. Jabber is a very speedy customer, and should find 8.4 well within his compass. A much improved mare is Rosella, and I must pick her out to act on my behalf, as she has shown wonderful sprinting ability of late. Cuirasette is a very speedy one when she gets away, but is apt to be left, at the barrier. Dayntree’s fine effort at Takapuna is sure to cause him to have plenty

of backers, ami his party are very confident. To pick three 1 will take Rosella, Jabber, and Dayntree to finish in that order, but if Firefly strips in good nick for the fray she may upset the pot. The Great Northern Foal Stak< » should prove an exceptionally exciting contest, for in it Beddington and Vai Rosa will be opposed by the Hawke’s Bay colt Renown and Sir George Clifford’s horse Cannie Chiel. These four are all in the highest class, and it it a hard matter to make a selection. Cannie Chiel is reported to be a wonderfully fine colt, and it may be that he will get home from Vai Rosa.

My selections for the remaining races are as under:—Tria! Handicap, Ideal or Lillie; Handicap Hurdles, Splinter or Ruby; Nursery Handicap, Hengist or Aleger; Christmas Handicap, Battleaxe or Miss Delaval; Pony Cup, Blue Paul or Minerva, with Texas as a cockboat.

Messrs Churton and Co. offered the privileges for the meeting last week. The race cards were bought by Mr Adams for £515, which is £2O more than last year. Mr Stilwell secured the refreshment stall for £62, while Mr Abbot gave £214 for the grandstand bar. The other lots were withdrawn. The following arc the acceptances for the first day: — TRIAL HANDICAP of 100BOVS. Seven furlongs.

Great Northern Foal Stakes nt 500sove: 6 furlongs.—Ktssmary, Cannie Chiel, Balbirnie St. Elyn, Formula. Beddlngton, Renown, Lady Avon, St. Olga. Vai Rosa, and Aleger. ® ® ® AUCKLAND TROTTING CLUB SUMMER MEETING. The Summer Meeting of the Auckland Trotting Club starts next Saturday at Potter’s Paddock, and as the acceptances received are very numerous a good meeting seems sure to result. Mr C. F. Mark has been attending to all the details, and no doubt patrons will be well catered for at Epsom.

There are several visiting horses down to compete at the meeting, which should make the racing even more interesting than usual.

The chief event is the Auckland Trotting Chip, over two miles. Albert Victor is on scratch, but be is such a tine trotter that he should be with them at tlie finish. Trafalgar, on the 16 second mark, is well treated, while of the limit Cob, witk 30 seconds, should prove hardest to beat. In the Pony Cup there Is a very large field, there being no less than 19 acceptors. First Whisper is at the top of the list, but good as she is 10.? should prove a bit lieyond her compass Nora, with 9.8, reads with a gooi chance, while Lady Howitzer and Botfly (7.0) will both run favourably. In looking through the list of other races I think the following will be found to possess winning prospects:— Decemlier Trot: Motulti. Electric Trot: Yum Yum. Maiden Trot: Heiress or Viscount. Telephone Handicap: Botfly or First Whisper. Maiden Pony: Fair Gwynne. Steeplechase: Nelly. ® ® ® CHRISTCHURCH RACING C LUB MEETING. The Christchurch Racing Club made a start with their Summer Meeting last Saturday, but the weather was very unfavourable, being eold aud dull, and the attendance was consequently limited. The following are the results;— Nursery Handicap: Whirlwind 1, Clytic 2. Mackintosh 3. Time, 51 l-stt. Dividend, £1 14/. Malden Plate: Leather Medal 1. Fireside 2. Silex 3. Time, Im 17 4-ss. Dividend, £3 12/. Burlwood Handicap Trot: Bam Slick 1. VancllSe 2, Wt-.iruna 3. Time, 5m 6s. Dividend. £6. Windsor Handicap: Huktt 1. Sequin 2, Ben Farley 3. Lapidary also started. Wdn easily by half a length. Time, 2m 58s. Dividend. £2 2/. Selling Haek Race: Gold I. The Dodger 2, Ringwood 3. Time, Im Ss. Dividend, £1 18/. Ftytng Handicap: Skirmisher 1. Phryna 2. Belligerent 3. Time, Im 30 2-sh. Dividend, £6. Avon Handicap Trot: Veronica 1, Annie Rooney 2, Peggy 3. Time, 2m •• 2-s*. Dividend. £1 12/. High-weight Handicap: Shekel I,Rangefinder 2. Pensioner 3. Time, Im 47 2-is, Dividend, £7 4/. ® ® ® THE THAMES JOCKEY CLUB SUMMER MEETING. The Thames Jockey Club commence their Summer Meeting next Tuesday (Boxing Day), and although the fixture clashes with the big meeting at Ellerslie, still, as acceptances are large, the racing should prove well worth watching. The big race is the Goldfields Cup. in which Corporal or Boailieea should fight out the finish. In the Handicap Hurdles Volcano would seem to have a chance second to none. For the Pony Handicap Edison or Leona look dangerous. In the Railway Handicap Kettledrum or Napoleon read well, while for the First Handicap Steeplechase Dingo and Glenarm should lie thereabouts at the finish. The gates for the meeting were sold for £2OO, the stand and paddock fetching £9O. Mr G. Browne bought the cards for £57 10/, while the publican's booth went to Mr W. Morrison for £75. The following are the acceptances: — Maiden Handicap of 35sovs, GJ furlongs: Kettledrum 9.7. Repetition B.TO, Ptthla 8.5, Kbmna 8.6, Wellington 7.10, Donegal 7.16, Miracle 7.2, Frear 7.2, Rufus 7.2, Honesty 7.2. Alf 6.13, Pickpocket 6.12, Try Again 6.10, Paddy 6.10. Goldfield* Cup of lOflsovs. 1J mile: Corporal 7.8. Caatroline 7.6, Boadieea 7.3, Hamoa 6.12, St. Aida 6.7. First Handicap Hurdles of BOsovs, 2 miles: Volcano 11.10, Waitress 9.8. Whore 9.4, Glenarm 9.2. Korowal 9.0, Turk 9.0, Stockman 9.0, Try Me 9.0. Pony Handicap of :iosov*. 6 furlongs: l.eona 9.2, Edison 8.4. Chief Miss 8.0, Try Again 7.5, My Lord 7.0, Rufus 6.7, Cora 6.7. Athel 6.7, Progress 6.7. Railway Handleap of 3T>eot s, 'i furlongs: Kettledrum 9.7. Repetition 8.10, Napoleon 8.5. Puhla 8.3. Corporal 8.0. Castrollne 7.10, St. Innls 7.7, Khama 7.7, Lady Dash 7.4, Panacea 6.10, Try Me 0.10. Hamoa 8.10, Brigham Young 6.10. First Handicap Steeplechase of lOhovs, 2J miles: Dingo 10.8, Volcano 10.4. Miss Drury 9.12, WTiare 9.10. La Belle 9.10, Glenarm 9.7. Stockman 9.7. Haurakl Handicap of 35sovs. 5 furlongs: Kettledrum 9.8, Repetition 8.13. Napoleon 8.8, Puhla 8.4, Corporal 8.4. Kliama 7 12, St. Innls 7.10, Miracle 7.5. Lady Dash 7.5, Pickpocket 7.0, Panacea 6.12. Paddy B.», Try Again 6.18, AH 6.10. Stewards’ Handicap of 40sovs. 7 furlongs: 81. Ona 8.7, Napoleon 8.2, St. Inula 7.7. Boadlcea 7.4. Bilgham Young 6.7, St. Alda 6.7, Paddy 6.7.

st lb st lb St. Clements . . 9 12 La Gloria 7 10 Tauhei . 9 3 Swiftfoot 7 10 Cavalier .89. The Afghan .. 7 9 St. Ursula ... . 8 9 Minerva 7 8 Pitch and Toss 8 4 Faugh - a -balHastings . 7 12 lagh i 5 St. Jack . 7 13 Halbadier 6 10 Ideal . 7 12 Brilliant 4 9 Lillie The -Needle .. . 7 11 . 7 10 Lieutenant .... Little Wonder « 9 S 7 HANDICAP HURDLE RACE of 2Wsovs. Two miles. Nor’-west .... . 12 8 Splinter 10 6 Pokomokd ... . 11 6 Favona 9 3 Ruby . 10 9 Verdi 9 0 NURSERY HANDICAP of lOOsovs. Five furlongs. st lb st lb Hengist . 8 5 Motor 7 5 Wellstock ... . 7 10 Miss Shirley .. i 5 Aleger . 7 W Delilah 7 3 Yvonne .. 7 10 Landlock 7 0 Zealous . 7 9 Minerve 0 10 Matamatah a .. rakiki ..7 6 CHRISTMAS HANDICAP of laOsovs. , One mile. st lb st lb St. Clements . . 8 12 Miss Delaval .. 8 3 Battleaxe .... .. 8 12 St. Jack 7 7 Tauhei .. 8 10 Laetitia < » Wairongomai. 8 7 Doctor 6 10 Red Lancer .84 Porangi Potae 6 7 St. Ursula .. ..8 3 PONY CUP of lOOsovs. Seven furlongs. st lb st lb Lena . 8 12 Texas 7 5 The Slave ... .. 8 11 Edison I 5 Pipiwharauroa. 8 10 Bavaria 7 2 Minerva ..8 4 Delia Rose .... 7 0 Blue Paul ... ..8 2 Maria « 7 Clansman ... . 7 10 AUCKLAND CUP of lOOOsurs. Two miles. st Id st lb Explosion . 9 5 Tire 7 1 Record Reign. . 8 12 Hastings 7 O Battleaxe .... . 8 O Auld Reekie .. 7 0 Ublau .80 Donneraille ... 6 12 Sant Ilario ... . 7 11 Tamaki 6 10 ( oronet . 7 10 Pokomoko .... (I 10 Cavalier . 7 9 Admiral Hawke « 5 Bluejacket ... Swordfish 11.. . 7 9 Halberdier .... 6 9 . 7 7 Kt. of Athol.. 6 7 RAILWAY HANDICAP of 300SOVS. Six furlongs. st lb st lb Record Reign . 9 10 St. Peter 7 6 Rex . 8 9 . Cuirasette .... 7 5 Firefly . 8 7 Dayntree . 7 8 Cavalier . 8 4 Skobelott 7 10 Jabber . 8 4 Laetitia 7 3 Rosella ...8 0 Picklock 7 3 Sultan .79 Miss Blair .... fl 11 St. Elmo .... .. 7 7 winsome 0 9