NOTES BY MONITOR.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXV, Issue X, 8 September 1900, Page 438

NOTES BY MONITOR.

Next Saturday the Australian Jockey Club make a commencement with their big spring fixture, which extends oxer four days. The ehief items on the opening day of the A.J.C. Derby and Epsom Handicap. In the former the field promises to be small, but very select. Those which appear to stand out are Hautboy by Haut Brion-Meridan (imp.). Maltster by Bill pf I'ortla nd-Barley (imp.), Haulauette by Haut Brion-Novelette 11., and Hautesse by Haut Brion-Alga. I fancy that the issue will rest with the two colts, and somehow think that Maltster may just prove good enough to beat the N.S.W. crack Hautboy. The Epsom Handicap has a long list of acceptors. Betting indications point to the success of Dandy, a five-year-old brother to Vani'tas. This gelding has 9.4 to carry, but his recent performances in weight-for-age events stamp him as being an exceptionally fast horse, and I quite anticipate his ability to pull of!’ the event. His most dangerous rivals promise to be Ampler, Revivor, and Sequence. The result of the running in the Epsom Handicap will throw considerable light on the prospects of horses engaged in the Metropolitan Handicap. At present I have a leaning towards Johansen and Paul Pry, as it would seem that one of the most dangerous candidates in Vocalist is likely to be reserved for the Caulfield Cup. At present Dandy is favourite for l>oth races.

To-day (Wednesday) the Marton Jockey (’bib’s Hack Meeting takes place, and the fixture will lie continued to-morrow. As very good entries have been received for each of the different events some real good racing should result. The Hunters’ Hurdle Race comes first on the list, and for this I like Riversdale’s chance, while of those lower down the card Te Xgaio should run prominently. The Flying Handicap has a large field engaged, of which I take Wild Daisy to be the most, dangerous. In the Rangitikei Hunt Club Cup, which is run over a three mile course, Mencderva. or Tnrrigan ishould be very handy at the finish, while in the Handicap Hurdles Stockdale reads to have a chance, with Riversdale next best.

The cross-country rider Jas. Hickey, who has been for some years associated with Mr Spencer Gollan’s racing establishment, both in New Zealand and England, has commenced business as trainer on his own account ait Epsom. Already he has quite a string under his care, including Waiuku, Opae, Australian Star. Clack-na-Cuddin, and some two-year-olds belonging to Mr Gollan. The ex-Ans-tralian horse The Grafter also occupies a box. Hickey intends paying a visit to the colonies shortly, no doubt with a view of securing some fresh talent, to take back with him.

I am pleased to sec that the Taranaki Metropolitan committee has refused to endorse the somewhat remarkable action of the Egmont Racing Club in connection with the pony mare Minerva 11. This mare rn-n in |M»ny races in N.S.W.. ami was therefore not eligible to race under the rules of the A.J.C. Mr Be kett. who purchased the pony, informed the

Auckland Racing Club of the fact, and received from the secretary an opinion that Minerva was quite entitled to race in New Zealand. This she subsequently did. the A.R.C. having removed any disqualification. Later on Mr Beckett and Mr McAuliffe nominated her for the Hawera Races and fully disclosed the facts to the stewards. Minerva ran at the meeting, ami subsequently the committee of the Egmont Racing Club carried the following resolution: — “That Jas. Beckett and Michael McAuliffe be disqualified for two years from February 15. 1900. for making fraudulent entry and false declaration in connection with the mare Minerva II." In addition the Egmont Club asked the Taranaki Club to endorse this decision. The latter, however, tame to the very common sense conclusion that as there was no attempt to deceive the stewards of the Egmont Club the declaration was therefore neither fraudulent nor wilfully false, and they therefore refuse to endorse the disqualificatHon. As there was no suspicion of any attempt at unfair play on the part of Messrs Beckett and McAuliffe it is hard to see how the Egmont Club came by their extraordinary finding. Reliance is a tine instance of a good bargain in horseflesh. Mr P. Bolger bought the son of Trenton —Elsie for 20 guineas last November, and since then he has won eight races, these including the Coolgardie Cup of 500sovs, and the Boulder Cup of 75l)sovs. ~

Mr Stead’s old chamnion, Multiform, who recently returned from the Old Country, is to be given an opportunity to make a name for himself at the stud. Ten mares are to be allotted him at 30 guineas each, while he will also be mated with some of his owner’s mares at Yaldhurst.

Old Whakawatea is still being kept up to the collar at Randwick, and the, aged son of Apremont and Becky Sharp is said to be looking well on it. The Rangitikei Racing Club will make a eomencement with their Spring meeting on Wednesday next, and it will be concluded on Thursday. There will be seven events to be got through on each day. The two principal races to be decided on the opening day will be the Rangitikei Steeplechase of OOsovs, and the Spring Handicap of 70sovs, while on the concluding day there will lx- a Hack Steeplechase of 45sovs. and the September Handicap of (iOsovs.

The New Zealand Cup candidate Fulmen is putting in some solid work at Wingatui, and the son of Castor is said to be looking well on it. He has been nominated for the Timaru Cup.

The hurdler Pokomoko, who, it will be remembered, was disqualified by the Takapuna Jockey Club for two years, is now being- used as a hack.

Castashore is being apportioned long slow work at Riccarton, and the b’g son of Castor is said to bear a very healthy appearance.

It is reported that the champion mare. La Carabine, is under orders for England. It will be remembered that it was only the other day Sir Rupert Clarke purchased the mare for 1200 guineas, subsequently refusing nearly twice that amount. If only this daughter of Carbine becomes acclimatised in England she should win some of the long distance events there. I am afraid that the critics will be disappointed in her looks, judging by the report of a well-known turf authority, who says: —

“Looking at La Carabine now, without knowing anything- about her ability, it would be easy to class her as an ordinary suburban squib, instead of the finest stayer to-day in Australia, which she is. Those authorities who are always talking about we'ghtr carrying ability and stain' beiug indicated in formation would have some difficulty in finding anything in La Carabine’s make up to bear out their theory. There is absolutely not one point about her build and shape which suggests either. And yet we know that neither weight nor distance troubles her. She has no style, no “muscuhirity," as it is understood. but when she ranges up alongside the lead-

ers at the end of a long race, that is the time her worth is proved." The chestnut filly Kissmary, which Percy Martin, the Napier trainer, purchased from Mr Caulton at the beg’lining of the year, is said to have grown into a nice mare, having furnished all over considerably of late. Kissmary showed us before leaving Auckland that she knew how to sprint by the manner in which she romped over her field in the 2-year-old race at the Takapuna meeting in January last. Besides this. Hotchkiss’ llig daughter scored in the Nursery Handicap at the Napier Park Autumn Meeting, in which she curt out the six fnrlomg journey in good time.

Dandy’s win in the Spring Stakes at Rosehill. N.S.W.. on the 25th nit., was a very fine performance. The son of Martini-Henri—Vain Glory carried 9.1, and won very comfortably by two lengths, beating a big field, which included several cracks. The mile and a furlong was cut out in the fast time of Imin 56|sec. The grey mare Tauhci has been put into work again at Gisborne. By a fire which occurred at Messrs Row Bros.' stables, Dandenoug, N.S.W,, recently, s.x valuable jumping horses were burnt to death. They were Fairfield, Depot, Barnato, Bosun, Chester, and Overlander, and the former was famed throughout Australia as the champion “high jumper,’’ at which he has won over £3OOO. Malster is reported to be doing a’l right in his work at Rand wick. Bill of Portland’s son has many admirers who think he will be quite good enough to annex the double—Derby and Cup—this year at Flemington. The Auckland bred stallion Ilova by Ingomar from Happy Land, was recently offered at auction in Melbourne and realised 290 guineas. The result of the Hawkesbury Handicap came to hand during the week. This event which is run of l’ f miles and 100 yards, was won by Mr W. Duggan’s three-year-old chestnut colt Butternut by- Eiridsford-Buttercup, who defeated Mr E. Key’s black mare Rock of Ages by a long head, while Mr J. Hardcastle’s Cyanide, which started first favourite, filled third place. The time taken for the journey was 2m. 215.. and the winner started at 7 to 1 against.

The latest foaling announced from Wellington Park is that of Rose of Wellington, who produced a fine filly to Hotchkiss. The little lady is therefore full sister to True Blue and Screw Gun.

The Auckland bred colt Lancaster, on the strength of his victories on the other side of the water, has been well supported both over there and in Auckland. He is putting in somesolid work at Randwfck. and has many admirers. Lancaster is favourite for the Melbourne Cup at 100 to 7. His running at Randwick next week will throw further light on his Cup prospects.

Mr Stead’s quartette, viz.. St. Ilario, La Notte, Skobeloff and Field Rose, which figure in the N.Z. Cup. are said to be getting through with their preparation in a very pleasing manner. Mason also has the Derby colt, Formosan, in steady work.

A horse who has come in for a good deal of support for the Caulfield Cup lately is Vocalist. Mr R. Wootton’s representative was recently backed to win £5.090. and his price now quoted on the other side is 100 to 4.

A Victorian horse in which great interest is taken, is Ampler. who has 7.4 to cprry in the Epsom Handicap. He has been backed by the stable to win about £15,000. and now stands at R to 1 against, being second favourite for the event.

There were some remarkable times hoisted at the Brighton Beach (New York) meeting last month. A horse named Voter, who must be possessed of extraordinary sprinting ability, won a six furlong race in Im. 12 l-ss„ while a few days later, with 8.12 on his back, he cut out a mile in Ira. 38s. At the same meeting. Jack Point also showed a rare burst of speed, as he carried 7.11 to victory in the Brighton Handicap. H miles, in 2ia. 4 3-sa.

'l’he entries for the Avondale meeting which will commence on Sit unlay week, are exceptionally good all thr. ugh, and there is some fine material provided for Mr Evitt to work on. If only the weather proves fine on the eventful day, there bids fair to be a record attendance at the popu'ar western racecourse, as the events set down for decision bid fair t:> be of a particularly interesting nature. Yesterday morning (Tuesday) I took a run out to Ellerslie to get a glance at the various horses undergoing their daily work. The weather was far from being favourable, slight showers falling throughout. However. it cleared off when the gates were thrown open. Training operations are very brisk at present, mentors being busy putting the final polish on their horses for the coming Avondale meeting. Wright’s team, Rosella, Beddington and Laetitia, were the first to be set going. The trio ran twice round at a very solid pace. These horses look well, and should have something to say at the Avondale races next week. The game little St. Paul, who was associated with Bluejacket. ran a mile and a half at top. St. Leger's son looks as fit as a fiddle, and. judged by the manner in which he moved in his task, I am not surprised at punters standing him for the Avondale Cup. Record Reign, who looks a ball of muscles all over, was given two circuits with a light weight up. The Castor horse semis to fairly revel in his work. Major George’s team. Seahorse, Zealous and The Labourer, swung twice round, the last being done at a merry bat, in which Zealous quite held her own with the big chestnut. Miss Dehival was given long, slow work, and moved in a very taking manner. St. Elyn joined her. and ran once round 'art top. 1 think it is nearly time Mr. McLeod saw a return from this mare, for so far she has cost him a good deal over four figures. St. Jack ran two rounds, but he did not please me too well, moving rather short in his stride. Golden Rose had the best of Auld Reekie in a flutter over a mile. Others to do useful tasks were: St. Elmo, Kettledrum. Balbirnie. Knight of Athol, Auld Reekie, Blue Paul. Mara, Winsome, Tabaka, Cuira-ssefte, Volcano. The Master. Coronet, Dayntree, The Needle and Aminta. The course was in a very sloppy state, and all horses were worked on the tan. 1 had not the opportunity of seeing the two-year-olds at work, as it was done liter breakfast. — ♦