Our Australian Letter

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IX, Issue 430, 20 October 1898, Page 13

Our Australian Letter

[By Our Own Correspondent.] The Spr i n g C a m paig n— The Guineas, tjautfield Stakes, and Debutant Stakes — Massinissa’s victory—More New Zealand productions wanted. Melbourne, October 11. Racing men have now commenced upon a busy time, for Saturday last saw the commencement of the spring campaign, which as usual was celebrated at Caulfield, and from now until the conclusion of the more important spring reunion at Flemington there will be little rest. Up to Friday last we had been experiencing perfect spring-like weather, but a change was indicated by a falling barometer, and when Guineas morning broke it was not to be wandered at that there was a gloomy aspect of affairs overhead. The sky was dull and overcast, betokening rain, and, with a fierce wind raging, we were quite prepared for the usual elements which of recent years have been associated with the opening day of the V.A.T.C. Spring Meeting on the classic heath. Rain fell almost wit hout Intermission up to about 1 o’clock, when it ceased and fortunately held off for the remainder of the afternoon. Despite the unfavorable weather conditions the attendance was well maintained, and included many of the most, influential patrons of racing from the adjoining colonies. The card presented for discussion was of the usual diversified character, but chief interest was of course centred in the Caulfield Guineas. Although Bobadil had easily accounted for Cocos, Lee Metford, and Heretic on the previous Saturday, new’ blood in Cordite, Holster, and Gauleon was forthcoming to have a cut at the natty little son of Bill of Portland. This opposition had not the slightest depressing effect upon backers, who were first called upon to lay odds of 3 to 1 on, and although the enthusiastic admirers of Cordite fancied the Zalinski gelding’s chance, and supported him at 10 to 1, the Ringmen asked for increased odds, and 4 to 1 '■ on” was the figure at which Bobadil quitted the paddock, whilst 20 to 1, bar two, plainly told in what estimation the prospects of the remaining candidates were held. The favorite again demonstrated marked superiority over hisj three-year-old rivals, as, going to the tront after traversing a furlong, he retained command to the end, winning without the semblance of an effort by three lengths from Cocos, with Cordite a couple of lengths away third. Heretic was fourth, followed by Lee-Metford, Holster, and Gauleon in the order written The time (Imin 46]sec) may appear slow, but as Bobadil was never really extended, and the run home was in the face of almost a gale, the time should, under these circumstances, not be seriously reckoned. Bobadil has now won his last seven engagements right off the reel, and the Derby appears a greater certainty than ever for him, whilst he promises to start the hottest favorite on record for the “ blue ribbon” contest, in which he will encounter, for the first time, Picture (the A.J.C. Derby winner) and the Carbine colt Ashton, in addition to George Frederick, Cocos, Cordite, and Co. The Caulfield Stakes (w.f.a., with penalties), nine furlongs, was another item that commanded more than ordinary attention, and a capital field of fifteen turned out to do battle. Consequent upon the retirement of The Grafter, backers picked his stable mate, The Chief, as the best utoods, and he accordingly carried the bulk of backers’ coin and confidence, his best price at the s*art being quoted at 2 to 1. George Frederick, Picture, Battalion, and Reka were the only others to receive any spirited support, and liberal odds were obtainable about either. That the talent had correctly gauged the situation was well borne out by the result, for The Chief scored a brilliant

win in a pretty easy fashion by a length and a half from Battalion, with Wait-a-Bit, who, as usual, displayed his great speed until tackled, twice that distance off, third. Time, Imin 57|sec. The Debutant Stakes, four furlongs, brought out a good field of seventeen, and Carinthea, a rather small and leggy filly by Gossoon (imp.) from Trieste, in Tom Peyton’s stable was made favorite, but she failed to run up to expectations, and Tremarden just defeated his stable companion, Golden Queen, and Fleetfoot, who ran a dead-heat tor second honors, while Carinthea was fourth. Time, 51£-sec. The winner is a very fine colt by Trenton from Lady Marden (imp)., who is the dam of The Skipper and Princess of Wales, and is trained by Alex. Taylor at Burrumbeet. Taylor fancied Golden Queen’s chance in preference to Tremarden’s, evidently for the reason that the filly had been in training some six weeks before the colt was taken in hand. A number of the youngsters that carried silk are veryj promising and should improve very considerably upon the form displayed here. I should remark that the first four are all engaged in the Maribyrnong Plate, to be decided at Flemington on the 29th of this month, and for which the winner will have to pat up a penalty of 101 b. The victory of Massinissa in the Toorak Handicap caused increased attention to be directed to his chance in the Caulfield Cup, for which his weight is now raised to 7st 51b, or 81b less than he carried in the mile event. Before these lines are in type you will, of course, have the result of the race by cable, so that it is needless to say anything now concerning the Cup, suffice it that at time of writing the favorite, in my estimation, will justify the confidence reposed in him and win the Caulfield Cup. In view of the projected visit of the cricketers of New Zealand to Victoria in February next, hopes here are expressed that they may be accompanied by a team of horses to take a hand in the good things provided by the V.R.C. for the autumn gathering at Flemington. The presence of another Lochiel would considerable add to the attractions of the meeting.