TARANAKI J.C. AUTUMN MEETING.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XI, Issue 529, 7 February 1901, Page 12

TARANAKI J.C. AUTUMN MEETING.

[By

Petbonel.

Next Wednesday this popular meeting commences, and if the promise of success is borne out then the executive members will be heartily congratulated. The handicaps of Mr Evett and Mr Pardy have brought forth good acceptances on the whole, though the Flying Handicap has only six contestants out of the twelve nominated. Cora Linn’s absence is probably due to the fact that she is now the property of Mr Victor Harris, and I shall expect to see her name in the entry lists for the 0.J.0. Midsummer Meeting. The owner of Strathnairn, Paladin and Co. is a very ehrewd gentleman, and he wi 1 most likely win a race with the Foulshot mare at the next gathering at Riccarton. For the big race on the opening day of the Taranaki Meeting the acceptors number seven. Coronet has kept his place, and as he is very well I believe he will run a good race. Tortulla may have improved since the racing at Wellington, and if she has I think she will go very near winning. Last season she ran better than she has done so far this term, but the Porirua trainer has such sterling trying tackle that I do not think the Torpedo mare would be left in unless she had a big chance;of scooping in the 300 sovs going to

the first- place -gitter in the Taranaki Cup. Battleaxe is given a good chance—perhaps the chance of his lifetime —with 7st 101 b. Still he is not the horse he used to be, or rather he has not for a long time run up to the form he used to show. He has not won a race since he was disqualified at Wanganui Mr Watson had a turn of luck at the Wellington fixture, and as it never rains but it pours —especially has this old adage been proved in Auckland lately—he may score a well-deserved win with Battleaxe on Wednesday. Materoa, 7stBlb, is nicely weighted, and on her Wellington running should have something to say at the finish of the race. This pretty little mare has run very well on several occasions, and I am rather in favour of the idea that she is better now than she was at the Hutt. Will-o’-the-Wisp has been in the dark for some little time, and though he is so well treated that he may effect a surprise, I should like to see him put in a performance before taking him on my side. I think that Legion of Honour and Brown Bill will be probably outclassed, and I shall give the places to —• Tortulla ... ... ... 1 Coronet 2 Materoa 3 For the other races my selections are as follows :— Stewards’ Handicap. Okoari 1 Tommy Atkins 2 Full Cry 3 Henui Hack Handicap. Tupaba 1 Liable 2 Tukapa... ... ... ... 3 First Hurdles. Waiwera ... ... ... 1 Tboubadoub 2 Whetu 3 First Hack Hurdles. Puanga 1 Hautonga 2 Mamaku 3 First Hack Handicap. Dartmoor 1 Bowman ... ... ... 2 Waterford " 3 Flying Handicap. Full Cry ... ... ... 1 Tommy Atkins 2 Okoari 3