TAKAPUNA J.C. WINTER MEETING.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IX, Issue 688, 14 May 1903, Page 14

TAKAPUNA J.C. WINTER MEETING.

Commences next Saturday.

A FORECAST OF POSSIBILITIES-

(By “ The Judge.”)

On Saturday there will be racing at Devonport, when the Takapuna Jockey Club will make a commencement with the Winter Meeting. The fine weather

having apparently broken, or so it appears at the time of writing, the question of getting good days for the gathering is to a large extent a matter of luck, but as the rain has come early in the week, there is .the greater possibility of its being fine when the time for the racing to begin draws near. If such is the case, as all racegoers will hope, then another pleasant reunion is certain to be experienced. As -usual the Ferry Company will put every available steamer on to carry passengers across to the marine suburb, so that there, should be no undue crowding on board. Everything which possibly can be done for the comfort of visitors is being attended to by the courteous secretary, Mr Robert Wynyard, all the arrangements being as comprehensive as usual. There only remains the one question of the weather, and if this is favorable, then success is certain. The fields in most cases, promise to be large, and Mr Kndght has managed to very successfully conceal the winners. However, even although \ the task is a very difficult one, I must attempt to unravel the mystery, and select those whose winning chances appear to wear a more rosy hue than the others. Proceedings will commence with the Maiden Hurdles, for which fifteen are left in. Most of them are unknown quantities over sticks and of course anything might win. I hardly think fhat Gilnockie showed his true form at Avondale, and he might run well. If Spalpeen was worth entering for the Grand National he ought to possess a rare chance in the event, but no doubt many will wish to see how he shapes oyer the small sticks before backing him. I fancy the safest to trust may be ST. ROWAN 1 GILNOCKIE 2 TUI 3 There should be an excellent field for the Maiden P,ate, but fhe quality is not remarkable, although the quarttity is there all right. It is possible that Bobs may be found good enough to repeat his -i Avondale success. Such a beautifully bred horse ought to be able to gallop, but the lanky one has not given much evidence of it so far. I prefer, however, the chances of SWAGSMAN 1 QUEEN ANNE 2 SANDY 3 The race- which will probably be productive of as much speculation as any, is the Pony Handicap, which looks like being competed for by almost a record field of liliputians. On her very latest running Orange and Blue looks to have a big say in the race, with lost 21b, for she won last week from end to end under a bigger impost. With every pony on its best behaviour, the frio I prefer are CHANGE AND BLUE 1 •VHAWHAI ' 2 FIRST WHISPER 3 In the Empire Handicap, which is the big event of the day as far as stakes are concerned, Strathavon and Landlock head the list with Bst 121 b, and the latter must be very hard to beat. Durable ran well at Avondale, and also carried 1 off both the big Events at Egmont, so must have a great chance with vst sib. Jewellery may also be depended on to run forward. The three I will take to beat the field are 1 1 DURABLE 1 LANDLOCK 2 JEWELLERY z 3 If Royal Conqueror was Jo strip really at his best, which is very doubtful, I would take him to win the Hurdle Race, as the last quarter of a mile will be sure to find out Bellman. . Haydn may not start, but if he does, the placmgs be HAYDN 1 BELLMAN 2 LINGARD 3 In the Maiden Steeplechase there are but seven acceptors. It is not at all unlikely that the top weights may come home in their order on the card, nameshould be INCHCAPE * SIRDAR , MARINE • 3

The first days’ programme will terI minate with the Royal Handicap, in which a baker’s dozen are engaged. Scotty is in pride of place, and if started, must be dangerous. St. Olga should run well, and she has a way of popping up in the last event of the day. Green and Gold is very fast over five furlongs, as also are Cygnet and Orange and Blue. My fancy inclines somewhat in favour of CYGNET i GREEN AND GOLD 2 SCOTTY 3 The acceptances will be found in another column.