Sport in Australia.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XIII, Issue 800, 6 July 1905, Page 9

Sport in Australia.

(By

“ Atlas.”)

Sydney, June 28. _My first consideration this week must be the weights that were issued yesterdav for the four big races of the spring. If I commence with the Epsom Handi-. cap, which will be the first event decided, I cannot help remarking that in giving the New Zealand horse Machine Gun 9st 121 b, the handicapped has cruelly treated him. • It is, however, an evidence that despite the free trade policy which our legislators boast of, that so far as racing stock is concerned, the handicanper is prepared to put on an almost prohibitive weight, and is therefore governed by a protective policy. The weight, no doubt, is flattering to New Zealand, but in a practical sense it is not likely to encourage New Zealand owners to nominate for the big events in New South Wales. Good horse as Machine Gun is, I feel that the protective policy of the handicapper has put him out of the running. It is early yet, and without going through the weights let me mention a few that I think have a chance—FitzGrafton, Sweet Nell, Marvel Loch, Lucknow, Emerald, Mack, Maniopoto (New Zealand), Fashoda, Binnia, and Grand Rapids. In the Metropolitan 1 will select the following to be on mv side : —Emir FitzGrafton, Tartan, Marvel Loch, Mahutonga, Golden Knight, Acrasia, Charles Stuart. Maniopoto, Mack, and Dividend. The Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup weights are before me, but I do not feel disposed to make any definite selection at present. I promise, however, that I will watch events, and will later on send my selections. However, at” the first glance I feel inclined to favour the chances of the following: —Caulfield Cup: Gladsome, Sweet Nell, Boabdil, and Murmur. Melbourne Cup: Emir, Dividend, Tartan, Munderah Grand Rapids, Mahutonga, Charles Stuart, Scotland, and Kamo. Between this and the date of the A.J.C. and V.R.C. Meetings, I pronose to send you a resume of the important work done on the Randwick and Flemington training tracks.

The meeting at Warwick Farm on Saturday was of little interets to outside readers. The principal event was the Warwick Farm Handicap, which only induced a field of six to compete. Punters were all astray, as they made Street Arab, who had won the week before at Moorefield, a favourite, but the arrant rogue on this occasion rewarded his followers by running last. Two years ago he won the Sydney Cup. Until last Saturday week he was~never again seen near the front, but the style in which he smothered his field at Moorefield led us to expect better things in future. However, after last Saturday’s performances, we know that he is a “ sooner.” The race was won easily by Fanshawe, 6st 71b, with Fireclay. Bst 71b, second, and Loredano, Bst 81b, third.

Machine Gun astonished the touts at Randwick yesterday by getting over six furlongs on what is called the magpie track in Imin. 16sec. He had a solid weight up. Machine Gun is under orders to go to Melbourne.

Oblivion is now first favourite for the V.R.C. Grand National Hurdle Race at 5 to 1. Marmont is next in demand at 6 to 1. There is little straight-out betting on the Grand National Steeplechase, but Up-to-Date is a favourite selection in the doubles.