CANTERBURY.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XIV, Issue 822, 7 December 1905, Page 8

CANTERBURY.

Christchi rch, December 5. Gay : Spark’s name did not appear among the acceptors for the Auckland Cup. The colt is probably being kept in the race in the event of anything happening to Quarryman. Fit and well on the day, I think there can be no doubt that Quarryman will be the elect of the stable in the Cup, and that Gay Spark will run in the Derby. Mr. H. Friedlander's. Stepniak—Arline colt, Makaroff, was seen out in two races at Timaru, getting third in the Flying Handicap on the first day and winning the Farewell Handicap. Makaroff has the makings of a decidedly useful colt, and one who is likely to stay well in much longer races than he took part in at Timaru.

Vardo, who ran a fine race in the Canterbury Oaks, getting second to Isolt, is ev/ «mtly one of those animals who have the knack of letting their owners down badly when expected to show their best form. At Timaru Vardo failed badly in both her engagements. The South Canterbury Jockey Club made a profit of £242 over its spring meeting. Several bookmakers were present on Washdyke course, and the South Canterbury Club has decided to prosecute them for trespass. Bookmakers seem to be having a very bad time lately in Christchurch, and they are supporting candidates who will vote straight out for the abolition of the totalisator. Revenge is sweet. At the Christchurch Magistrate’s Court last week six members of the fraternity were' fined sums up to £3O for trespssing on Riccarton racecourse. The magistrate announced that in future he would not inflidt fines, but would send offenders to gaol. Bookmakers, beware ! F. D. Jones, who has been associated with many Yaldhurst victories, has accepted an engagement as first horseman in Murray Hobbs’ stable. C. C. Bolton, who came over from Australia to ride for C. Piper, has left for Brisbane to ride Fitz Grafton in the Brisbane Cup. D. Roberts has Somaroff and Natalie well forward in view of near engagements. The former is shaping nicely in his gallops. Sir G. Clifford’s team for Auckland will include Quarryman, Gay Spark, Glenowlet, and Kirriemuir. Quarryman is in splendid fettle, and is doing the best work at Riccarton just now. He has been responsible for several smart gallops over a mile and a-quarter, Gay Spark and Clanchattan being pacemakers. Providing he keeps in his present form, Quarryman will, to my mind, be the hardest horse to beat in the big race at Auckland.

Glenowlet is showing plenty of pace, and has put in some capital six-furlong gallops. This filly is favourite here for the Railway Handicap. Kirriemuir should about win the Foal Stakes.

I hear that Mr. Stead will not be represented in the Great Northern Derby this year. Sungod was being prepared for this race at the time of his death. Cuneiform will he the Yaldhurst representative in the Royal Stakes, while Nightfall will contest the Auckland Plate. Huascar may go up for some of the two-year-old races. Martian is doing steady work at Riccarton, although still on the big side. It is more than likely he will be seen out shortly. He is spoken of as a likely starter at the Manawatu meeting.

M. Hobbs has decided not to take any members of his team to Auckland, but may elect to go as far North as Manawatu with Pas Seul and Calibre.