NOTES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XIV, Issue 847, 31 May 1906, Page 5

NOTES.

(By

“The Judge.”)

F. D. Jones was not long in England before he got his name on the list of winning jockeys, for at the Salisbury meeting he managed to score a brace of victories.

Owners should bear in mind that nominations for the Gisborne Racing Club’s Steeplechase Meeting, to be run on July 5 and 6, close with Mr. M. G. Nasmith, the secretary, on Saturday, June 2.

Nearly everyone who went to Wanganui has been extolling the praises of Romany King. He certainly ran well, and if the going is heavy, as is very likely to be the case, ought to be on hand when the whips are cracking.

Judging by the way in which Exmoor finished in the Century Hurdles, the length of the big event at Ellerslie may find him out. Still, the racing may have had a good effect on the Porirua horse, and he is bound to be dangerous.

Old Haydn is bowling along in good style at Ellerslie, and may be relied upon to put up a great race in the G.N. Steeplechase.

Despite having incurred a 51b penalty for his win at Wanganui, Hydrant will probably start favourite for the G.N. Hurdles. He is well built and a fine jumper, and although on the small side, is a very nicely-actioned gelding, who will take a lot of beating.

The horses which were purchased by Mr. J. C. Colbeck at the disposal sale of the late Mr. George Wright’s team will in future be looked after by Mr. A. M. Robertson at Ellerslie.

Mr. Hartland, secretary of the A.R.C., notifies clients in this issue that no contingent or ten shilling commissions will be executed, so investors at a distance should make note of this. Money will be received up to within half an hour of the advertised time for starting each race.

From all accounts Defoe was unlucky that he did not beat Eurus in the Wanganui Steeplechase. He was going strongly in front at the last hurdle, but there being no wing, he ran past the jump. He pulled up a much fresher horse than either of the leaders.

At last Pearl Necklet has managed to get her name on the winning list. On Thursday she got home an easy first in the Pupuke Handicap, after leading all the way. As, however, the company was exceptionally moderate, the performance was nothing tn enthuse over. When pulled out again in the Victoria Handicap with but 7st on her back, the daughter of Haut Brion, despite a good start, was unable to run into a place.

Although Miss King ran prominently in the Wanganui Steeplechase, her jumping was none too good, and as the Ellerslie course is rather severe, it may find her out.

Some judges who saw Phaetonitis perform at Wanganui are prepared to find the son of Phaeton hailed as a winner at Ellerslie.

A peculiar accident happened to Silverlene In the Rata Hack Hurdles. At the last jump, which was broken, a bit of the hurdle ran under the mare’s girth, and she finished a good second with this curious impediment dangling between her legs. Curiously enough Silverlene was not even scratched, but without the mishap she might have just about won, as she was only beaten a neck.

It seemed to the writer that Howard was unduly severe upon his mount, Lady Hune, in the Hauturu Hurdles. The daughter of Cuirassier was in obvious trouble over half a mile from home, but from that point the whip was kept going the whole way to the finish. Such punishment to a beaten horse may do good, but I take leave to doubt it.

Little Corporal ran very consistently at Takapuna, and it was hard luck that a brace of seconds was all he could do. The ponified son of Blairgowrie is not a beauty to look at, but there is an old saying that “ handsome is as handsome does,” and at his best Corporal is a very honest customer.

A word of praise is certainly due to Mr. R. Wynyard and his staff for the manner in which the winter meeting was conducted. To use a homely adage, “ Everything ran on wheels,” and there was an entire absence of anything to which exception might be taken. Indeed, there have been few more pleasant gatherings held at th Shore.

There was a popular impression that if the going was soft on Thursday Geordie would win the Britannia Handicap. Well, the going was soft enough, but the son of Seaton Delaval did not win, neither did he ever appear to have any prospect of doing so. Although filling third place, he was a long way behind the winner.

Waipuna is very well just now, and his win in theßritannia Handicap was an easier one than in the Empire Handicap, despite a rise of 161 b. He should win again before long if not too harshly treated.

The race between Aka Aka and Swimmer in the Takapuna Steeplechase proved very exciting. The betting indicated that the .issue was between the pair, for in the last round they had the race to themselves. Half a mile from home it looked as though Aka Aka might win, but the fine condition of Swimmer stood to hi:::, and he fairly wore down the son of Regel, who ran himself almost to a standstill. * * * * People who pay attention to signs and portents, and they are far more numerous than might be expected, for the racing man is ever superstitious, were very keen on Baltimore in the Britannia Handicap. Just as the majority were crossing the harbour on Thursday to assist at the meeting, Uncle Sam’s cruiser, the Baltimore, came into port saluting the British flag as she made her way to the anchorage. This was looked upon as “ the office” to back Baltimore, but the son of Leolantis ran disappointingly. Had the superstitious folk; stuck to it, which but few of them did, however, they would have been rewarded with a £4 17s didivend when Baltimore ran into second place in the last race. » • • * The racing on Thursday at Takapuna was chiefly remarkable for the fact that there was not a single mishap of any kind, and this despite the course being heavy as a result of the previous rain. * * * * ANSWER TO CORRESPONDENCE. In reply to “Wager,” Thames, “ a straight” beats three of a kind. As questions concerning the value of hands at poker are being constantly asked, it may be of interest to give the relative ordei' of values. These run as follows: —A roval flush, a routine flush; fours; a full hand, a flush; a straight; threes; two pairs; one pair; the highest card.

Moccasin appeared somewhat sore after the Wanganui Steeplechase, but has improved since. * * * * The Taranaki Jockey Club lost £694 on the year’s work, for winch the autumn meeting was chieuy lesponsiblo. * * * * The stallion Gluten arrived from Sydney safely by the Manuka on Sunday, and has gone to his new home at Papakura. He is a beautifully-bred horse, and a proved stayer, and ought to go well with the Soult and Cyren.an mares. * * * * Cavalry is showing great improvement in his work, and should give a good account of himself at the coming meeting. * * * * Ability, Convoy, Moccasin, Hydrant, Phaetonitis and Shrapnell SheH arrived from the South by •Jhe Penguin on Sunday. The next contingent which got here on Tuesday was ?sadador, Mawhiti, Gold Crown, Eclair. Comfort, Waiwera, Pharos, Exmoor, Rose Madder and Romany King. * * * * The draw for the Maiden Stakes, to be run at the North New Zealand Coursing Club’s meeting, will take place at the City Cluo Hotel on June 13, when final payments must also be made. * * * * The latest high-priced stallion _is Jardy, the speedy son of Flying Fox and Airs and Graces. Although a good horse, the price seems excessive, hut some of the Argentine breeders have long purses, and are not afraid of a few extra thousands when they want a horse.

After watching the gallops our Ellerslie correspondent thinks that the following should run prominently:— G.N. Hurdles: Cavalry, Hydrant, and Silicia. Maiden Steeplechase: Baritone, Medallius, Kruger. Cornwall Handicap: Ironmould, Apologue, Geordie. Maiden Welter Handicap: Lady Clements, Trephine, The Scotchman. Maiden Hurdles: Convoy, Ability, Liberator. Pony Handicap: Lady Nannie, Forth, Sonoma. G.N. Steeplechase (run on second day): Haydn, Sol, Swimmer.

Young Cairns, an apprentice with Frank Higgott, rode Hydrant in his two victories at Wanganui. So well did he acquit himself that a big future is prophesied for the latest aspirant to cross-country honours.

Owing to Monday being a holiday, entries for the New Zealand Cup do not close until Tuesday.

The Pakuranga Hunt Club opened the season on Saturday with a meet at Mount Roskill, when a very enjoyable run after a drag took place. The run ended near Mr. Gorrie’s residence, “Dunkerron,” Three Kings, where the master welcomed all present. The prospects are very hopeful for a successful season.

A tremendous amount of rain fell at Ellerslie yesterday, and there is a very strong probability of the going being heavy on Saturday next. * * * *

The Otaki Meeting looks like proving one of the best on record. By the the club’s handicapper, Mr. J. H. Pollock, intends to witness the final day’s racing of the A.R.C. Meeting.