Racing Reviewed.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XX, Issue 1126, 9 November 1911, Page 6

Racing Reviewed.

CANTERBURY J-C. MEETING. (From Our Own Correspondent.) CHRISTCHURCH, November 7. The Canterbury racing carnival was commenced on Saturday last and drew an immense crowd to Riccarton. ' In the early morning it seemed as if there was likely to be rain, but although a few showers fell, the weather did not dampen the spirits of those who went out to see the Cup. Large fields were the order of the

day and speculation was brisker than ever. The totalisator turnover for

the d'ay amounted to £39,851, as compared with £27,472 for Cup day

last year, which affords proof posit-

ive that the Dominion is in a flourishing condition. With regard to the racing I can only say that it was equal to anything ever seen at Riccarton. THE RACE FOR THE CUP. Next came the New Zealand Cup, the great racing event of the year. There were fifteen starters. ViceAdmiral, who ran a good race in the Metropolitan Handicap at Randwick, was at once selected as being one of the best looking horses in the field, and he was eventually installed a prime favourite. Miscount, Los Angelos, Merrivonia and Domino also caught the eye as being trained to the hour. Goodwin Park to my mind seemed a trifle off colour, while I did not like the look of Mulga Bill or Iranui. The race itself was a beautiful one to watch. Starter Piper did not lose any time in getting his field away, and when settled down the colours of Projectile and Cronstadt were prominent. This pair led passing the stand, with Goodwin Park, Kilosteri and Martine at the head of the others. Miscount was running last and there was practically no alteration in the field until the mile post was reached, where Martine ran into third place just behind Projectile and Cronstadt, then cajme Domino, Iranui, Outlander and Goodwin Park, with Vice-Admiral and Los Angelos some distance away, and Miscount was still bringing up the rear. Round-.-ing the bend Miscount, Vice-Admiral and Los Angelos commenced to improve their positions, but entering the straight they were still some distance behind the leaders. With heads fairly turned foj home Projectile was showing the way just clear of Martine, with Cronstadt just clear of a bunch, which included Merrivonia, Domino, Iranui and Goodwin Park. Approaching the distance fully eight horses seemed to have a winning chance. The field at this stage being all bunched. With 100 yards to go Vice-Admiral and Miscount came with a rattle and the former finished up his task like a champion and beat Miscount by a bare length. Los Angelos, who also came fast from the distance, was a length away third, and after him came Domino, Merrivonia and Projectile. Kakurae was the last to finish. THE STEWARDS’ HANDICAP. The field for the Stewards’ Handicap constituted a record for New Zealand, 29 horses facing the starter. As was to be expected there was a long delay at the post. The two chief offenders being Turbine and Full Rate, while just before the start Dazzling fell and lost her rider. After many attempts, the big field was got away on fairly even terms. The colours of Gipsy Belle, Bliss, Pierene and Nyland were seen prominent, and when the field entered the course proper the colours of this quartette were easily prominent. Nyland held the winning chance throughout, and, finishing strongly, beat Peirene by a length and a-half, while Bliss was a similar distance away third.' Formby finished fourth, just in front of Rurik and Longstep. The rest of the field was spread out.

DERBY DAY RACING.

Glorious weather prevailed on Derby day, and it is safe to say that Riccarton never looked better. The attendance was again large, while speculation on totalisator showed an increase on any previous Derby day. The figures being: 1910, £20,139, and £32,959. The Derby was probably the best race of its kind seen at Riccarton for some years. The field was really a fine one, and included Miscount, who was the winner of the Hawke’s Bay Guineas, and runner-up in New Zealand Cup, while Counterfeit had a win in the Wanganui Guineas against her name. Then there was Byron, a Champion Plate winner, and also Masterpiece, who had the reputation of being one of the best colts ever seen out at Riccarton. The race was indeed a pretty one to watch, and Miscount was first to break line, and with Byron and St. Petersburg next, showed the way out of the straight, Counterfeit bringing up the rear. Passing Cutt’s, Byron on the rails, ran to the front, Miscount, Royal Scotch and Counterfeit being next almost in line, and St. Petersburg last. At the mile post Byron was still showing the way to Counterfeit, with Royal Scotch and Masterpiece just behind the Chokebore filly. When the six furlong post was reached Counterfeit had taken charge, Royal Scotch being second and Byron was starting to drop back. Rounding the turn Counterfeit had Royal Scotch and Masterpiece as hex’ nearest attendant, with Miscount next. Turning into the straight Masterpiece had taken second place to Counterfeit, while Miscount also moved up. When well in line for home these three drew away from the others and in a good finish Masterpiece won by half a length. Counterfeit was a similar distance behind Miscount, and then two lengths and a-half away came Royal Scotch, with St. Petersburg next, and Byron last. The Metropolitan Handicap saw most of the Cup horses trying conclusions. Vice-Admiral showed a clean pair of heels to his opponents, and beat the opposition just as easily as he did in the Cup. Domino, who finished second, ran velry gamely. His owner has had extremely bad luck in bumping up against such a good colt as the son of Multiform.