SPORTING.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16153, 6 March 1918, Page 5

SPORTING.

RACING AND TROTTING \ NOTES. : i (BY "Lookee-OW.") There will bo racing at Gore and Nelson to-day. Beltane and Kill'em, sifter their racing at Cnulfield on Saturday, February 23rd. were sold to Mr S. P. Mackav. The bookmakers had a bad meeting at Caulfield, Wo or three reporting ! rather heavy losses. The longest-priced winner started at 10 to 1. There may be a different tale to tell after the V.R.C. Meeting (says the asian")Mr A. W. Cox (who lived foT a time in Australia) -will in future race in his own name, having dropped the assumed name of ' Mr Fairie," under which ho raw:d Bayardp, Lemberg, Gay Crusader, and other horses of note. The principal winning percentages scored by jockeys at the V.A.T.C. Autumn Meeting were: —H. Cairns, £99 10s; W. 11. McLachlan, £73 14s; K. Bracken, £32 3s; G. Harrison, £19 15s; A. Wood, £19 15s; and F. Dempsey, £ie 7s. Only a limited number of tUJiets for passengers wishing to travol rail to tho race meetings under National Hunt rutes arranged to be held at G-atwick, Windsor, and Lingfield last month, were allowed by the W&r Cabinet m imglauclDesert Gold's victory in the St. George Stakes at Caulfield earned her £500, and her second m the Futurity Stakes' £600, making her total stake winnings to daie ovor £18,000. Only three horses in Austr&lflsici have "won moro_, viz., Carbine, Trafalgar, and Poseidon. A commission was sent from Tasmania to Melbourne to back Silver Lake for £1500 for tho Newmarket, but it is alleged a telegraphic error made tho amount £15,000, which was duly secured. The mistake was discipvered and the commissioner was arranging to have most of the wagers declared off. The New Zealand-bred gelding Now York had rather a lucky win in the Stanilev Stoeplechase at Caulfield on February 23rd. Describing tho race, the "Australasian" says: —The Stanley Steeplechase provided one of the best races seen over fences at Caulfield for many a long day. New York and Pinon sot such a pace that they soon had the field strung out, and in tho end the time record for the race was beaten. New York won. but Pinon was unlucky to lose. New York appearod to have Mr Miller's gelding beaten at the distance, and his rider (H. Thompson) stopped riding for a few strides. A little farther on New York commenced to stop badly. Thompson, getting to work again, pushed Pinon along, and onlv failed to catch up by a short neck. A stride past tho post Pinon was in front. New York went up for sale in December, 191G, and was purchased by Mr J. Timms for 250 guineas. Mr Timms was present at Caulfield on Saturday, but left before the Steeplechase came on to catch the train for Sydney. When New York came into the hands of C. N. Kidman, he had a badlv-bowed tendon, but has gradually improved. His trainer did not think him quite fit enough to see out the distance on Saturday, and had a scratchino- paper mado out on acceptance day. Mr Timms, however, insisted on a start, and the scratching paper was tern up. * It is rather remarkable (writes "Goodwood" in the "'Australasian ') that the two notable New Zealanders, Desert Gold and Biplane, should meet with defeat'on the same day. There has been a good deal of discussion as to how the pair would fare against each other, when they met in a race; now the respective owners will be able to condole with each other. In the case of Desert Gold's owner thore was some comfort in the fact that he owns Estland, who brought about the downfall of the A.J.C. and Victoria Derby winner. Biplane, who is Australian-bred, was beaten in New Zealand, while Desert Gold, bred in New Zealand, had to strike her colours in a race in Australia. The race in which Biplane was beaten was the Wanganui Guineas, run over a mile. Estland has performed well this season, and his trainer, F. DaVis (at present in Australia with Desert Gold), all along predicted that when they met Estland would account

for Biplane. He has at presont the best of tho argument, but Australian racino- men who saw the colt race here will "decline to believe that Biplane, in his spring form, could be legitimately beaten three lengths over a mile by any colt of his own age. The mile at Wangamii took lrain 41 2-sth sec. while Bipl-aTL-o easily won the _ Linlithgow Stakes at Flemington (which, is not a fast course), in lmin 37Jsec. That in itself is significant. (By "Searchlight.") Moorland, winner of tho Ashburton Trotting Club Handicap at Ashburton on Boxing Day, then trained by J. Bryce, is again in'work in the South, and lik&lv to sport silk at the Southland Racing Club's Autumn Meeting. Canterbury stables are represented in the trotting events at the Southland Racing Club's Autumn Meeting by Fisherton, Some Boy, lhrect, Lord Agapanthos, and Jolly Major.

AKAROA COUNTY RACING CLUB'S Ai'.-i UAL MEETING. t Though. the day was threatening a large crowd lourneyed out to Motukarara yesterday to enjoy tho Akaroa County dub's Annual Meeting, and they had a really eood outing', and saw some interesting racing. Everything went with a owing, and the last ra/oe wa3 got off to tune, allowing everybody to get back to town betore dart Th* totalisator pnt through £10.015. 10* J* against £10,401 last year. A^ r , r u jf had won tho Cup Mrs R. M. Morten presented the handsome silver tropny to *he maro's owner and trainer, Mr Or. MurrayAynsley. The following are the results of the x&oee: — MAIDEN PLATE, of 50 sovs; second 5 govs from sta&e. 012 c furlongs. ... 3. J. A. Ainge'a br m All by All Rod —JLuciana, 6yxs, Bsi 1-Jlb - . (h\ E. Jones) 1 1. R. Emerson's b f Carol Singer 3yra Sat 51b •• ? ) 2. A. W. Rutherford, jun. s br g O ingo, 3yra, 83t slb . • •• 6 St Clotus Bst lllb (G. \oung), s> low Bat lllb, car. Bat 12*lb (F. Llns), and 4 Bontave Bst olb (W. Bush) also started. (Winner bred by J. K. SeweU, and trained by R. Ellis.) Carol Singer and Jingo mad© the early running. In tkte last furlone All Pink challenged and got Tip to ™by» was some lengths away thud, followed by Unntave. Time, lmin 16eec. WAIHORA PARK HANDICAP TROT (in harness), of 70 sovs; second horee iw govs from stake. Two miles. 1. F. Johnston's br S Boy, by Volunteer, 4yra, 24yds bhd (J. I^s'® c ) 4 F Hickinbottom'a b m Galmdo tteue, ' syrs, 108 yds bhd .. (A. Buttcrfield) - 2. D. McKinley's gr m Want, aged, 24yds bhd ... •• ( E - McDermott) 3 G Gladfuf'scr, 8 Radiance scr, 14 Thorage scr, 13 Ribbon Maid scr. 10 Aume Black 21yds bhd, 11 Necessity 11yds bhd, 1» Dillon 24yds bhd, IS BcUzac 2-lyds bhd . Idol 21vds bhd, 3 Harold Child 48yds bhd, 5 Foxhill 72yds bhd, and To Tuiti 72yas bhd (bracketed), 9 Trooper DiUon 120>ds bhd, 7 Harold D. 204 yds bhd, and Truganuu 240 yds bhd (bracketed) also started. Radianco, Idol, and Some Boy led the field at the start. There was no change until the etand was reached, when Harold Child raced up to Some Boy. Going out of the straight Some Boy and Harold Child went right away, from Annie Black, Wans, and Foxhill. The favourite was never troubled, and won easily by two lengths, from Galindo Belle, who finished fast.' Want was forty yards' third, followed by PetoT Dillon, Annie Black, and Foxhill. Time, smin 3sec. WELTER HACK HANDICAP, of 60 eovs; second 5 aovs from stake. -One mile and a quartor. . 1. H. A. Knight's b g Harlequin, by Treadmill—Delusive, syrs, 3st (car. Bst 91b) .. (S. Walls) 1 2. F. S« lvuihorford's b m Aye I*^aay, 6vrs, 7st 101b .. .. (C. Emerson) * 4. A." H. Clark's br g Royal Jack, 6yrs, 7at 71b •• •• IH. Henwood) 3 3 Sport Bst 31b (F. C. Porter) also started. ■ j (Winner bred by Sir Geo. Clifford, and trained by F. D. Jones.) Sport made the running for a mile. Harlequin then took charge, and ion home an easy winner by three lengths from Aye Ready. Boyal Jack was a poor third. Time, 2mi lljsec. , PENINSULA CUP, cf 150 sovs; second 15 eovs, and third 10 sots from stake. One 1 G APurray-Aynsley's ch m Disdainful, by Bonny Glen—Lady Disdain, 4yrs 7et 101b .. •• „ (C- Emerson 1 o v H. Schwass' ch g Achilledce, 3. Sir'Geo. Clifford's b m Brambletye, 4yrs, Bst 3lb .. .. (F. E. Jones) 2 Comely Bst 51b (F. Ellis). 7 King Star 7st 81b (G. Young), 4 Battle Eve 7st 41b car. 7st 6lb (N. Shore), and 6 Thames 7st (U. Pickens) also started. " . , (Winner bred by C. G. Dalgety, and trained by owner.) , From a good start. Disdainful Boon showed in front, and she led to the post. In the straight Achilledes. Brambletye. and Comely challenged strongly, but could not reach the leader, who won all out by two lengths from Achilledce, Brambletye, and Comely, in that order, with necks them. King Star was fifth, and Battlo Eve sixth Time, lmin 4Uec KINLOCH WELTER HANDICAP, of .o sovs; second 10 sovs from stake. Seven 1 H A "Knight's b m Majestikoff, by Delaware-Lady Majestic, 4yrs. Jtet 13lb (car. 9st 8lb) , <S " Walls) 1 SMA b » , 2. H? (toh™* .1. S 4 Tyne Sat Blb (F. Porter) and 5 Jack 7st 71b (H. Henwood) also started (Winner bred by Harvey Patterson, and • trained by F. D. Jones.) . Tyne made the early running from AcbUledes and Majestikoff. and Spyglass wore first into the straight, with Majestikoff coming fast. In the home the favourito won by three lengths from Spy elass with Achilledce a neck away Then', in order, came Tyne and Royal Jack. HANDICAP,of 60sovs; eccond horso 5 eovs from stake. Six i G Ur i> ch f Missouri, by Danube Mies Mischief, 3yw. 2 " E {oib' Da J iS ' a b m Hagerty) 2 3 F S Rutherford's b m Heady, Vyre 7st (car. 7«t 9lb) (C. 3 4 To Anau 7st, 'car. 6st 9lb (C. Laisen), (Winner rt W by owjer. and trained by R. v J. Maaon.) . Missouri went to the front ~t heJ i n£ „° i (..rinriTß and definite a challenge from Rosevear ran home a comfortable wmnerby two lengths. Aye Ready was a bad third. i FORSYTH HANDICAP of 85 ' sovs; second 10 sovs. and third o sovs from stake. Five furlon^e. 4 j F Buchanan's b h Battle Eve, by • Mardan-To-morrow, j •> H A. Boyle's ch m B®t .. .. (W. Btisn) - 1 \*W Rutherford, junr.'s b g Kilrash 3yis Sst 7lb (C. EmersonJ J 6 Merton 9«t (L. 3 Lpv«,ck Sst oib (K. Ludlow). 5 Sm w al". C£. Tst 21b (G. Toung), 7 Finland Maid Est 91b (T L. Reid), nnd 8 Tokorahi Cat 7lb (C. LarEen") also started. (Winner bred by Sir Geo. Clifford, and trained by P. McGrath.) Kilrush rot a bier break on a Gtnrng-out field, oi which Battle Eve and Donnata Trere at the head. Donnata rushed to tho front three furlongs from the box. but stopped badly in the run home, and Battle Eve eot up to win by a head. Kilrush ttrs three lengths away third, followed by Lovesick. Time, lmin 1 2-sth sec.

VTAIREWA HANDICAP TROT (in saddle"), of "0 eova; second hajsc . 10 eova from stake. One mile and a half. 1-- S. 51. August's br ? Woodd'rif. Tv , Driftwood aged. 120rda bhd (Owner) 1 1. i. Jiickmbottom sb m Galindo Belle - w y S' b , hd , - (X - Butterfield) 2 B - Maabam'e b m Jenny "Wood, asred, *« (J. Doherty) I

16 Peter Dillon ecr, G Lord Cecil sor. 14 Tallis scr, Young Weary 48yds bhd (bracketed with Jenny Wood), 8 Gladful scr, 2 Belgium King 6cr and General Bon scr (bracketed), 3 Want 24yds bhd, 7 Lunsdalo 24yds bhd and Sally Dillon 24yds bhd (bracketed), 9 Bogash 24yds bhd and Leewood 24yds bhd (bracketed), 10 Beleian Hose 21yds bhd and Franzio 801 l 2-lyds bhd (bracketed), 11 Weeda'3 Pride 24yds bhd aud Arcadian 36yds bhd (bracketed), 4 Letticia 3Gyds bhd and Pleasant Mount 36yds bhd (bracketed), 15 Te Kuiti 48vds bhd and Rothannic 144 yds bhd (bracketed"). .13 Sweet Cole 48yds bhd, and 1 Dainty Dillon 70yds bhd (bracketed with Galindo Belle) also started. Jenny "Wood went away with a long lead, Franzio Bell being her nearest attendant. Three furlongs from home Wooddrift came i fast from tho ruck, and, taking charge, won by six lengths; Galindo -riellc being five lengths in front of Jenny Wood, the rest of the field a long way back. Time, 3min 37sec. NOTES ON THE RACING, Carol Singer, who was a very warm favour, ite for the Maiden Plate, was thought by most of her supporters to have wou from All Pink b'y a small margin. She was certainly leading slightly ten yards from the post, but All Pink finished better, and looked to have just got up to those well P Luff was withdrawn from the Hack Wei* ter Handicap owing to being lame behind. Harlequin had a very easy win in this event, but his supporters were fortunate in getting a dividend as hie rider, S. Walla, lost a leather and iron during the race, and it was only by the very narrowest margin that he could draw weight on returning to scale. He had not an ounce to spare. Disdainful led practically all the way in tho Peninsula Cup, but though she won by a good majgin, eho was all out. There was very little between Achilledes, Brambletvc. ar.d Comely for eecond ph"*- 1 • Jones was so disappointed with Comely's running that ho immediately scratching the Gluten mare and Harlequin for all engagements at the Wairarapa Meet-

111 While doing his preliminary for tho Cup, Battle Eve knocked down a lady who was crossing tho track. . Fortunately she escaped with a severe shuking. , _u Achilledes was saddled up for the Kmloch Welter immediately after running so well in the Cup. Two furlongs fro ® looked to havo a great chanco.biithetired badly in tho next furlong, and had to bo content with a barren third. Majcstikoff waß under pressure three fur lon ife from home in the Kmlocli Welter, but ehe struggled on gamely, and eventually won through superior stamina. _ Tho start for tho Forsyth Flying Handicap was a very bad one. Kilxush got out with a big break, but Donnata rushed up to him Is if he were standing, and a fining from home looked an easy winner, lhc effort, however, took the steam out of her, and she succumbed to Battle live on tho post by a nose. Lovesick, who lost a lot oi ground at the 6tart, did well to get into f °Tho track was in Bplendid order. and would have been perfect but for the walke that some sheop had made PK.t^cn^a?avourite Trot. He was always well placed, and won \ery com fortably at the finish. Some Boy is owned bv the Sydney sportsman, Mr 1' • Johnston, and traiAd by J. Bryoe who won with tile son of Volunteer the first time out Galindo Belle put up a good fight. Over th last four furlongs she came very fast but 13 no to ofb.^ fotTwelvo iiiloogs. Harold Child looked liko playing an important part m the oeHlement of affairs until a hundred yards from the winning post, when he stopped to W The Wairewa Handicap Trot wasan excellent betting race, Galmdo BeUe and Dillon (coupled), Belgium King and Genenil Bon. (coupV andL Want « in for solid support, but with the excep tion of Galindo Belle all gavo » P°» : r <*is•nlav Jennv Wood went away with a but at the end of a mil* she began to tire, and finished a moderate third. drift from the back division, gathered up the 'field in finfe style, and had the race won three furlongs from home. Had the son of Driftwood been extended ho would have put up faster tune than that . Galindo Belle again ran second, arid was Unfortunate in meeting such a as the winner. Leewood, a ™r<^y e ar-oia colt by Wildwood Junr., from Wattle, a pleafiing display for a green colt. 1 do him a lot of good for tho chissic races later m the season in which he is engaged. NAPIER PARK RACING CLUB'S AUTUMN meeting. (PRESS ASSOCIATION l-ELEGBAM.) NAPIER, March 5. The following acoeptanccs have been received t — OMARANUI HACK HURDLESofHO eovs; one mile and tliree-quartei-s—Henc^ra lOst 9lb, Tho Summit lOst 7lb, Sensitive 9st lllb To'ki Ost 101b, Fomick 9st. ESK HACK HANDICAP, of 100 sovs; five furlongs—King's Armour Bat 121b, Rawakora Sst lllb, Humorist Bst 41b, Lady Gazoley / st 9lb, Powder King Tst Blb, Onm 7st olb, Perrier 7st 51b, Pao 7-t Sib, Lillydale 7st, Silver and Black Tst, Queen Lizzie Gst 121b, Tiora 6st 12lb, Interesting 6st 12lb. NAPIER CUP, of 500 sovs; one mile and a quarter—lmpediment Bst Gib, Multifual Sst 21b, Vagabond Sst, Cleft Tst 131b, Ladogeur Tst 13lb, Trials Tst 131b, Tressida Tst lllb, Municipal Tst lllb, Henry Clay 7st lib, Sarah Grand Gst 13lb, Potentiality - Gst 101b, Pursefiller Gst 10lb, Jean Laddo Gst Tib, \\ar Star 6st Tib. WELTER HANDICAP, of 120 sqvs; seven furlongs— Otara 9st Blb, Pursefiller Ost 61b, Bon Reve 931 6lb, Tavistock Ost, Mystenarch Sst 9lb, Mistic Bst 71b, Haumakaka Bet 71b. SAPLING STAKES, of 150 eovs; five furlono^—Demagogue 9st Gib, Pontoon 93t —ib, Torfrida Bst lllb, Wawatu Tst Tib, Orateur Tst 21b, Molama Tst 2lb, Oratress Tst 21b, Chantrv 6st 13lb, Pavilion Cst 101b. REDCLYFFE HACK WELTER, oi 100 sovs; one mile—Blackall 9st sib, Polynesian Sst 131b, Dusky Eve Sst l*ib, Multive Sst lClb, Whakahoki Sst Tib, Sst db, Master Iney Bst 3lb, Hylami gst, Retard <st 131b, Sunbright Tst Tib, Mania Tst Tib, lorchlight Tet Tib. FLYING HANDICAP, of ITS sovs; err furlongs—Crajsua Sst 13!b, Sweet Corn 9s

61b, Impediment Set lllb, Jiyttus • est 41 » Lingerie Bst 2lb, Parisian Diamond Bst lib, Tressida Astrophel 7st 13lb, Elocution 7et 01b, Sea Lord 7st Clb, Otaxa <st lib. Sheila Ist, Vermilion Gst 1( 'l b . 6st 101b, Colonnade 6st 71b, Jean Laddo est no.

"WAIRARAPA R-C.'S AUTUMN MEETING. (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) JIASTERTON, March 5. The following acceptances have been ■ received: — , TEIAL' HACK HANDICAP, of laO govs, five furlongs-Street Singer Sa £ J-t^ado T n it elb &>> Gown &t 61b, Miw Mugnrei Bst slb, TJtowai Bst m" est 51b, Livland At slb, CWe Bst olb.

Ask 'Em Bst slb. Puketoi Bst 51b, Transmission Sst slb, Good Defence Sst olb, Master Boris Sst Sib, Califoraian Sst slb. WARDELL HANDICAP, of 300 soys; six furlongs—Nanna 9st 21b, Waimatoa S3t lllb. Lingerie Sst 9lb, Lady Black Bst slb. Parisian . Diamond Sst lllb, Crowhiu*9t Sst lib. Chimera Set, Glorify 7st 7lb. Sea Lord Tst 7lb, Vermilion 7st lib, Pariform Get 9lb, Colonnade Gst 71b, Bairnsdale Gst 71b. MOKAI HACK WELTER, of 150 soys; seven, furlongs-—Multivo 9st Gib, Momao 9st 31b, Whakatina Sst 13lb, Consultation Set 13lb, Fabiaco Sst 101b, Perrier Sst Blb, Imarribbon 83t Gib, Coalition Bet slb, Tho Golfer Sst 4lb, Msumi Sst 31b, Oocasion f&t 21b, Tabitha Befc 2lb, Rienzi Sst, Dick Sst, Skedaddle 831, Miss Margaret Bst, Royal Battery Bst, Sarbor.ite Sat. WAIRARAPA CUP, of 650 sovs; one mile and a quarter—Menelaus 9et 31b, Red Bibbon Pet 51b, Multifual Sst 4lb, Square Deal fist 4lb, Trials Bst 2lb, Devotion Sit 21b, Nanna 1 Sat lib, Multicipal Tst 231b, Mass de Vn-3 Tst 12lb, Gold Soult 7st Blb, Good Hope Tst 3lb, Rosa Pink 6st 131b, Mascot Get 101b, Bonnie Maid 6st 71b. WANGAIMOANA WELTER, of 200 govs; seven furlongs—Parisian Diamond lOst l.b, Sweet Tippcrary 9et 13lb, BlacKadA 9at 4ib, Ohiwia Ost 2lb, Good Hope 9s't lib, Commend 831 131b, George Bst 12lb,- Probation S3t lllb, Maeoot Bst 9lb, Multaine Bst 81b, Paraform Bst 3lb, Sir Agnes Bst 2lb, Colonnade Bst lib, Bradamante 7st 13lb, Haumakaka 7st lllb. NURSERY HANDICAP, of 200 sovs; four furlongs—Torfrida 9st 3lb, Demos Stet 21b, Damien 7et lllb. Risingham 7st olb, Cotillion 7st slb, Active 7st slb, Belle Noire 7st 21b, Esperanoo 7st 2lb, Oratress 7at 21b, Chantry 7st 2lb, Gipsy Gold 6st 121b, Matapua 63t 121K I'teface fist. 121b, Florin fi«t 12)h. ■ SOLDIERS' CUP HANDICAP, of 250 sovs; one milo and a distance —Midnight Star Bst Blb, Multivo Bst slb, Cooing Sat 21b, Battle Song 7st 13lb, Idyllio 7st 13lb, Consultation 7st 7lb, Fabisco 7st slb, Warmth Get 13lb, Occasion Cst lllb, Arihia Gst 7lb, Try Again Gst 71b. MAKAHI HACK HANDICAP, of 150 eovs; six furlongs-—Ayah 9et, Hydros Sst slb, Birkcnctta Bst 31b, Association. Set 31b, Rajput Sst lib, Galore Sst, Engari 7st 13lb, Humorist 7st 12lb, Mill Queen 7st 12lb, Maranga 7st 12lb, Momao 7st 121b, Pervolo 7st 7lb, Perrier 76t s!b, Imaribbon 7st 2lb, Exclusive Tst, Orawa 6st 10lb, Blue Gown C3t 7lb. T.R.C. MEETING. SECOND DAY'S RACING POSTPONED. (By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright) MELBOURNE, March 5. Owing to continuous rain tho second day of the Victoria Baciiu; Club's Autupm Meeting has . been postponed until to-morrow. MELBOURNE YEARLING SALES. (By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright) MELBOURNE, March 5. At tho opening of tho Newmarket yearling bloodstock sales bidding was slow and prices below laat year's. (Received March sth, 10.10 p.m.) MELBOURNE, March 5. On the first day of the yearling sales 106 lots brought 1d,695 guineas. DESERT GOLD'S ENGAGEMENTS. (By Cablfl.—Press Association.—Copyright) (Received March sth, 10.10 p.m.) SYDNEY, March 5. Desert Gold' has been nominated for tho A.J.C. Autumn, All-Aged, and Cumberland Stakes, and Jockey Club Plate. DESERT GOLD IN AUSTRALIA. CAULFIELD FUTURITY STAKES.

HOW WEDGE WON.

Australian papers to hand by a rcecn. mail brin" details o£ the second da>'s racing at the Victoria Amateur Turf Club's Meeting at Caulfield, at which Desert Gold made her second appearance in Australia. Good - wood," writing in the "Australasian of March 2nd, says:—' Desert Gold did not win the Futurity Stakes, but" she went very near . . She failed by a neck only to concede Wedge 131b,, and Wedge ha<} to beat the provioiisCaulfietd seven-furlong record to m Defeat in the circumstances was not disgrace. _ she ai not have the best of the running in the race, but Wedge, for that matter, was disadvantaged at the etart through a bump, which left him with a lot of ground to make up. In the last haJf-mile he must have given I Desen Gold seven or eight lengths, eo his t performance was full of merit. He had, on the other hand, last ran, and that mean, a lot, as Desert Gold had successively to beat Yoorala, Bemmon, and Hoprig. She had a ]a o to com© out a little at the straight entrance. Wed so has' of Um run out at this spot, but on Saturday he made the turn splendidlv. His final effort was a very fine one, and" he must have made exceptionally fast time for the last two furlongs. According to Mr Heath, the first f. long of the race took 13fcsec, the nort twe .«3ongs and the final half-mile 50s*c. The full time, lmin 27seo, beat Balarani:';, last year by half a second, but oil fou. other occasions lmin 27isec wpjj recorded. _ 13 r.s good a3 some previous i'liiurity otaKes winners is hardly likely to be contended, but it wEI b<3 readily admitted that ho is a sprinter of class. Ho can go at a great pace, and can sustain a run at lus top ior a considerable distance. He gave prooi 01 this fact when he conceded Petracia a long etart and beat her up lie strait San " down Park recently. T. ' Godby has not alwavs been hicky with Wedge. He and his partv went for a big win over the las. Ensom Handicap at Randw*k, and Wedge beat all but the outsider, Satin, Bird, v .io scored by half a reck only. Bacsed for ti.o Shorts on the second day of the i-ee-mg. Wedge again filkd the. role ot runner-up the unbacked Merimco being the winner. That Sydney trip was rather a disastrous one for the stable. Wedge has a trouoWne knee, but it has not ueriously interfered with Ins training. Godby had him looking really well for the Futurity Stakes, and I believe tnat .lie and h» friends did well over the race. They would not hear of Desert. Gold giving Wedge lSlb over seven furiongs. Ihey expected him to nm the race of ma life, and so ho did. „ _ ~ , . . The name of Desert Gold has now to be added to the ncrtcd horses pulled up by the heavy weights which the good ones hare to carry in the Futurity Stakes. Tho conditions of the event, as remarked m the leading columns last woek. are rather severe on them. Wakeful was twice beaten under 9st 13lb. In her firat race she had the bad luck to bump "un against a horse of the class of Sir Foots, a four-year-old, with oniy 66t 121b to carry. Gladsome was tha only Futurity Stages winner to carry ,9st 131b, and though good, aho was hanfly the ttjual of Dtocrt

Gold. She had no unpenalifled horse of class like Wedgo to beat, and it took her lmin 28Jseo to run the seven furlongs. Wooralt's performance in running second under l(tet slb las<t year afforded convincing evidence of Ilia quality. Maltine was another to put up a good Futurity Stakes performance. She hud lOst 21b, when second to Comedy King (whose weight was but Gst Tib), and she was badly galloped on in the race. Had Desert Gold '.von on Saturday she would have received an ovation—the crowd actually started to cheer her when she took the lead at the distance. There was plenty of applause when tho horses returned to the weighing enclosure after the race, but it waa not nil for Wedge. Many, I feel certain, meant their cheers for Desert Gold as .ranch as for the winner. Mr T. H. Lowry, the owner of Desert Gold, took his defeat in a sportsmanlike spirit. He was naturally dis- • appointed, but had no complaints of any sort to make aa regards the riding or the luck of the race. Ho merely remarked that a time record had to bo put up to beat his mare. In his opinion ehe ran a great race under her weight. That view was doubtless held bv everybody who witnessed the race. Mj Lowry was greatly interested in Wedge a 9 tho Futurity Stakes winner was being walked around the ring in the bird-cago after tho race. He wanted to feast his eyes on the horee that had beaten his mare. Wedge is i a' tall, powerful-looking blsck, not as handsome as Desert Gold, but with several good points to Recommend him. What I liked about Desert Gold waa the way ehe struggled on when caught by Wedge. •• There was no sign of caving in. Possibly it will turn out that Wedge has earned the" distinction of being the only house to beat Desert Gold in Australia.