NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 471, 1 April 1909, Page 10

NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Since tho Masterton Racing Club's Wai?ipi Cup raco was instituted, somo six years ago, tho mile and a quarter has never been run in very fast timo. Gold Crown, who won the race with 93t. 71b., in 1905, covered the ten furlongs in 2min. 10 2-ssec., but on no other occasion has 2min. 13sec. been biokon. More often than not tho Masterton Club experiences wet weather for the meoting, and as heavy rain set in,last night tho going at Opaki is suro to bo'heavy today. Under ordinary conditions, Waipaku, Merrie iioso, and .'Whetumarama irould probably have been responsible for a solid paco, but the goiDg to-day will scarcely permit of this. Formerly a two miles race, the Nelson Cup has been reduced on several occasions, until this year it is run over a mile course only. Thero will only bo half-a-dozen startors in this afternoon's race, but four of these, Silken Eein, Golden Gate, San Fornando, and Lawn Rose, are useful performers, and tho other two candidates have both been winners, so that tho Nelson sports people should, with ordinary luck, Beo an interesting raco for tho Cup. Routino (Sir Lancelot—Queen of Trumps) was a rank failure in tho North Island, but tlio half-sister to Trumpery and Defeat may pay her way in Southland, where sho will in future race. Sho was reported soro on her arrival in Invercargill, and on that account may not he "seen at her best at the present meeting. The salo of tho hurdle horse, Lotherin, is reported from Masterton, _ but the name of tho buyer has not transpired. Mr. A. G. Pilmer has purchased Sealer from Mr. A. W. Cave in tho hope that The "Workman gelding will win tho Ladies' Bracelet at Opaki to-'day. Mr. Pilmer will, himself, have tho rido on Sealer. Whetumarama arrived at Masterton last night, and is now said to bo a sure startor in tho Cup, but the. hoavy going will be somewhat against tho long-striding son of 'Advance. Tho Porirua horses Waimaria and Kurawaka arrived at Masterton on Monday night, but tho weather was too boisterous to unload them, and they had to remain in the railway boxes all Monday night. The Cockatoo, who has been sold to an Indian buyer, was railed to Auckland via the Main Trunk lino on Monday. C. Cress has been engaged to ride Auratus in tho hurdle races at Trentham, and loaves for Waverloy on Saturday to school tho brother to Gold Thread. Cress later proceeds to Auckland to rido Paritutu at tho Easter meeting. Seatondalo and Seraphic are not reported among tho arrivals at Opaki, and may bo looked upon as not likely to start in to-day's engagements, Mr. H. M'Manaway has decided to send. Mahuta for tho Feilding Cup, in which race tho black horso will bo ridden by N. Campbell. Mr. M'Manaway's other horse, North East, has beon blistered and turned out. H. Hickey has taken Nadyne to Masterton to contest the hurdle race on tho second day, when it is likely sho will be accorded strong support. Acceptances for the first clay's events at the Feilding Jockey Club's Easter meeting are duo on Saturday. On the tracks at Opaki yesterday morning, Sunhonnet was responsible for an attractive gallop over six furlongs, and tho soft going will bo somewhat in favour of the Seaton Delaval mare to-day, though it must be remembered sho has the solid impost of 9st. to carry. Tho Conqueror mare Swallow, who is engaged in tho Dash Hack Handicap, fafso pleased tho touts. ■ A private cable received in the city yesterday states that Artillerie is not likely to start in the Doncaster Handicap, but is being supported for the Sydney Clip. Mr. Jack 'Whitworth in a brief letter, from, Sydney Reports that Artillerie and Wharekura are both giving satisfaction, and Lowo expects to have> them both very fit for the Randwick meeting. Tho letter states that A. Oliver, who had five mounts at Rosehill an Saturday week, was luckily on tho outside of his field in the Trial Stakes, and so missed a fall in the smash up that caused poor Clayton's death.