NOTES AND COMMENTS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2478, 3 June 1915, Page 3

NOTES AND COMMENTS

[By Gi.encoe.]

I'atrons of the Otaki meeting to-day should noto the times of departure of the various tl'liins_. The first special leaves Tliorndon at 7.-IT) a.m., and the next an hour later. Return trains leave Otaki at 4.20 p.m., 1.10 p.m., and 5.35 p.m.

'1 lie first event is the Maiden li-ace, .wlncd iii duo to start at 11/15 a.m. There is a very big fielil in this race and tiio best known uf them are i'eaill'orw and liiikl beating.

In ali twenty horses have accepted for thu Flying llack Handicap. Tlie issue ).s decidedly open, and there is every indication that tho winner will pay a good dividend. Taking a line through Client, the Awapimi-owned Botanist must bo very hard to beat. l''ortiiy has his Waugauiii form to recommend him, while Hushabye and ilultoe wilt have plenty of supporters.

In the probable absence of Soporific favouritism in tho Steeplechase may be shared by Tho Rover and Fashion Plate. The pair are good jumpers, and their performances stand out compared with the others.

The ikukawa Cup has drawn an acceptance of sixteen. This race promises to be the star item of tho programme, and a good race with a keen finish may bo expectod. borne of tho light-weights will sot a very fast pace, and animals like George, lmmer, and Peroneal that can act in heavy going should have most to say at tho finish.

Recent winners in Haumakaka, Hap Dha, and Tangihou are engaged in the mile hack race. Another runner in this event is Arlington, who is reported to bo a much-improved animal.

Gold Soult is.No. 1 on the card for tho Rahui Handicap, six furlongs. Inability to begin quiekiy may tell against the good-looking ison of Gold Crest, and furthermore he may not be seen at his best in heavy ground. Veronal can go very fast, but anything beyond five furlongs seems to bother the Australian-bred mare, and in addition she may be worried in the early part of the race by Bradamante. Altcar, being a Birkenhead, should act well in heavy going.

The majority of the eighteen who have been paid up for in the Birthday Hack Welter Handicap can be expected to go to the post. It is a weak field, and anything might win. The Wanganui-trained Vlaaiaii, with only 21b. above the minimum, may be in the fighting line at the finish.

lilenmore is apparently being got ready for cross-country events later in the winter. He figures among the nominations for tho tfawke's Bay Steeplechase.

The generous offer of Mr. G. D. Greenwood to douate tlie first stake won. by any of his horses to the Hospital Ship Frniil is one that will meet with the approval of all sportsmen. Two of his representatives, .in Einperador and Bimeter, will be making their efforts in the good cause at Ellerslie this week, and it is quite certain that a win by either would be extremely popular with the Auckland racegoers. Should neither' succeed at Auckland, they and other members of Mr. Greenwood's team will continue the campaign till the desired result is obtained. What a zest it would givo racing if other prominent owners followed the example of the Canterbury 6portsman.

Jlaniapoto's yearling half-sister by Positano has been placed in work at Flemingtou under .the care of W. Leyschon. The filly was bred by Mr. S. Green at Shipley Stud, where Lady Fisher is now located. The jockeys engaged at tho Dunedin Winter Meeting have readily agreed to contribute ten per cent, of their riding fees to the patriotic funds. -(Press Association.)