NOTES AND COMMENTS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3094, 26 May 1917, Page 9

NOTES AND COMMENTS

IBi Glknoob.l The for to-day's races at Waugauui are verj satisfactory, and total 80, or an average of over 12 per race. Tho list includes a number of horses not saddled up ou the opening day, and their presence will add interest to the'racing, which again promises to be -of a high order. Mia Cava is top weight in tho Winter Oats. Tho Fordell maro began from tho outside on Thursday, and after boing on the outside round tho turn struggled on and beat all but tho winner. She is at her best in the soft going, and should run well to-day. Potentiality had all the bad luck on tho opening day, aud was stopped twice. Ho then, flew at tho iiuish, nnd was placed fourth. Torotoro is good in heavy going. The Ancklander has only got 7st., and, well handled, may bo in a place, as he was left on Thursday and then showed up at the turn. He is not too good in tho wind, but the soft going may ev?n up this disadvantage. Chakwana got a very bad run on Thursday, but; tho heavy going will not assist her. Lady General is only a pony, and tho extra poundage should stop her. Johnny Walker won so well on Thursday that he may be favourite to-day. Ho is penalised 131b., bat to an improving horse who has struck form this' is a small matter. '. • .

The two prime fancies in the Grandstand Steeples may be Styrax and- Czaronus, two good, useful horses. This race is more open than would appear to be the case, for Nita wag up with Hie front division at two miles and a half on Thursday, and now meets them on better terms. A likely outsider is St. EJmn. Oi Thursday he was much above him■self, and jumped wildly. He should do a lot better to-day for F. Tutchou, who is a pastmaster between the flags. With Montana a likely starter in the Slav Hurdles, form Mints to Colorado as the best of the Hack Hurdles lot. The 'Frisco gelding is a bit wild as yet, but he is on tlio upward grade, and seems a select horso. Kohinahma carao from a long way back at the finish of Thursday's race, and that effort should improve him. 'Montana is an improving horse, and after his good display on Thursday ho may bo favourito in the May Hurdlca He may encounter most opposition from Moulu, who was making a bold showing down tho back stretch on the opening day. Black Heart is a fresh horse; and will . carry the confidence of the Hastings visiters, as he lias_ worked well before going tir Wanganui. Golden March has not previously shaped well iu heavy going, though he raced solidly on Thursday. Mah/xiltov is another that does not like Hie tracks soft.

If the weather breaks it will be all against the top woights, Rewi Polo and Gang Awa', in the Empire Handicap. If fine, tho last-uamed may bo a good favourite, as ho won well o nthe first day. Prince Delaware made a bold showing for nine furlongs on Thursday, and the better terms to-day will bo all in his favour. They are not a good lot in the favour. The Winter Cup winner Cherry Blossom, who has an engagement in tho Eaukawa Cup at Otaki. will be tried out to-day in tho Empire Handicap. She is back to form again, and ran a bold race on' Thursday. She will have plenty of supporters to-day, as tho circular course will suit her. A. Pped is to rido her.

'ITiey are not a good lot in the Farewell Hack Handicap, and the public may go for tho Aw;apuni winner. White Ranger, as ho seems to bo a good sort of horse, and defeated a largo field in his last start.