DUNEDIN JOCKEY CLUB RACES.

Evening Star, Issue 2833, 18 March 1872, Page 2

DUNEDIN JOCKEY CLUB RACES.

By the Wizard. The entries and acceptances for the above races being noiv declared, I will, with your permission, give a short article on the horses engaged in the Forbury Ha dicap. Backbiter, fist. 51b., is now top weight; and from the manner he performed on this course last year with Slander and Yatterina, he should run well on Friday next. I shall indeed be much disappointed should he not finish in the first three. Burgundy, Sst. 71b., although he ran well during the past week, is overweighted, and will be found inferior to the top weight. Defamation, Sst. 61b ,is a first-class filly, but has at least 71b, too much to carry, having to give (at weight for age) from one to three stone to everything engaged in the race, which will be a fast run one, in which case her heavy weight is sure to tell at the finish. Exile is a good, fair horse, and is very well in with Sst. 31b, Should he come to the post, fit, we 1, and backed by his owner, he will about win ; but seeing that the public are making him a hot favorite already, I Consider it dangerous to meddle with him, as bis owner will certainly not run him solely for the benefit of the sid public should he not get a fair price himself, which is scarcely probable. Saladin, 7at. 101b., if his running last week is correct, can have no chance here. Bobby Burns, 7st. 41b., was second for this race last year, with two pounds less on his back than he has now ; and as there is a better class of horses this year, I have no idea that he will finish in the first three. Banjo, 7st. 21b., will be nearer last than first Wild Boy, 7st., if in his form of a couple of years ago, would spread-eagle his field, and he is now said to be in good form. Little Nell, 7st., is also in the same interest as Wild Boy, and from the way she ran last year with 7st. 81b, and Sst. in the Selling Race and Publicans’ Purse Handicap, it is evident she likes the course, and should she be the best of Mr Reauy’s pair, she will go a rare pace from start to finish. Catapult, 6st. 131b., won this handicap last year, carrying Cst. 51b. as he was beaten in a canter on the following day by Little Nell, who conceded him 81bs., it is evident he is held perfectly safe by the latter, who now gives him only 11b. Gazelle, Cst. 101b, I am afraid is out of her class, and, to win the race, must be a greatly unproved animal, which I very much doubt. From the foregoing remarks, it is evident the horses whose chances I esteem most are Backbiter, Wild bo y, Little Nell, and Exile ; and, as I consider it dangerous to back the latter at present, I will conclude by recommending Wildboy or Little Nell to win, and Backbiter for a place. Tn the Publican’s i andicap I consider Slander, Lyndon, Wildboy, and Little Nell to have the best chances, and of these I prefer the last-mentioned. The Hurdle Race I think will result as follows : Sir Yatton, Ist; Maid of the Mill, 2nd ; and Medora, Sri Dunedin, March IS.