A.R.C. MEETING

Evening Star, Issue 20136, 28 March 1929, Page 4

A.R.C. MEETING

[Special to the * Star.’]

AUCKLAND, March 27. The Auckland Easter Meeting will open at Ellorslic on Saturday, and at the time of writing the indications arc that the club will have a successlul gathering. Practically all the best pci - formers in the North island have assemblecl to compete for the rich stakes, and particular interest will attach to the Easter Handicap, Champagne Stakes, and Oaks. The inclusion ol a steeplechase each day is a _ reminder that the winter season, with important cross-country events, is drawing near. Saturday’s programme opens with the President’s Handicap, and at once it can be said that tho three-year-old Toxeuma, whose form has been icmarkably consistent this season, will bo a strong favourite. With 8-6 he is not badly placed, and there is every encouragement to give him support. Corinax, winner of the Auckland Cup, is topweight with 8.10, and ho is well able to carry it. Ho invariably races well when fresh. Seatown. won a race recently, and at his best the chestnut is good at ten furlongs. ( The Lover, Queen Arch, and Desert Glow all have been showing .winning form at small meetings, but have beaten nothing so good as Toxeuma. Another good lightweight is Mosaic. It looks like the favourites being Toxeuma and Mosaic. There is every promise of half a dozen going to the post lor the Oaks, for three-year-old fillies. Oq anything shown inf public Prodicc has the best credentials. Lucy Rose raced well at Pacroa a couple of weeks hack, and was staying on at tho end of her races. Gold Money can go very fast, but the distance may trouble her; while Llanore is entitled to consideration. However, with only public form to guide them, backers are likely to prefer Prodico and Lucy Rose. The Hurdles is one of the most open races of tho day, and backers’ choices in early speculation have taken a wide range. Bean Cavalier, if all right on the day would be a hard horse to beat, but ho has been a trifle tender after working. King’s Guard hails from R. Hannon’s stable. Twelve months ago lie was a real good hurdler, but his form since has not been nearly up to standard. Kawini is a slow beginner, but a great stayer, and if not too far back in the first mile will he handy at the end. Wiltshire had had a couple of races on the flat recently to sharpen him up, and he is bound to go well, as is also Mangani. The latter is a very consistent winner. Ramblin’ Kid and Glenotus would have to improve, and of the others Kilburn reads the best. It is a hard problem, but money may come for Mangani and Bean Cavalier. If the public estimate is correct, then the Easter Handicap will he fought out between Bright Glow and Vnllar. The latter on Tuesday morning ran a great seven furlongs. Bright Glow is particularly consistent. Placed in the Stewards’ Handicap at Christchurch, .placed in the Railway Handicap at Auckland, second in the big race at Wellington, and a svla at Manawatu stamps Bright

f Glow as being out of the ordinary, and a milo will suit her. Branson has been racing in the sprints, and each time finishing well carrying considerably more weight than ho has iii the Easter. Awarero will set a merry pace, with only 7.11, but the last bit may find him wanting. Ju the Shade and Mosque look the best of.the others. However, it is hard to go past Vallar’s gallop, and he, Bright Glow, and Brjatrsom should ho the chifef selections. Although there will be a good field in the Champagne Stakes, few will care to bet against Supremacy and Gay Ballerina, as they look a class above the others. In thcsStccplechasc are Mangani and King’s Guard, who arc also in the Hurdles. Should cither ho reserved for the Steeplechase lie would ho favourite, as the opposition is not very strong. Assuming they will start in the Hurdles, backers may go for Star of the East and Potoa-mii in the Steeplcclia.se. The Onslow Stakes is going to be a stiff problem, and there is plenty of room for a surprise. Several Jhavc shown speed only a remove below first class. The top-weight, Awamutu, is had at the harrier, and in addition cannot stay; and Carl Idem is only ordinary, and probably could not win. With a stoneless Pellette won in good stylo at Paeroa,butwas beaten on the second day by Currajong. Royal Finance lias speed to burn, and Gay Duke is another good sort. With a fair jump out Royal Finance and Gay Duke should he handy. There are several good milcrs in the Eden Handicap, the concluding event. Good Boy is improving, and the consistent Air King goes well over eight furlongs, as also does Black Maire. Towards the bottom of the handicap Bahama, Indolent, Standfast, and Whakama, are likely sorts. Summed up, preference may he shown for , Black Mairo and Standfast.