MISCELLANY OF SPORT

Evening Star, Issue 22459, 2 October 1936, Page 6

MISCELLANY OF SPORT

For the first time in history no entries were made in Melbourne tor minor events at the Randwick Spring Meeting, and the only representatives of that State will bo Gay Lover and Panax, who are in the Epsom Handicap. The former was entered in Sydney tor some of the minor races.

Golden Ridge, who gave such promise when he began racing last season that he soon found a new owner, was subsequently a little disappointing, but he beat everything except De Friend at Trentham in July, and on that showing he should bo a hard horse to beat in the maiden race at Otaki.

The Marne is a pronounced favourite for the Epsom Handicap, three points shorter than Gay Lover, who in turn is three points shorter than Panax and Gay Blonde, but the bookmaker are in such a happy position regarding the big mile race that the odds about the favourite are quite liberal, and the second favourite is quoted at almost double figures.

The ‘ Sydney Morning Herald ’ sums up Derby prospects as follows:—“ Gold Rod is assured of favouritism at short odds for the Derby, and the form in recent weeks entitles him to the position. Mala’s second to him at Randwick gives the colt a chance, and Shakespeare must also be considered. Talking, Gustos, and Rob Roy seem certain runners. On form, they should hold all other starters fairly safely, with Gold Rod outstanding.” Since that was written Mala has forced himself into greater prominence.

Mr R. T. Bailey, officer in charge, of the Labour Department for the Dominion, has ruled that trotting riders and drivers are entitled to receive the fees which were paid in 1931, and the restoration would be made operative from July 1. In the 1929-30 season the fees payable to riders and drivers of trotters were as follows;—To a winning horseman: In no case less than £2; if the net amount did not exceed £2OO, 5 per cent.; if the net amount exceeded £2OO, 5 per cent, on the £2OO, and 2J per cent, on the excess. To a losing horseman: In no case less than £1; if the net amount exceeded £3O but not £l5O, £2; if the net amount exceeded £l5O, £3. The A.J.C. Meeting will open at Randwick to-morrow afternoon, when the principal events arc tire Derby, Epsom Handicap, and the Spring Stakes. Great interest will be taken by New Zealanders in the racing, as most of our best horses are competing, while the New Zealand-bred Gold Hod will be challenged for the Blue Ribbon by other New Zealanders in Mala and Gustos, as well as leading Australian three-year-olds. For the benefit of those who wish to hear the Randwick racing over the radio, tho time table for Saturday is as follows, times being New Zealand summer time:—3 p.m., First Hurdles; 4 p.m., Trial Stakes; 4.40 p.m., A.J.C. Derby; 5.20 p.m., Epsom Handicap; 5.55 p.m., Spring Stakes; 6.30 p.m., Kensington Handicap. The order of the horses weighted on the minimum (7.0) in the New Zealand Cup, 23 of them in all, suggests that Mr J. E. Henrys has made a mental calculation of their respective merit though he has had to accord them all the same impost (states “ Rangatira,” in the ‘Evening Post’). The last 10, in order, comprise Golden King, Horn’s Reef, Queen Dorothy, Youssipof, Gold Cross, Otaki, Hatuma, Nightlass, Lady Kate, and'Captain Furst, and on anything they have ever shown none of these looks a possible Cup winner. However, there are some “ hopes ” in the earlier bottom markers, particularly such as Rona Bay (No. 1), Dark Shadow (No. 3), The Surgeon, Tout le Monde, Gay Boy, Bunee, Round Score, and Southdown, who have credentials suggesting they might reach two miles and still be going.