AUCKLAND SPECIAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 54, 5 March 1901, Page 2

AUCKLAND SPECIAL.

DEFEAT OF ADVANCE.

[GISBOKXE TIMES SPECIAL.]

Auckland, last night. The New Zealand crack, Advance, has run his first race under silk in Australia, and. though defeat has to be associated with the son of Vanguard’s name, some satisfaction is to be obtained that he ran a great race under his heavy impost. The history attaching to the Newmarket Handicap shows that the light-weights have in the great majority of instances asserted themselves, and it is a noteworthy fact that only twice have horses carrying over nine stone won the great sprint race. Wakeful, the winner of this year’s raco, was, it must bo admitted, given a great chance to distinguish herself, for the V.B.C. liandicapper 'put her in at the lenient impost of six stone ton pounds when he cast the handicap. The victory which the DAUGHTER OF TRENTON

achieved in the Oakleigh Plate, run at Caulfield three weeks back, had the effect of increasing her impost to 7st 01b by reason of a ten pound penalty which she incurred in the Caulfield race, and a win in the Newmarket Handicap, under the altered circumstances, affords conclusive proof that Mr Dakin greatly underestimated her capabilities. Wakeful, it may be remarkad, was purchased by Mr Leslie McDonald, acting for a syndicate, at the sale of the late Mr W. R. Wilson’s horses last year, for the moderate sum of 310 guineas, and with two important wins, in big betting races, to her credit, it can be assumed that she has well repaid those associated with her purchase. It was a popular opinion in New Zealand that if Advance was defeated it would be at the cost of a fresh record being attained. That, however, was not borne out, as the six furlongs occupied lmin. 10jsec., or 13.4 secs over the record. SEVENTH CONTINGENT.

A rumour was current in the City today, that there was a likelihood of the Seventh Contingent, now in Wellington, not making their departure for South Africa—that their services would not be required. From I what can gather those reports appear to be without foundation. Notwithstanding the rumour Mr Dan Stewart left for Wellington this afternoon, ho being appointed Captain of the Auckland section. Mr Stewart made himself very popular whilst in Gisborne attending the recent bowling tournament. BETTING IN AUCKLAND. Notwithstanding Advance’s downfall in the Newmarket Handicap, the New Zea- - land champion is a firm favorite for the Australian Cup, to bo run to-morrow (Tuesday). Three to 1 was the best offer this morning, and Advance is being backed freely at that price. However, as the hour of the great event approaches, local bookmakers will absolutely decline to take money at that price. In the majority of races run at the Thames this afternoon, the outsiders in each instance were successful. The local bookmakers consequently have made money, and the general impression is that they will act generously, and, in all probability, may continue to offer 3 to 1, as there is such a great demand for our champion by the racing fraternity.