SPORTING.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 276, 30 November 1901, Page 3

SPORTING.

TAKAPUNA MEETING,

(Special to Times.) Auckland, last night.

To-morrow (Saturday) tho Takapuna Jockey Club commence their Spring Meeting. For the first event, tho Trial Handicap, Cavalry roads a likely winner, with Golden Rose as a dangerous opponent. In the Cambria Handicap, for two-year-olds, none of the cracks are engaged. Swagsman and Mary Seaton seem entitled to most respect. For the big event, St. Andrew’s Handicap, the Gisborne horses, Materoa and Tauhei, will start. I like St. Ursula’s change best, but expect Harding’s grey to be very close up at tho finish. Buchanan will probably ride Materoa, Tho winner of tho Maiden Hurdles is well concealed. A good field should turn out. Royal Conqueror is set a stiff task with tho weight, but on Ellerslie form must havo a great chance. Sudden and Firefly should bo next best. Sixteen remain in the Hack Handicap. Cressy should bo equal to doing the trick, with Lady Soult and La Polish as the nearest attendants. For the Pony Handicap, Trooper, oti form, should win, but Blue Paul and Stepaway will provo to bo troublesome. For the Handicap Hurdles, Cavalioro, with 13.13, is set a severe task, but if started I prefer him, as the weight does not seem to stop him. Voltigeur and Princess of Thule possess good chances. To chance a single selection I pick Regalia 11. Seventeen are left in tho Cheltenham Handicap, which bears a singularly open appearance. Perhaps when the race is all over tho numbers will be hoisted Lady Avon, Takapuna, and Solo.