THE WEIGHTS FOR THE GREY MOUTH HANDICAP.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1409, 5 February 1873, Page 2

THE WEIGHTS FOR THE GREY MOUTH HANDICAP.

[to the editor.] Sir— ln your issue of last week there appeared the weights for the coming Handicap races at Greymouth, and as there is a great difference of opinion amongst the horsey men about Mr Hustler's proficiency in such matters, I will just give you my humble opinion as to where the deficiencies are. To begin with the Greymouth Jockey Club Handicap, Burgundy is at top weight, which is 9st 51b. Next on the list is Yatterina, 9st. lam really at a loss to know what this horse has done to entitle him to give the Yattendon mare 51b ; surely it cannot be attributed to his beating a few outsiders in Otago last season, or his victory over Slander at Timaru, when she allowed him a few pounds. Mr Nosworthy ? s mare Malice comes next at Bst 121 b. Some people complain that this descend aut of King Tom is badly treated, and that owing to her not being able to win the Maiden Plate at Christchurch she should have got off easier ; but they appear to overlook the fact that jt sometimes takes a crack to wjn one of these much envied plates ; besides, a horse may often lose a rape through not being fit or badly ridden. Ido not mean to say that either of these misfortunes were attending this mare at any particular time. If we are to put faith in telegrams that have come from Cromwell races respecting the victory of this mare over Tambourini at that place, we can well say that Mr Hustler did not tax her too heavily. Misfortune, at Bst 71b, is very fairly dealt with. Some say that seven pounds is not enough for her to receive from Mr Walters's mare, for that the performance of the latter with Peeress at Nelson was far superior to any victory ever Towton's best daughter over the noble representative of the Peer. Envy is next, at 8s slb. She is a sweet mare, but I think that the weight and the company do not tally, and that her sporting owner will keep her at home is a certainty. Now comes Defamation, Bst 31b. There might not be much wrong with the weight, but there is a little in the distance, and if Mr Hustler had just made her the level weight, which would have been seven pounds less than Misfortune, it' would have read better and pleased the King. Mr Nosworthy's third nomination, Hatred, at 7st 221 b, is completely out of it. You would fancy this mare's pedigree had been handicapped, and not her performances ; so much for claiming aristocratic parentage. The beating of the qverland tribe in the Amuri surely had nothing to, do with this handicap ? Harlequin is in at the exact same weight as the latter, and from past performances I would say that he will be in the ruck, and close up at the finish. Lacenfeed is next, at fst 81b, a very moderate weight, but not a winning ane at the distance, for, like Defamation, she objects to long journeys. 3ossip is next, at Gst 101 b. Now, that ;his is by more than a stone too little is .veil known by every person who has seen .he mare and is acquainted with the pecu- i iarities of the stable to which she belongs. < defamation claims her as a stable com- < >anion, as they were both trained for the Christchurch Derby of '71, and so much i lid the stable think of the same Gossip i hat they were in the act of throwing her i ftate out of work, she had so little show ] nth her in her trials ; however, she went s miss and did not start, when the despised c >ne went and won. This daughter of i ?raducer has been very quiet of late, and i am inclined to think that she has come

i again, and if so the pace will be a cracker, and the money go to Mr Webb. That Mr Hustler holds Webb's stable too cheap is certain, for in the big handicap at Christchurch he let Detractor away at 7st 71b and he won it. It is an old saying that once bitten twice shy ; but Mr Hustler does not believe in this old adage, for he disregards the chances of that stable as much as ever. Turpin is in at the same weight as the latter. The owner of this game little horse no doubt did not think that the cracks were going to the Grey this year, ; or he never would have been -nominated. Prima Donna, that unworthy daughter of Lady Bird, the handicapper might as well have turned her loose as put 6st 2lb on her. No doubt her weight would have been less, but there are no Kitchener's in this country. . That Mr Hustler mademistakes in the handicapping of Gossip and Burgundy is manifest. No doubt he acted as he always does, conscientiously, and when this handicap is. over, he will say — "I must try and shave it a little , closer next time." For the Westland Hurdle Handicap, Ronald, list 2lb ; "Harlequin, list; Nigger, 103t 71b ; Septimus, lOst ; Mozzle, Commodore, and Turpin are all at the same weight, 9st 41b each, respecting this event, the alterations I would make are few, but I certainly would take a stone off old Ronald, who is not the horse he was,N and seven pounds off Septimus, just by way of encouraging him to jump, as this is his trial trip over fences. Even at these weights, I consider Nigger best in, and as rumor says that Mr Walter Taylor is to be his pilot, that is another few pounds in his favor. Master Croft has taken Septimus in hand, and no doubt doubt he will put him through, as he always does his mounts, and that is with credit to himself and his employers. I have said my say anent the handicaps, and no doubt these lines will be regarded by some of your readers as quite up to the mark, while others will say they are the greatest of absurdities. Of course, owners of horses will speak feelingly, and if I have committed myself in any way, ] will be only too glad to be put right. I am, &c, Bannathlath.