MELBOURNE TURF NOTES.

Marlborough Express, Volume IV, Issue 202, 6 November 1869, Page 6

MELBOURNE TURF NOTES.

The Argus, of October 12, has the following : First in the estimation of the racing public—so far as appearances go—is the New Zealand hero, Manuka, whose grand shapes have been the theme of universal admiration ever since his arrival in this Colony, a general verdict having been expressed by those most competent to judge, that a grander horse never was seen in Victoria. The good qualities of this fine representative of Mr, Redwood’s celebrated stud are possessed in an almost equal degree by his stable companion and relation, Peeress—a mare of undoubted excellence, and with a pedigree which is second to nothing in any country. Great curiosity has been manifested by the sporting community to see these horses at work, and yesterday morning a large crowd assembled at the Flemington train-ing-ground, to witness the galloping of these and other aspirants to fame; but though the majority of the amateur touts were unusualiy early on the ground, many were doomed to disappointment, in consequence of Cutts have sent Manuka and Peeres a canter directly after daylight, Paddy’s Land, who went strong and well, having preceded them. The champion of New Zealand has a splendid style of going, getting his hind legs well under him, and moving in that mechanical manner so highly prized by the cognoscenti. His temper is of the most docile nature, and nothing appears to attract his attention but the business before him. Peeress is of a more fiery temperament, gallops with oxtraordinary freedom, and finishes her work in fa most resolute manner. Both of these animals

from the nature of their conformation, are capable of carrying great weights and as they possess that very essential quality—speed—in a marked degree, it is beyond a doubt that they will figure to great advantage in the weight-for-age races set down for decision at the Spring Meeting, albeit Cutts (their trainer) is of opinion that the time for preparing them is rather too short; but the majority of the horses that will compete at the meeting are so many removes from the first-class, that animals of super-excel-lent quality can afford to meet them at a disadvantage as regards condition. Misfortune, another of Mr. Redwood’s string, and who was reared by hand, went a smart canter, and shaped exceedingly well. * * * * . * “ Falcon,” in the Leader, has the following: —“ Manuka is generally admitted to be a magnificent horse, but too big and beefy to leave him any chance of securing the Cup ; he ought to have been here two months ago, then there might have been some hope of scoring honors—now alas, his chance is very remote, when pitted against the best of condition, assisted by light weights.” A Sydney telegram in the Argus of Oct. 11 says:—“Circassian is reported amiss, and, it is said, is not likely to start for the Melbourne Cup. The same paper of Oct. 13 has the following :—The rumor affecting the condition of the first favorite for the Melbourne Cup, Circassian, attracted a large number of the sporting fraternity to Goyder’s Hotel yesterday morning, when, from 4 to 1, the whilhom favorite receded to 9 to 1, but subsequently he improved slightly and at the close of affairs 100 to 15 was the highest offer against him; backers, however, did not appear disposed to accept these odds.