THE MUNICIPAL STAKES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3763, 20 April 1907, Page 2

THE MUNICIPAL STAKES.

A Great Meeting. The Start. [By The Tout] The various horses engaged for Mayoral and Council Stakes have been carefullv watched of late, and speculation has been brisk as to the winning chances of the various entrants. For the Mayoral Stakes, distance one mile, there are two nominations: Bower, aged, who has twice previously won the stakes, and on the last occasion had a walk over. He is a likely looking animal, good bone, fine action, splendid temper, and as game as a pebble. He knows every turn of the track, and runs to win. He is a firm favourite, and should make no race of it. Shad, the only other horse nominated for this event, is a colt that will cause his mentor, Sixandeight, some trouble to get him into form. He is game enough, but has an awkward gait, and has little knowledge of the tricky turns and obstacles of the track. At present his form is not equal to the pace required to cover the distance. There are 14 nominations for the Municipal Stakes, distance two miles. Legality, a previous winner, has been scratched. There are seven previous winners again competing, namely: Doughboy, Rags, Bookworm, Sam, George the Growler, What’s Your’s, and Syndicate. The last three are trained in the same stable. The new blood is represented by the following. Spot Ball, Chips, Grocer, Commission, Emerald Isle, and Shipping. We will review them individually. Doughboy is clean-cut with fast action, has previously won other stakes, but has not yet nominated for the Matrimonial. Has done good work, and is consistent on the training track. Should have no difficulty in passing the post well to the front. Rags is a favourite and will be a: likely entrant for the Mayoral Stakes next year. Is a fast goer, and carries very little superfluous flesh. Well liked by his stable companions. His chances are certain. Bookworm is a thoroughbred. Always willing to go on the track, and does his work thoroughly. Splendid temper, but objects to the whip. Should canter in. .Sam has not found his pace yet,, and is apt to be pushed off the track by the others. Pity he is not a little more aggressive. However, he possesses a splendid temper, and has a good jockey up in’ Footpaths, which should inspire his backers with confidence. .George the Growler is a practical goer, and his knowledge of roads is of great value. In the past, however, he has caused his followers considerable anxiety. Refuses the whip, and at times sends the mud flying in all directions. He is a heavily built aged bay, with plenty of pace. He is out to win. Syndicate and What’s Your’s have won previously, but have only been brought out on this occasion under extreme pressure. Neither horses are too fond of the track. The latter was taken off the course some time back, and his lack of form will not please previous backers, more especially as there are faster horses now in the race. Syndicate is willing enough, but is liable to run off at a tangent at any time. With George the Growler added, this stable has set out to win, and woe betide the other gee-gees who stand in their way as they come thundering down the straight. The three will monopolise a lot of the course, and the others will have to shake a leg to get ahead of them. Now tor the new blood! A likely looking set, trim and neat, with expanded nostrils, heads erect, shining flanks all possessing the necessary points for speedy action. All anxious to hear the word “go!” A well-tried animal is that near the rails, Emerald Isle, has won before, and possesses a Mayoralty Trophy. The track is familiar to him, and he is ridden by Individuality. Alongside is another aged horse and likely looking sire, Chips, and sitting upon his back, with easy grace, rustles the silk jacket of Progress, who is bound to pilot his steed out of the ruck. Three firey colts—Grocer, Commission and Shipping—-are facing the starter for the first time, and their excitement to break away is. causing annoyance to Spot Ball, an old stakes winner, who objects to their antics by nearly unseating his rider, Dog Tax. The young bloods intend to make the pace a cracker. The rider of George the Growler whispers something' in the ear of Grocer's jockey, and shortly after there is a false start. Preliminaries are again gone through, and the field of 13 are now ranging up to the starting post, the bellman is waiting to give the signal, and the people aj;e thrilled with excitement and straining their eyes in the direction of the starting post. A movement at the post, the bell rings, and : a roar goes up “ They’re away!” ■