SPORTING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3776, 12 October 1907, Page 3

SPORTING.

Racing at Otaki. By Vrohnblf. As usual ol lale years, racing at Otaki was carried out under very unfavourable weather conditions, which considerably affected the attendance, as also the totalisator receipts, showing a decrease of close on as compared with the corresponding meeting of last year.

Foxton owners have little to complain of at the gathering, for no less than three firsts and a second stake fell to their lot, viz., by the aid of Cord Soult, Lady Disdain, and Waitapn. The gentleman who races under the name of O. Edwards, did not fare so well, as his charge Bonny Doon, although looking well, and a strong public fancy, could not foot it with the leaders. By the way, her trainer had been laid by through illness lately, while the lad in charge at Otaki had to take to his bed on arrival at the meeting. However, I trust that all will speedily recover, and for a return of good fortune to the stable. On his run at Otaki, Lord Soult must come into favour for the Stewards Handicap at Christchurch next month, and if landed at the port as fit as last Wednesday, will give the big stake a shock. He fairly outclassed Waihuka at Otaki, and should annex a stake at Christchurch, even if he fails in the Stewards. ; I understand that his party have backed the pony with different horses in the Cup for a fair win.

Lady Disdain easily disposed of Gauge second day, though W. Howan’s mare went under to Saga (a good sort) by a bare margin, on the first day of the gathering. It is difficult to sum up Waipu, but the fact remains that so far this season he appears to run much better after one gallop at a meeting. This he again evidenced at Otaki, when he won the open seven furlongs second day in a common canter, after failing to make himself prominent the first day with exactly the same class of horses. I am pleased to record this win for his connections, though they could not have anticipated victory with much confidence, as he paid ,£l3 15s, and there were only 19 investors on him on the machine. No doubt this stake money will be utilised to take the Gipsy King gelding down to Riccarton to compete in the Cup, when, if he is caught at his best, he may be given a chance, but I will not have him even as a place-getter. By his win on Thursday, he has incurred a five-pound penalty in the Cup, which brings his impost up to yst. The Bulls owner, W. Homes, always has a good time at Otaki, and this week’s meeting was no exception, as he caught two firsts with Huriraoana, and a second with Fond Memory, the latter being ridden by the Foxton jockey, Bradcock. Thig nag is a good one, and I would advise sports to he on the alert when it starts in a five-furlong event. Homes’ dividends were £ll, ,£l7 13s, and £\ Ss, so he must have brought off a coup. Tommy Wilson’s horses did no good, though The Stake showed out prominently in all his races, and is coming on fast. Splendid Idea may be ready in a couple of months to catch the eye of the judge. A. Attwood’s Feilding team could do no better than register one second and two thirds, though Jim Peachey from Feilding got a first and second with Zoraida, a good sort out of Baby by Handsome Jack. St, Amelia, now in the care of E. Watson, at Levin, has improved of late over the qbstacles, though Te Kanui was probably the best hurdler seen out at the meeting. I understand Geo. Delaney is likely to purchase the Tasman gelding outright at the conclusion of his present lease this month. ‘‘Jervy” George brought his N.Z. Cup candidate, Paritutu, to the meeting, and just snatched the final Welter by a hair margin from The Stake, after a great finish right up the straight. The son of Castor is loooking bright and well, and many say he will wave himself into a place in the big two-mile event on the 2nd of November, though if he does ‘‘Probable ’ ’ will receive a shock, as this year’s fieldl in the Cup is a good one, and I hold Paritutu was always over-rated.

It is said Bob Barlow and his friends had a good win when Supplement survived in the Trial Plate on Thursday, though they must have done in some boodle at the settling on account of the failures of Turkish Maid, Golden Eagle and Pearlie. Marseillaise must have been in a galloping mood on Thursday, for after racing in the front with Lady Disdain for five furlongs in the Otaki Hack, she came out later in the day ran away from a fair field in the Electric. She evidently gallops when she likes, and that is not often, which fact must have cost her owner no end of money. I understand he did not participate in the £ l2 4 s dividend paid, though he supported the sister of Lord Soult in her two previous essays. Such is the glorious uncertainty of the turf.