THE MUNICIPAL “STAKES.”

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 982, 22 April 1911, Page 3

THE MUNICIPAL “STAKES.”

(By Drkamv Danikl.)

Great interest is being taken in the Municipal Stakes to be run on Wednesday next. The twelve starters are as follows :

Esculapius (late of the Garden of Eden), Progress—Water-aiul-Drainage, a line, upstanding, cleanshaved animal, sound in wind and limb, with as much energy as a locomotive, knows every turn of the course, splendid temper, guaranteed to clear any obstacles —should be an easy winner. George the Growler, a sturdy half-draught (Himatangi —Roads-and-Footpaths), a bit fractious on the track at times, but a real good all-round animal, has a thorough knowledge of the plough : snorts at the inspector of nuisances, and when once clear of the barrier will show the others the road to the straight; will be an easy winner. Awa Downs, a likely looking Progressive colt, clean cut, sound in mind and limb ; plenty of initiative, and game as a pebble — is not familiar with the Municipal course. This is his first attempt; previously won the Drainage Board Stakes ; should be well in the ruck.

Chryslaline, an honest, cleangoing nag, has traversed the track previously and put up a good race, but failed to catch the judge’s eye. Has since gained a better knowledge of the turns, and should have no difficulty in winning next Wednesday. Albert John, another ProgressOptimist colt, and a previous winner ; established a line record in the Coronation Hall Stakes; is fearless of obstacles, and is on equal terms with the old campaigners. Picked to win. Whilaunui (Phorminm Tenax — Advance), a sterling animal, who has put up fine performances in other events and has a good following. Should be well up with the winners at the business end.

Robinhood (by Tonsorial —The Shaver), under 14 hands; this is his maiden flutter, and he will have a rough passage with the more experienced horses ; what he lacks in experience is more than counterbaian ed by pluck. He is out to win.

Mainspring, a docile colt, somewhat nervous of the frisking, frolicsome gee gees whom he must accompany on the track, particularly as this is his first gallop in a big event. There’s more in his pace than appears to the observer and he may prove a dark horse. Chips, an aged Progress horse, is fit and well for another gallop over a course that should now be familiar to him. His past success should inspire his followers with confidence of an easy victory.

Pedagogue, an aged grey, will find the race somewhat strenuous. If, however, he can put forth the same effort as on a previous occasion he should be found among his stable companions at the winning post. ’Tis said that Red Bird is giving him some handy sprints along the Lady’s Mile. Caunie Chid is a useful horse, but has a decided objection to reporters, and lashes at them with fore and hind feet if they happen to remain about the track while he is exercising. Apart from this peculiarity, he is a straight goer ; cautious and decidedly independent, and it would not surprise the writer to see him iu the lead at the winning post. Last, but by no means least, comes the Knight of the Cleaver, a rakish-looking animal that should be an acquisition to the stable. He possesses a good business head. His only drawback is a lack of previous experience, but his ancestral pedigree is proof that he is built of the right material to ultimately come out on top. I will endeavour to pick the winners in next issue.