Turf Topics.

Free Lance, Volume IV, Issue 205, 4 June 1904, Page 20

Turf Topics.

ing. His conclusions, however, should be woith bearing in mind, as I can vouch tor his being a good judge of form. Here, then, axe the tips with w Inch I am favoured by "Peeping Tom" . — The numerous acceptances for the Otaki meeting renders the selection of winners a difficult task. After a oaare<iul analysis, I pick the following horses to run well in then engagements at Otaki on Friday Flying Hack Handicap. — Land o' Cakes 1, Prisonei 2, Park Shot 3. Hack Hurdles. — Pushful 1, Guesser 2. Seaweed 3. Raukawa Oup. — Good Intent 1, Shrapnel Shell 2, Waimoe 3. Otaki Haek — Vigoro 1, Staaina 2, Sardonyx 3. Maiden Flat.— Athol Brose 1, Pup.v 2, Seagull 3. Rangiuru Handicap. — Ballarat 1, Reclaimer 2, Sa.nfom 3. Biithday Welter. — Rungarawa 1, Delight 2, Pushful 3. • • * Followers of racing are an intrepid class. The second day's racing at the Wanganui winter meeting took place notwithstanding that heavy rain, fell without a moment's intermission during the day. The attendance was capital, the grandstand being crowded with ladies who' occasionally ventured on the lawn, and instructed their male friends a r to their investments. The Wanganui, racecourse, being formed of saoidv soil, absorbs) the water and does not become sticky. The* going, although heavy, was not holding, and the hurdle and steeplechase horses seemed, in no way inconvenienced. With the exception of the Farewell Steeplerchase, the jumping of the horses en^ gagd at the meeting was magnificent. The Century Hurdle Race was a pretty sight eveiy horse competing setting i onnd without mishap. For the principal event of the second day, the Wanganui Steeplechase, Ha^dn and Hutana gave splendid 1 exhibitions of uumrjing, and, although the lace was run in the pouring rain, the pair never made a single faulty leap. Haydn is probably as well as ever he v as in his career, and his rider had only to wait until Hutana had run himself out to bring Haydn along, and win withou f an effort. The Hutt Valley Trotting Club met with misfortune at the very outset of their career. The secretary, Mr. Fishel , worked hard to make the meeting a success, but the fates willed it that his

effort*, were to prove futile. On Thursday, the 24th, the weather was so incleme'ut that a postponement was decided upon until Saturday. Again disaster dogged their footsteps, as the weather on Saturday was bleak and showery, and but few townsfolk attended une meeting. The opening of the new Petone Railway Station was also a strong counter attraction. The Hutt Valley Club deserved better luck. Rain during thei week had mad© the track very heavy, and several owners declined to start their horses on that account. Sport was consequently tamp and speculation limited only £417 being' put through the machine. The executive would have had a more ■successful meeting had they waited until the soring, and selected say the King's Birthday. They could then, with more confidence, have expected good weather and a better attendance.

The Great Northern Steeplechase takes place on Saturday. Haydn's weight including a 51b penalty, is 12st 71b, and, after his Wanganui form, he should carry his impost to victory. Old Cannongate is a saie fencer, and slhould not be far away from the winner. Spalpeen and Comfort are fast horses, and were they experienced over steeplechase jumps, would probably finish m front of both Haydn and Oamnongate. The tried 'chaser, however, usually prevails, and my selection, is Haydn 1, Cannongate 2, with Pap-atu a? the best outsider. * • • The Dunedin winter meeting commences to-monow (Friday) My selections are . — Handicap Hurdles. — Catherine GorBrcghton Hack Handicap.— Guard of Honour 1, Brighton 2. Birthday Handicap. — Canine Ohiel 1, Yladimn 2, Syehem 3. Tradesmen's Handicap. — Flowei o Clutha 1, King Stork 2. Winter Welter. — Lee Enfield 1, Blaokstone 2, Syehem 3. Hack Welter.— Turgemeff 1, Guard of Honour 2. # The Otaki Maori Racing Club's executive are considerably elated at the prospect of a record meeting-, the acceptances averaging 19 per race. The principal event, the Raukawa Cup, ncludes such capital performers as Regulation, Hinetaura, Shrapnel Shell, Plaidie, Cyrus, and Gold Crown. The Rangiuru Handicap has induced an acceptance of 19, amongst which are to be found those good sprinters Shrapnel Shell Ballarat, Reclaimer. Replete, a.nd Tikarawa. The hack evemts have filled well, and all the best hacks _ on the Coast are engaged, and interesting contests should ensue. Amongst the owners represented at the Otaki meeting are . Messrs. G. E. G. Richardson and George Hunter (Hawke's Bay), J. Paul (Wanganui), F. Stohr (New Plymouth), Messrs. Davidson and Elliott (Waitaia), J. Macara and C. Vallanoe (Masterton). C. B. Pharazyn and Wi Hutana (Wairarapa). The Porirua and Hutt stables are all well represented, whilst _ Marlboromgh province has sent White Ribbon, Greensleeves, and Scrap Iron 1 Jack. The meeting is thus a thoroughly representative one. • • * I must apologise to my readers for having to call upon a reliable confrere to make selections for the Otaki meet-

AUCKLAND'S yi inter meeting opeais to-morrow (Friday). The principal event on the card is the Great Northern Hurdle Race, for which twenty-one horses are still engaged. A final payment at the post will probably reduce the starters to somewheie about a dozen. Let us look at the chances . Waiwera, after his Wanganui performance, can be passed, as the lightweights must hold him quite safe. Spalpeen, Up-to-Date Roseshoot, and Aka Aka are a, quartette from which the winner should come The latter pair won a race each 'at Wanganui, and with their penalty will now only carry 9st 121b each in the race under notice. Gauged by their performances, I cannot see how they are to be defeated, and predict that they will finish as follows • Roseshoot, Aka Aka, Up-to-Date. Hippowai has an outside chance. The Cornwall Handicap, of 300 soys., has not induced any high-class horses to compete. Durable (list 21b) is top weight, and Scotty and Float are a useful pair. Should the course not be heavy. Float may win. Scotty and Mai© shouLd also rum well on their Takapuna form. The Maiden Steeplechase will probably fall to Comfort. St. Rowan, who won a maiden hurdle race at Takapuna last week, is still eligible to start, and should have no difficulty in again winning, notwithstanding that he has incurred a slb penalty. Roseshoot and Woodmount appear to have the best chances for the Maiden Welter.