SPORTING NOTES.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 576, 7 March 1878, Page 2

SPORTING NOTES.

By Tim Whifit.kr. There is very little to report in the way of training notes, very few horses having yet put in an appearance. Last evening Mistake (a Maiden Plater) and Cracroft. who is engaged on the Tradesmen's Handicap, did a gallop in company on the course. Both went very strongly, but they were not extended. Mistake is a powerful looking horse, and should the course he heavy on the day of the race, lie should stand a chance of pulling off the M;dden Plate. This morning Blue Peter did a short spin with Modesty for about half a mile. The filly, who seems to be improving every day, went very well. Lady Anne, another of those ongaged on the Maiden, did a good serviceable gallop, and went very satisfactorily. If she keeps up her present form, she should lie about at the finish of the race for which she is entered. Nelly only did walking exercise. As yet none of the horses from Christclmrch or Dunedin have reached Oamaru, but I understand that Unknown and Eclipse will arrive by the train from Moeraki this evening. I leani by telegram that Ray's two horses, Templeton and Titania, and the hurdle-racer Shillelagh have reached Hampden, but cannot come on owing to the want of railway horse-boxes. I am informed that their owners omitted to make the necessary applications. The first intimation as to horse-boxes being required at Moeraki came from Christclmrch at 7 o'clock last night, and at that time there was not a single box obtainable this side of Ashburton. Mr. Loring telegraphed north for a supply, but none were to be got. If the horses named have to remain in Hampden until proper horse-boxes are procured, goodness knows when they will reach Oamaru. Something like definite odds are now obtainable about the horse 3 engaged in the North Otago Club Handicaps, and I am enabled to give your readers somo idea of how the horses stand in the betting market. It will be seen that Ariel has been installed first favourite, why I cannot at present thoroughly understand, as I believe several others stand better chances of pulling off the race. The first of the scratchings was recorded this morning, Bribery having been scratched for all her engagements. The following may be accepted as the state of the betting on the big handicap : i 3 to 1 agst. Ariel 4 1 Mireille 4 1 Bide-a-Wee G 1 Longlands 6 1 Templeton G 1 Fishhook 8 1 Hippocampus 10 1 Any other.