NOTES ON THE PATEA DISTRICT JOCKEY CLUB RACES.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 396, 1 February 1879, Page 2

NOTES ON THE PATEA DISTRICT JOCKEY CLUB RACES.

(Communicated by Leolixus.) Fkom New Plymouth on the one hand, toWanganui on the other, large numbers of hor.se.s are in course of preparation for tiio “good things” of the season, which follow each other at short intervals, commencing with our local meeting on the 21st and 22nd February, and ending with that to he held at New Plymouth on the 31st March. Under the circumstances' it is reasonable to predict, should fine weather favour, that the aoproaehiiig turf gathering will be a great success upon any of its predecessors. As the general entries and acceptances close next week, a few remarks on the Handicaps may be interesting to sporting readers. On the first lay I the Flying Handicap will be fought out, * and although Izaak Walton is unquestionably one of the fastest horses in New Zealand, I very much doubt whether on a course like the new one to he run on, he can ask some of his opponents- to gallop, carring as lie does the heavy burden of 10st. Stanley lias also a steadier, and can have but very little show of winning, though fast under a light weight for the Otawa, at Bst 121bs, is fancied by his Wanganui supporters, hut I confess to a dislike to him with any weight over Bst. Speculation, at Bst s!bs, strikes me as not unfavourably treated, mid the ground will suit him well. Parawhenun, on a good course, should have my vote, but he never did like the dirt, and I don’t supposehe is likely to get through it well now. Gladys, at 7st 6il»s, is“ better in than Redeemer, 7st lOlbs, having twice beaten ihe latter easily at level weights over , the same distance. The former I must look for in (he first three, hut Redeemer is not fast enough, added to which he is a hit of a rogue. Tuna is, without doubt, in on very good terms,’and considering that he won this race last year, carrying the same weight, as a threc-year-old, lie must be a dangerous one for the fielders, and more especially as he has filled out and improved considerably. Confident is also one of tlier speedy when fit, but much as I depend on the light weights, this one I cannot select even for (lie barren honor of a place. Minnie, at 6st 8-bs, and an aged mare, was not fast enough for a hack race two years ago, and did not impress me favour-bly. Sioper is not class enough, and Miss Emma I have but little faith in. Lapland I know to he fast, hut have been informed that lie is still in the paddock, and as I am a stickler for public form, I prefer horses wnich receive a thorough preparation to grass fed ones. For the Big Handicap I am of opinion that Izaak Walton and Otawa have both received too much weight, and that Folly lias been dealt leniently with. Haphazard is in on fair terms, as also Expectation, who 1 expect to see run a good race on the day, no!withstanding that sin; has more than once disgraced herself. In placing Redeemer and Haiisiorm at level weights, the hanicappers made a blunder, and Bourbaki has dona nothing to entitle him to so much weight,. Tamatea. at Gst 12Ihs, it he could be got fit, would bo in well, but he is not a likeh' starter. Resolution, the top weight, I omitted to mention. Both horses fit and" well, he could have no show with Folly, but as he is as game as a horse can well be, and a thorough slayer, besides being a weight carrier, he must not he overlooked. After tin? acceptances are made known, I shall go into the question of fitness, and (hen select the horses as I expect to sea them finish.