RACING AT OTAKI TO-MORROW.

Shannon News, 20 November 1928, Page 3

RACING AT OTAKI TO-MORROW.

Big Fields Are Promised. Levin Meeting Discloses Form. A Review of Acceptances.

(By “Silken Rein.”)

Following, as it does, almost immediately after Levin’s' meetiilg, the form shown on Saturday will, no doubt,' ho of yaluabe assistance in guiding the speculative public 'and while the conditions' uxtder Which the funiie'rs are ■to appear may be altogether different. Saturday’s rttiiiung' should be fairly reliable. - . ! ' - Special excursion train arrangements have been made by the railway department and if favoured with tine weather/'it is anticipated, that from j)oint of 'view -of' attendance, this, year’s fixture will exceed the 1927 meeting by an appreciable amount. The Programme. , 11 30~ KAPITI HUKDLES, 150 sovs. - .t-Ji-miles. .. st. lb;, st. lb.

, 1 v i t, Roburant .. 9 0 The meeting, will opefi- with the hurdles and the big field due to start will give speculators plenty of room to express their opinions. Horomea has another engagement, but she niay be a starter in this race and acknowledging that the-field »is a strong one she should make a bold showing even with 10.12. -'"Blamt’S Laid, when expected by’a- ntajdti.ty, finished fourth on ' the cdiicludihg' day at Eiccarton. ' Panorama'ran a particularly good race, on Saturday and when he is in foi ih he is a jumper above' the average.' He should be a winner at Otaki. Othon is'uhi'eiiable, but to-morrow may' be his right 1 day. Star Shell' ran very Well on Saturday, considering he was short of work and, that race should result in an improvement. Olympic will be better suited iii• this field of jumpers. Novar; ran a moderate race, in the Levin Cup and if, he jumps' at all well, should be'-pfominent'-’at ' the finish. KiliaVfourth will bring him support, while Lady'Gay arid End Bank have both performed well on the Otaki course. The- latter • has better recommendations over hurdles, Boy has the speed if he jumps well. Of the otherr Grand National is most’ likely to improve. It is a. big field with many possibilities, but in the event of Horoniea 'not starting; it looks like: Star Shell Panorama Red Bank. /-:• . . 12.15“ PTJHr MAII)EN PLATE cf 100 sovs. Six furlongs.

With a field of 28' in the Maiden race, the possibilities are many. Thrift, by her win at Levin on Saturday will not, ,be, eligible to compete in this event; Gloyne ; and Moutoa Fume both finished close behind the money at Le-" vin and it looks like this pair being best supported. Chopin was good enough to finish second behind Lucky Light at Hawkes Bay - Hunt meeting; This Whs his- first outing' and a good performance:Wy6ford . aird Star Girl are a pair that are likely to improve, while Saturday’s run will work an improvement.. on Dancing Star. -Black Odin and Green Field should do best of the others. This is the race in which Eotowhero caused a- sensation last yoar and an appreciable dividend looks possible again to-morrow. Best form is Tepresent’ed in . Cloyne Moutoa Fume , Qbopijj. 1 | ]I | / ~ ( , « p tty

The next race meeting of interest to local sporstmen will be the Otaki Maori Kacing Club’s two day fixture which will open to-morrow and conclude on Thursday. This meeting has in past years been held fate in September or early in October, but on. account of the absence of any number of seasoned runners, the fields have been vather small, resulting in decreased attendance. The benefit, by alteration of dates, is shown in the acceptances, whieh are particularly good in respect of numbers.'.!-

■ | 0— KATIHIKU HANDICAP, of 150 sovs. Seven furlongs.- : . st. lb. st. lb.

- The field accepted for the’ principal event includes two brackets, Vertigern ■and Talisker and Black Mint-Royal Game. The Levin Cup winner made a good impression in ‘ his last outing, while his bracket Vertigern was finishing on very strongly in the open six. If this pair are left in when the diet l ting starts they will no doubt, 'carry the bulk of. the money. Black Mint and Royal Game have had a fair amount of racing this season and appear to have gone stale. Paitonu always goes better after lie has had a race into him. On the first day' at last Otaki meeting he was never sighted. He won on the second clay though land paid well. Blimj) should/ have done better than lie did on Saturday. The run, however, should tune him ivy. Royal Mint has good form among* class fields that will carry weight with speculators to-morrow. Kilmiss is not reliable, while Avro made a a determined' effort on Saturday, but. could not foot' -it with the placed horses. Kiloeron and Kilmezzo were - the early leaders and ’would only need to stay on a little further to bring off'a surprise. Imperial Spark’s third eaine as a'shock but it may be that he is notydt a back number. Shining Armour did not show out prominently on Saturday, but it must .be remembered, he has "a very strong liking for Otaki course. Twink does not make much appeal. A trio that will find favour are Talisker-Vertigern Royal Mint Shining Armour. 2.30 -PAHIKO HANmcAP > of 131 sovs. Six furlongs. st. lb. st. lb.

The Pahiko Hack Handicap has dra\vn a field of twenty-four with Royal Duke and Veronese at even

' By putting up such a good performance in open company on, Saturday, Moutoa Treasury will appear a good thing to speculators in this event. Site is no doubt, a filly above 'the average and what beats h»'r in this race should . win. ‘Discourse Will benefit froirt her 'race on Saturday, r but whether she will be ready "or not remains' to be seen. .Pale Star has ' moderate f jrm; while the game little Maui has always to be taken into calculations. He runs ’ well at Otaki. Green Acre is one that should improve on Levin Tunning, while Shining Star was consistent with .a third and fourth. A laic race, however, will suit the chestnut better. :Elysianor ‘ won decisively" oh Saturday and even with the.re-handicap will be "hard to beat. Airtight ran third at iWaverley, while Rory " Mrr has '’:een iknocking occasionally. Bissae who imIprovcd to second position in the Lake {Hack should be nearly, ready. King !Quex has a second for recommendation jwhile Topere is a" gdod sort. ;Tere;moana did not get the best of the run [in the Maiden at Levin, but the class 'looks a little too good. 'The trio that 'have the recommendations l are ; Moutoa Treasury 1 Elysianor ' I .Bissae. " ” 45— LING: MEMORIAL lIANDIi: *■. CAP, of 300 sovs.', 1} miles.- — " . st. lb. “ y st. lb.

weights. The former is; a regular diving machine, when at his best, but he lias no very recent form for supp rt. The win at VCronCse in the concluding event at Ljvin stamps her out as a mare above the average and if she draws a favourable post position tomorrow, she 1 should again head the list of favouritism. Rotowhero was beaten at ! Trentham by Ramesis, the latter in receipt' of 71b. At even weights they ■will add considerably to the interest of -the' race. Argue another : winner at Levin will be in on the same weight as lie had at the local fixture and will be -a.prominent runner. Arrow Boy should do better in this class than in open company, while Lady Quex can hold her own for a short distance. Shining Star should very near do it, this being his pet distance. 011 their running 011 Saturday, Baskier, The Dove and Australis have their chances. It should be a good ’betting race with most money for ' Argue Veronese Shining Star.

91 [j—WAITAWA HANDICAP, of '-200 sovs. Six furlongs.

Twelvcf runners have fully paid up for the second leg in which Helotis and Dobbin are considered best with 8.1 each. Helotis lias it in her favour being a good beginner, but she will need to stay on better than she did at Levin to .have a winning chance’. Ked'dar will benefit- by her last race when she was not,- far behind " the money. Bonogne failed to justify support in. the MeD.onald Memorial, but he cannot be overlooked for failing in that field. Callanmore is a «speedy sort that will find support after his creditable run 011 Saturday and he should, at least, .improve his position. Huikai lacks recent good form, his best, being a second to. Jeanette at Poverty Bay last month. Kilbronsyth is one that willimprove,- • while Royal Duke has an earlier engagement. On the running of the McDonald Memorial, _ Ridgemount will be hardest to beat in. this event. His running was brilliant and suggests a, successful career as a, three-year-old. Arrow Boy, Captain Gazely, and Arch Arrow would be the surprises.- The. ■ former has best recommendations. It should be a good race between Ridgemount Callanmore ' Keddar. ■ 1 ■ 4 Q —T.AUMANUKA HANDICAP, of . * 150 One mile and 55 yards; ; , ' ; • st, lb. " st.- lb.

On his running at Levin on Snturi[day, Tanagtar is entitled-to No. 1 saddle cloth in the Taumaiuika Hack, lie ''scored a very decisive win. and 011 that (account will probably head the pool of ’betting.. , He will meet a hard-one, however, in Kalos whom he is now giving i3lb, Tcheka should finish in a better (place .than lie did .pii Saturday. It- is jhard to account for that indifferent performance. Bissae and King Quex jinake a: strong appeal also .and both .have earlier engagements. The former is showing a return of form. Skv,rider and Otaura Lass have outside '.chances. Lady Alophen, w,as left on .Saturday, and then met all the trouble possible, but. was not last home. If Levin form can be relied upon, speculators will be satisfied with ] , Kalos | Tanagra • Bissae. 4 45— KEREHI KOERO HANDICAP of 200 sovs. Seven furlongs. .

The concluding event to-morrow, will be a seven furlong race with a field of twenty. Royal Game will find more favour in this event than in the Ling Memorial, while Joy Bird, if anything like her old self, could hold her own. Monaghan has a liking for the course,, while the distance will appeal to Wanderlust. Vigilance is a good mare with a fair record this season. Decoy Bird is a .possibility „on recent, running. On his performance at Levin, Kilmezzo will not have trouble in find-, ing support. This distance should find him well placed at the judge’s box. There are many possibilities, but a recoverey may be found in Kilmezzo Bonogne Modern.

MANY IMPROVEMENTS TO COURSE. For over forty years the Otaki Maori Racing Club has been in existence, first on the “Rokcreke” course, once the property of the late Mr. Fred Bright (now in occupation of Mr. Elliott), and of more recent date oil land owned by the late Mr. Ben Ling.*' For years the Club struggled- gamely on for its existence, later it came into more experienced hands, and 'under capable man-agement-made. rapid strides, so much so that a better course and more,up-to-date appointments . were needed to keep pace with the times. The present

course, centrally situate on a beautiful area of rich soil, is known throughout the Dominion as one of the .■best, while the'management'-by the Natives is regarded as being much better than that of many larger clubs. Incidentally, it is the only club in New Zealand governed by Natives, and therefore to ; them much credit.must be given for its successful career. Improvements have from, time t®, time been made, and now up-to-date grandstands (inside and outside), stewards ’ stand, ' with nicely-furnished rooms, ami other buildings, including a fine, totalisator house, have been erected, while a large accommodation-house plays a prominent part. Improvements have been effected year after year, and progress is still noticeable 'in all directions". This year further additions have been made. The. accommodation-house has had rooms added, making _SO fine apartments, while bathrooms, with hot, cold, and shower, are in evidence. The first 2(1 rooms erected have served a useful, purpose, but the growing needs of" the club call fbr 24 additional beds, 'necessitating, the erection of fine large, well-venti.l vied; wcl 1 , lighted rooms, with conveniences, it f inding electric light. •‘Each of the new room? measures 17ft x -12 ft; and' Messrs C. Nees and G. Gordon have 'carried out their work in a very’ fine manner. Trainers and jockeys now have <no cause for complaint. , r . Besides the fifty beds for visitors

.there are also fifty- loose boxes for horses. •• These are considered by own- - era- and; trainers to be equal to anything in New Zealand, and it was with pardonable pride that the capable, caretaker, Mr. F. Shaw, showed, a " Mail" representative the buildings. They are. in the form of a square, with .a fine lawn and. a row of shady trees .in the centre., The boxes are all substantial-, ly. built, being- match-lined, while several have feed-boxes adjusted, .and which are easily manipulated by slick ing doors. The'boxes are roomy, welilightccl, well ventilated, and clay-floor-ed, while in case of Are there is ample room at each corner of the square to allow of horses • being' taken-away quickly. The risk of ’ five, however, is but small ; as -a : fine water-supply is adjacent. The whole area can be lighted by night, .two large flood lights having been erected. . ; . - In t the accommodation-house nearby there is ample convenience, bath-rooms with; up-to-date porcelain baths and hand-basins, huge mirrors, and. other useful fittingsj. while the, sitting : roqm contains easy chairs and couches, the walls are adorned with suitable pictures, while the floor, is. heavily car: peted. ■ A .nice fireplace.,adds to its attractiveness. , . A big item is the fact, that the course, thanks to Caretaker Skarv,; is in perfect condition,, and with fine weather the coming-meeting will have everything in its favour. Visitors, nq doubt,.,-will be loud in their praise and we predict,- under ordinary circumstances,. a record meeting. Already , nominations have greatly exceeded those of past years, while a most creditable class of horse has been .entered. It is worthy of note .that in ISS7 -the Otaki Cup race was valued at £2O, for . the coming meeting' the total for the two big races is £sso.The, cup race in 1887 was run over, -a *mile : and-a-half course, now it- is-,'14 mile. ; ., The total. . stakes, for the 1887 meeting was less than £7O; the stakes,.-for the coming meeting total £2090 —£1400 the first day, £l29o,the second., In 1592 tenders, were .called- for ,a; grandstand 40ft. x , 20ft. Jn 1887. the late-Mr. 11. F. Eager was secretary, and carried on his duties for some years. It is worthy of mention that ,Mr. Noes built the stand on the old course. on the condition that if the'club showed a profit at its meeting it would pay out immediately, but if finances were not too good, the stetvhrcbf were to guarantee the necessary money.

Horomea 10 12 Grand Diana’s Lad 10 10 National 9 3 Panorama .10 7 Abisogne .. 9 2 Qthon. ?u.. , 10 .2 Gambler .... 9 ■ 0Star,Shell ; 10 0 American ■ Olympic ., 9 11 Pillar 9 0: Novar .., . 9 11 Democratic 9 0 Lady Clay; >9ill' :Sneerer .... 9 0 Kilia .... .. 9 8 Ripdale...... , 9 0 Boy . 9 8. ; Pair One .. . 9 ,0 Red Bank . 9 4 Rash •....... 9 0

Areheria . 8 17 Chopin ... •8 0 Cloyne 8 7 Chief Singer 8 • 0 Fallow ■ ,8 7 Dancing ! 0 Star Girl . . 8 7 ' (Star . ..i 8 Thrift ... 8 •7 Good Cheer 8 0 Cavity '..'. 8 7 Green Field 8 0 Oatuna ... 8 7. Kentish Abasan ... •8 7 Lady 8 0 Animated . . 8 7 Kotahi-Eka 1 .8 0 Pompadour 8 7' ICiriana . . 8 0 Th,erepa Shot Silk . 8 0 Bell .... /8 T . Callagain 1 8 0 Irish Moss 8 Moutoa Wyefoi'd 8 7’ Fume . . 8 0 Balloon ... 8 0 Ravine ... 8 0 Black Odin 8 0 . Miss Field 8 0

.9 0 Borsaline /. 7 13 Moutoa ' Elysiauor '. .7 12 : '■ Treasury 9 0 Airtight ... 7 8 iPale Star . 8 10 Eory Mor . 7 !Maui ..,....,8, ,7 Tereraoana ' 7 6 Royal Acre 8 7 Bissae ..... 7 6 Acred 8 2 [vino- Quex 7 4 Green Acre 8 2 Airforce ... ■7 0 Sh ining Star 8 0 Tope re .... 7 b

fVcrtigbrn'-V. 9 3 Talisker ' . /■ 7 12 {Black Mint S •9 Kiliriiss ... . 7 3 Paitonu ... S 9 Avro ..... . 7 3 Blimp ...... 8 6 Kilperon . .. 7 0 Royal Game 8 6 ‘ Trvinlc ... . 7 0 Royal Mint' 8 0 Kilmezzo . . '7 0 Shining Imperial - Armour . 7 13 Spark .. . 7 p

Royal Duke 9 0 Orcades .... 7 9 Veronese . 9 0 Golden Raineses ... 8 3 Shadow . . 7 5 Rotowhero . 8 3 Brown Sugar 7 3 Argue 8 2 Baskier ... 7 3 ATror Boy 8 o The Dove . r* 3 Lady Quex 8 1 Australis .v 7 2 Shining Star 7 12 Degree '. ;:V 7 0 , Onward ... 7 12 Disrank .. . 7 0 Moutba Hygradcr .. T "O’ Wonder .. 7 11 Catuna .... 7' 0 Hoi us Bolus 7 11 Riehiield ... 7 0 Mark Mint 7 .9 Allayway .. 7 0

st; lb. st. lb, Hclotis ... . , 8 1 Kilbronsyth 7 6 ..Dobbin ..... 8 1 Ridgernount 7 4 Kocldar 7 10 Arrow Boy 7 ’■o Callanmore 7 9 Capt. Bonogne . 7 i) Gazeley 7 0 Huikai 7 9 Arch Arrow 7 0 Royal Duke 7 6 \

ITanagra .. 9 11 Belgian 0 SKalos 9 8 ' Queen .... Sr 'Marjoram ... 9 1 , Metellus. ... 8. 0 ,Home Made 8 13 Gasnapper . 8 0 CTeheka .... 8 12 . Otauru Lass 8 0 [Billion •Mandarine ... 8 12 .Skyrider ... 8 0 S .7. Volplane > .. 8 0 IBissae ..... 8 5 Lady 'King Quex '. 8 4 Alophen . S 0 . - . .fallow 8 0

Royal Game st. lb. 9 8 ,s Modern . .. t. 8 lb. . O if Joy Bird .. 9' d Olympic ... 8 3 Monaghan . 8 11 Bonhomme 8 2 Bonogne ... 8 10 Henna .... . 8 2 Hnikai . ... 8 10 . March. II. .. 8 0 Horomea .. 8 10 Deluge .... 8 0. Epistle . .. . 8 7 Kilmezzo .. 8 0 "Wanderlust 8 0 Paul Lucerne 8 0 Tauagra .. 8 5 Decoy Bird S 0 Vigilance-* . . 8. 4 Twink 8 0