SPORTING.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 28, 3 February 1914, Page 2

SPORTING.

ECMONT RACES.

by Cicero.)

■ The Egmont Racing Club received splendid response from owners ror their summer fixture, which opens to-morrow. The racing track is iu splendid order, and provided the weather is fine, the meeting should eclipse any previously held by this Club. The meeting will open with the Ohawe Hurdles. Ngatiruanui (11.10) heads the handicap. This gelding is very well, and will probably see a very short price. Thirteen have accepted lor the Flying Handicap, but as several of those claim engagements in the Kgmont Stakes, the scratching pen may be used. Ermengarde went particularly well this morning, and must take some beating. Patronale, should he start, must be the hardest to beat, and this pair will probably carry the bulk of the betting money. No leHs than twenty-three have been accepted for in the Mere Mere Hack. In a five furlongs flutter, a lot depends on the draw for positions, and the start. Lord Lupin and Play-Off are good beginners, and should run prominently. The Club are fortunate in receiving such a good acceptance as nine for the Cup, considering only a dozen owners favored them with a nomination. Emperador '8.6) holds pride of position, but the writer would rather like him if the distance was a couple of furlongs less. Bronze (S.I) lias shown no form of late, and failed badly when supported by her party for the Wellington Cup. "Were Los Angelos the horse of old, one need look no further for a winner, but the son of San Francisco is many removes from best. Nevertheless, the chestnut can be depended on to put up a great light. Allegation is fit, and his connections gfve him a great chance, but like the top weight he would relish a ten furlong course better. Byron is nicely handicapped and should he reproduce his Wellington Cup form ("and probably he will) he should be a dividend payer. Leonta who is next on the list ran a great race in the Wellington Cup, but it must lie remembered that Conqueror's son is about seventeen hands high, •ind will not be as well suited at Egmont as on the Tj mile track at Trentham. Those lower on the list have shown no form to recommend them for a race of this description. Los Angelos and Byron should run well. Those engaged in the Ladies' Burse are a moderate lot. Knockna(vow and John Willie are both well, Of the twenty-seven who were paid up for in the Egmont Stakes, probably not more than Jive will face ,the■itarter. Sir Moseley and Patronale will carry a lot of money. The great field of twenty-four, still remain in the Waipapa Hark. Record and Avaunce should run well. The first lay's racing will be brought to a close-with the .Whareroa, Hack, i ,fo% which event Rewi Poto (8.9) is very •veil in. Austin (8.6) is another who cannot complain on the score of

weight. TARANAKI JOCKEY CLUB. Everybody is, of course, reserving himself foV'the most popular Autumn fixture in Taranaki—the Now Plymouth races on Wednesday, February 11th and 12th. With exceptionally big acceptances, including some of Auckland's best, this meeting night to lie a record one for the Taranaki Jockey Club. Delayed trains and excursion fares have been arranged, and a good time is assured.