RACING

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 15, 8 April 1927, Page 6

RACING

(By “EARLY BIRD”) Riding Engagements R. MeTavish, who has been riding in good form this season, will have the mount on Day Guard in the Easter Handicap, and will also pilot Pegaway in the President’s Handicap and Paganelli in the Champagne Stakes. After Tinopai Princess Lupin, who claims Tinopai as her dam, was out doing pace work at Ellerslie this morning, and many commented on her appearance and style. Her action and carriage are a replica of Mr. R. Hannon’s good mare, and should the “Princess” prove something as good she should make a name for herself. Automne Automne has not taken any harm from the racing he had at YVhangarei, and is galloping well. There is no denying Automne's speed, and though he got beaten at Whangarei he was very unlucky both days, and ijiay make amends in future events. May Not be Ready The ’chaser Bahadur does not bear the appearance of a thoroughly seasoned horse, and the coming meetings may not see him at his best. Bahadur has been putting in plenty of galloping but will require a good number more as well as schooling lessons to harden him up. Likes it Soft When Chamour won the Normanby Plate at the Auckland spring meeting the going was exceptionally heavy, and the big-striding chestnut made light of his task. There is nothing In the way of mud likely to stop Chamour, for he revels in that going. The track at Easter, even if no more rain is experienced, will be soft, and Chamour will be accordingly well suited. The son of Catmint claims engagements at the Auckland Easter meeting and he will in all probability have S. Henderson as his pilot. Recent working gallops leave the impression that Chamour was never better, and he is sure to have a large following in his engagements. No Penalty When Royal Divorce dead-heated with Standard in the Flying Handicap at Masterton he rendered himself liable to a rehandicap for the Auckland Easter Handicap, in which he was originally weighted at 8.4. However, Mr. F. J. McManemin, handicapper to the Auckland Racing Club, has decided not to rehandicap Royal Divorce. Limerick’s Fine Price. Private advices from Australia show Limerick started at lucrative «>dds in the Rawson Stakes on Saturday, with Valicare at a shade of odds on. Windbag’s starting price was two points over that of Lirperick. White Fang at Randwick. Apparently those behind White Fang have not despaired of winning a good race in Australia, for they have the horse back at Randwick again, where he is reported to be galloping well in view of Easter racing. White Fung is engaged in the Doncaster Handicap (one mile), with 7.10, as well as being entered for the principal sprint events at the A.J.C. autumn meeting. White Fang is still under R. O’Donnell’s care.

Lost Thousands by a Head. Soorak was only seven years old when he departed to the happy hunting grounds of all horseflesh last week, and it was unfortunate that his career should have terminated so prematurely. With victories in the Sires’ Produce Stakes, December Stakes, Caulfield Guineas, and Toorak Handicap, and possessing extreme vitality, lie was a horse that would have done well at the stud, and. in fact, 40 mares had been booked for him in the coming season. Soorak’s unlucky race was the A.J.C. Derby, in which Rivoli got up in the last stride, to beat him by half a head. Paleta’s First Raue. Paleta is due to make his first appearance in Australia at Warwick Farm to-morrow in the Fairfield Handicap. six furlongs. The maximum weight Is 9.5, but Paleta does not appear to be troubled by big imposts. He is engaged in the A.J.C. Sires’ Produce Stakes, run at Randwick on April 16. This race is worth £SOOO, with a sweepstake of £2O, and aji additional £lO from the owners of the sires nominated. The nominator of the sire of the winner receives £250. Paleta has not been mentioned so far as an acceptor for to-morrow’s event. Easter Candidates at Wanganui. At Wanganui recently Alloway and The Thorn went six furlongs the reverse way, and finished up the task in fine style, taking lmin 17 l-ssec for the journey. There was little between them at the finish. Allows is in good nick, and his two races at Bulls did him good. Damaris (W. Kayneri and Thaw (J. Barry) also galloped the reverse way. doing fou* furlongs in a tick under 50sec. Both moved freely. Covent Garden was not asked to do much, though he went lour furlongs at good three-quarter pace. Civility, with a light-weight up put up her usual good time over half a mile, cutting it out in 49 2-ssec. A Growing Team. Mr. W. McLennan has placed Olympic with M. Gardner at Wanganui, and he will shortly be joined by Ironic, a three-year-old "gelding by Cynic— Amusement. Ironic, who is a halfbrother to Chortle and Good Pport. has had only one race, being unplaced in the .Nursery Handicap on the first

day of the Hawke’s Bay Jockey Club’s autumn meeting on April 30 of lust year. Since he took over Whenuanui and won several races with him, Murt. Gardner appears to have regained the happy knack of how to turn out winners. .paring for Easter. At Hawera last week Benzora went half a mile by himself in 50sec, going easily. Partaga and Gaillard were together at the end of half a mile in 50 l-ssec. Silvermine and Orazone did from half to three-quarter pace work. Lady Desmond and Barryander worked together over seven furlongs, but were not out to make time, Morena and Entire doing the same work. Reremoan a. was ahead of Lady Cavendish over half a mile in 50sec. The Lamb ran six furlongs by nimself in lmin ISsec. Rehutai and Rayo were companions over six furlongs, finishing together in lmin ISsec. Lady Anstruther was ahead of Sicyon over four furlongs in 51sec. Troilus and Avola are hitting out very freely. The Manawatu Programme. Entries for the popular Manawatu autumn fixture close at nine o’clock to- night. As previously pointed out, it is possible that the Awapuni Gold Cup will be invested with the maximum of interest, for Limerick and Commendation could meet in that race with Rapine, Reremoana, and Count Cavour to complete the field. If such a contest could be staged it is certain that a huge crowd would journey to Awapuni at the end of the month (comments “Vedette”). Limerick would just have time to get back from the big meeting at Randwick, and Mr. W. H. Gaisford has already I announced that Commendation is to run at Awapuni. Unless he bruises a foot or sustains some injury similar to that which has kept him out of one or two races this season, Commendation should certainly be there. Then there is gallant old Rapine, who, on a dry track, should even things up with Count Cavour. Reremoana at present is obviously right at his best, and he finished so well in the Thompson Handicap that he might run out a mile and a-quarter better now that he did 12 months ago. Altogether there are great possibilities about the race, but the prime piece would be the match between Limerick and Commendation. Training at Trentham. At Trentham on Tuesday morning Cosmetic and Historic took 51sec for four furlongs, Vexatious and Printemps 55sec, and Chips and the Paladin two-year-old 51 l-ssec, all on the tan (writes “The Watcher”). Jemidar, on the course proper, ran five furlongs in lmin 7sec, and was a bit tender in front on cooling off. Royal Divorce, on the course proper, ran six furlongs, being picked up at the five by Carrigallon. Carrigallon finished well in front of the imported horse, who did it badly over the last two or three furlongs. Carrigallon ran his last half in 51sec, and went well. Royal Divorce finished in lmin 17isec. Tanadees finished in front of The Tank over six furlongs on the tan in lmin L’llsec, but neither did it well, and Tanadees was very sore on cooling off. Matu and Outfit finished together at the end of four furlongs on the course proper in 515 sec. Mandarene, by cutting the corner, got away from Exhibition and Wild Pigeon over five furlongs on the course proper. Exhibition did make an effort to get up and finished within a couple of lengths of Mandarene, who ran lmin 4sec, the last half in 51sec. Wild Pigeon tailed off all the way, but kept her distance, and it was quite a fair gallop all round. Racing at Masterton

The Masterton Club was favoured with fine weather yesterday for its autumn meeting, and the racing was the best ever seen on the course. There was some interference in the Telephone Hack, as a result of which A. Hobson was stood down for a couple of months. The High-weTght Contest In a big field No Favours and Hokioi were evenly supported, but neither played a very conspicuous part. Gordon Swift, who has been improving of late, went out from the rise of the barrier and was never headed, winning by half a length from Asleep, who came with a fine late run, as did Sir Moment, who was close up. Paraki, Hokioi, Lady Passenger and Killocra were conspicuous in the early stages and had every chance. Easy for Mandarine Colarina was at a fine price in the Trial Stakes, four others being preferred to the Gaisford gelding. Mandarine and Piperenzo monopolised the betting, and between them they carried about half of the investments. Lhasa made the early running from Colarina, Mirelation and Mandarine, but the lastnamed came through ( on the rails in the straight to score comfortably from Colarina. Eloquent, who has been a long time trying to win a race, was a coupj£ of lengths away third, being followed by Piperenzo, Merry Sarto and Our Bob. Piperenzo needed the race. Raukura Shows Improvement Addlepate, a daughter of Joculator and Adelicia. and a half-sister to that good horse Warplane, was made favourite in the Telephone Hack, and there was not a big drop in the investments to Kilmezzo, Raukura and the A. McDonald bracket, Rowley and Bank Draft. Soon after the release Carrigallen made the running from Bank Draft. Raukura and Kilmezzo, and crossing the top Raukura had moved up into second place, the pair being pursued into the straight by Bank Draft, Hymgreat and Kilmezzo. The leader weakened at the distance, leaving Raukura in the van, and the Absurd filly hung on to beat Kilmezzo by a head. The favourite was half a length away third, followed closely by Carrigallen, Hymgreat and Molto.

Close Finish in Sprint First Acre was In big demand in the Flying Handicap, and he went out at a short price, with Royal Divorce and Standard evenly supported. It was a fine race all the way. Lady Ideal began with her usual brilliancy, being followed along the back by Mireusonta, and this was the orden into the straight, closest to the leaders being First Acre, Standard, Lady Fingers and Royal Divorce. The leaders were in a bunch at the distance, and then Standard showed out, followed by First Acre, while Royal Divorce came with a rattle on the outer. These three flew over the line in a bunch, and the decision of a dead heat between Standard and Royal Divorce, with First Acfre only a head away, was a good one. Lady Ideal, who was found out vy the long straight, was in fourth place, and Polyphemus and Riverna next. The latter was not outclassed in his appearance in this good company. Vertigern at Last Hynanna, with Tanadees declining his engagement, was backed to win the big event, the Autumn Handicap, as if the race was all over, but the weight told its tale. Vertigern, the second fancy, was at a nice price, and he led out from a walking up start, being followed out of the straight by Beaumont, Yesperus, Hynanna and Opa. No Favours, making his second appearance, went to the front at the six furlongs, and led to the turn for home, closely followed by Vertigern, Beaumont, Vesperus and Opa, Hynanna being last. Once straightened up No Favours retired beaten, Vertigern assuming command, and he went on to score by a length from Beaumont, with Hynanna and No Favours together two lengths away, the former being placed third. Vesperus was fourth and Opa fifth. Hynanna was not very well handled, and in addition did not meet with an uninterrupted passage. Arrow Lad Consistent

Arrow Lad and Vigilance were the favourites in the Juvenile Handicap, and although the former pulled his backers through the filly got away badly and was never sighted. Teri, Chips, Thurnbelle and Grey Mist were best favoured by an awful start, and Chips took up the running at the home turn, Thurnbelle, Teri, Grey Mist and Arrow Lad following. Ridden hard, the favourite managed to beat Chips by two lengths, and King Midas, coming from well back, did remarkably well to get third, four lengths away. Then came Teri, Keddar, Historic and Grey Mist. It was an altogether unsatisfactory race.

Merry Damon Appreciates Change The ex-Aucklander Merry Damon was at a short price in a five-horse field in the Stewards’ Handicap, and there was also good money about Bonhomme and Black Mint. Willow Wai was in front early, and showed the way into the home streteii from Bonhomme, Merry Damon‘and Black Mint. At the distance Merry Damon came through and won by a length and a-half from Tresham, who finished strongly a similar distance in front of Willow Wai. Black Mint and Bonhomme were next in order. The winner has improved under Hatch’s care, and was well ridden by Green. Last to Henna Addlepate, favourite earlier in the day, and Kilmezzo, second choice to her then, were produced again in, the Dash Hack, and they were backed in the same order, and to carry the coincidence still further, they again finished third and second respectively. Kilmezzo and Addlepate made most of the early running, showing the way into the straight, where Wiggins brought Henna along and the filly went on to score by a length and a-half, with a similar distance between second and third. Hymestrason was a close fourth, and Hymill fifth. Sent Home Te Monanui was sore after racing at Whangarei, and he has been sent home. This will reduce E. George’s team by one. Probably the son of Potoa will be given a lengthy spell. Reminders for To-day Auckland acceptances, also final payments for the three classics on the autumn programme, close at 5 o’clock this afternoon. At the same hour nominations are due for the autumn meeting of the Waikato Club. Manawatu autumn entries will be taken up to 9 o’clock to-night. COMING EVENTS FIXTURES FOR THE SEASON April 9 —Horoiata R.C. April 16—Tuapeka County J.C. April 16. 18—Wairarapa R.C. April 16, 18—Feilding J.C. April 16, 18, 19—Riverton R.C. April 16, 18 —Auckland R.C. April 18—Beaumont R.C. April 18—Waipukurau J.C. April 18—Kumara R.C. April 18, 19—Canterbury J.C. April 20—Westland R.C. April 23, 27—Avondale J.C. April 23—Greymouth J.C. April 27 —Reefton J.C. April 28 and 30— Manawatu R.C. April 29, 30—South Canterbury J.C. April 30, May 4—Waikato R.C. May 6, 7.—Hawke’s Bay J.C. May 6, 7—Marlborough R.C. May 7.—Amberley R.C. May 12, 14—Egmont R.C. May 19, 21—Wanganui J.C. June 1,3, 4—Dunedin J.C. June 3, 4—otaki-Maori R.C. June 3,4, B—Auckland R.C. June IS—Napier Park R.C. June 22 —Hawke’s Bay Hunt Club. June 24, 25—Hawke’s Bay J.C. June 25—Oamaru J.C. July 2.—Ashburton Country R.C. July 12, 14, 16—Wellington R.C. July 21—Waimate District Hunt Club. July 23—South Canterbury Hunt Club.

SCRATCHED! BY ORDER OF STEWARDS LAME HORSE WITHDRAWN Behind the simple announcement of the stewards that the trainer had been allowed to withdraw Periwoo at the last moment from the first division of the Renown Handicap at Rosehill last Saturday week, is a somewhat sensational story. A jockey, H. Mears, had been engaged for her and was waiting to take the mount —she had actually been the medium of a little speculation on the tote—and brought in to the saddling paddock ready to contest the race, when the veterinary surgeon suggested her withdrawal. Fortunately she wasn’t a strong fancy with bettors on the race. “OFFICIALLY SPOTTED” The stewards’ report on the matter suggested that she had been officially spotted in her lameness as she walked round preparatory to taking her place in the field. It ran as follows: “In the first division of the Renown Handicap, when Periwoo came into the parade ring, she appeared to be walking unsoundly. The veterinary surgeon was of the opinion that she should not be allowed to run and on his recommendation the stewards allowed W. Booth to withdraw the mare.” But it is understood that word was carried to the stewards some considerable time before the racing started, warning them of the mare’s condition. PECULIARITY AT ROSEHILL It is said that Periwoo shows a strange lameness on the track at Rosehill. In fact, her gait is so peculiar that she gives the impression that she might stumble and fall at any moment. The risk of starting her in a big field in such a condition seems to have startled the owner of at least one rival competitor in the Renown Handicap. He took the initiative of suggesting that she should be officially examined by the club’s vet. to determine whether she should be allowed to race. Apparently the officials agreed that it might be risky to run Periwoo, so the trainer was given the alternative of scratching her without incurring the customary late-scratching fine. A CHRONIC AILMENT? The limping gait Periwoo reveals might be a sort of chronic ailment such as Julia Grey, Honan and other performers exhibited at different times in their careers. They looked lame and decrepit, but nevertheless were able to race. It is only fair to point out, too, that Periwoo has raced several times lately, the last being at Moorefield a fortnight ago. At the Moorefield meeting prior to that she actually led in a race. Still the trouble might have developed to a greater extent in the meantime. Her near knee looked abnormal and she showed decided lameness when she paraded round the saddling paddock prior to the race. SAFETY FIRST PRINCIPLE So it might have been dangerous to allow her to start. In the field she would have met were several fancied Doncaster candidates and owners who have these going for big stakes would not have appreciated racing against a mare that tottered on her lame leg so dangerously that a fall might occur. Apart from upsetting a possible betting harvest, however, the risk to the field is the big thing in racing and should be the first consideration. It is necessary that stewards and other officials should watch out for lame horses or those with impediments that might bring down a field. Still, it is unlikely that a trainer of repute and one of the standing of Wm. Booth, who trains Periwoo, would allow that mare to go out unsound if he thought there was the slightest risk of accident. So apparently it is possible for experts to differ on the subject of the safety or otherwise of a racehorse’s legs. INVERCARGILL CLUB BIG EVENT TO VAWARD Press Association. INVERCARGILL, Thursday. The Southland Racing: Club’s meeting concluded to-day in showery weather. There was a fair attendance, and the totalisator handled £11,675 10s against £13,891 on the second day last year, making the total for the meeting £23,672, compared with £29,510 10s lest year. ' Results: PRESIDENT’S HANDICAP, 6 fur.—3 Overhaul, 7.12 (E. Brodie), 1; 5 Receipt, 812 2; 2 Rob, 7.5, 3; Also started: 6 Eaton Bells, 7.5; 11 Ecuador, 7.10; 9 Bugle Note, 7.0; 10 Sweet Melody; 7 Bright Mark, 7.0; 12 Andante, 7.1; 1 Mime, 7.1; 4 Spean Bridge, 7.1; 8 Valdamo, 7.0. Won by half a length, with three-quarters of a length between second and third. Time, 1.193. INVERCARGILL STEEPLECHASE, 2J miles.—2 Vice Grand, 9.2 (E. Mackie), 1; 1 Cartoon, 10.11, 2; 7 Kipling, 10.9, 3. Also started; 6 Galway, 10.5; 4 Ramu, 10.1 (fell); Night Raid, 0.13 (fell); 5 Londonderry, 9.12 (ran off); 2 Blazing Light (coupled with Vice Grand), 9.9 (fell). Won by 15 lengths. Time, 5.26 3-o. AWARUA HANDICAP Of £300; 11 miles. 6 VAWARD, 8.1 (D. Kerr) 1 4—BILBO, 7.4 (L. J. Ellis) 2 7 CUPIDON, 7.0 (R. Beale) 3 Also started: 1 Rapier, 9.4; 5 Set Sail, 8.13; 3 Baldowa, 8.11; 2 King Sol, 8.0. Vaward led into the straight from Bilbo and Cupidon and won easily by three lengths from Bilbo. Cupidon was two lengths back. Time, 2.16. BLUFF HANDICAP, 1 mile. —1 Wingatui, 9.3 (B. Brodie), 1; 6 Equerry, 7.12, 2; 3 Eyed Ova, 7.7., 3. Also started: 2 Soldier’s Hope, 8.10; 8 Glenham, 7.12; 7 Vogue, 7.5; 4 Parader, <.«; 9 Last Thought, 7.7. Time 1.49 4-5. DASH SADDLE TROT, 1 mile—4 Blue Bay, limit (owner), 1; 3 Erin Chimes, b 0 yds. bhd., 2; 11 Baker Bov, 12 yds., *. Also started: 23 Princess Pointer, limit; 9 Young Bingen, limit; 5 Mountain Queen, limit, and Queen Betty, 3byds. (coupled): IS Chiming King; S Cloverly, limit; 23 Cov Bells and Princess Pointer, limit (coupled); 12 White Sun, limit; 1 Etambe, limit; John Dee, limit; 14 Red Spinner, limit; 19 Harrotha, 12yds. blid.; 16 The Monkey, 12yds.; 20 Gold Chimes, 24yds.; 15 Panee Loo, 24yds.; 17 V allace Mac, 24 yds.; 21 Perfect Pointer, 24yds; 7 Vasilikj, 24vds; 22 Snowc-ap, 36 yds.; 13 First Toll, 36vds; 23 Silbon, 48yds.; 2 Liberal, 48 yds.; 3 Berma Pointer, 48yds. YV on by five lengths. Time, 2.31. WINTER OATS HANDICAP, 1 mile. —2 Overhaul, 9.1 (A. Ruthven), 1; 5 Courtley Rose, T.Oj 2; 8 Soltoe, 7.0, 3. Also started: 7 Baldowa, 9.3; 1 Miss Winkie, 8.3; 3 Doleful Ditty, 7.12; 11 Bloom, 7.5; 9 Kilbarry, 7.0; 10 Kilfane, 8.4; 4 Battle Colours, 7.3; 6 Tholomon, 7.0; 12 Salerno, 7.0. YY on by a length, with three lengths between second and third. Time, 1.48 1-5.

MASTERTON MEETING

VERTIGERN’S WIN Press Association MASTERTON, Thursday. The Masterton Autumn Meeting was held to-day in fine weather. The.track was hard and fast and the attendance was good. The totalisator handled £12,189, an increase of £Bll 10s compared with last year. A. Hobson was suspended for two months for interference in the Telegraph Handicap. Results: TRIAL STAKES. 5 furlongs.—l Mandarine, 8.7, (R. J. Mackie), 1; 5 Colorina, 8.7, 2; 3 Eloquent, 8.8, 3. Also started: 9 Mileaton, 8.7; 2 Pipirenzo, 8.7; 11 Miss Glow, 8.7; 6 Royal Black, 8.7; 7, Lhassa, 8.7; 4 Merry Sarto, 8.7; 10 Our Bob, 8.7; 12 Avazone, 8.7. Won by a length. Time, 1.3. TELEGRAPH HANDICAP, 6 furlongs. —3 Ruakura, 7.7 (Wiggins), 1; 2 Kilmezzo, 8.8, 2; 1 Addlepate, 8.0, 3. Also started: 10 Imitation, 9.2; 4 Bank Draft, 5.7, and Rowley, 8.1 (coupled); 8 Molto 7.11; 9 Jemidar, 7.9; 6 Carrigallon, 7.8; 7 Land Guard, 7.1; 5 Hymgreat, 7.11; 11 Elmorz, 7.0. Won by three-quarters of a length. Time, 1.14 1-5. FLYING HANDICAP, 6 furlongs.—2 Royal Divorce, 9.5 (R. J. Mackie), and 2 Standard, 8.1 (G. Ridgeway), dead heat, 1; 1 First Acre, 8.13, 2. Also started: 6 Mireusonta, 8.11; 4 Polyphemus, 8.8; S Kilceit, 7.10; 3 Lady Ideal, 7.11; 9 Lady Fingers, 7.7; 10 Riverina, 7.0; 7 Blonde, 7.0. Third horse was a short head away. Time, 1.14. AUTUMN HANDICAP, Of £250; 14 miles. 2—VERTIGERN, C. Elgar’s b g, 3yrs, by Rossendale—Pansy, 7.0 (T. Green) 1 4—BEAUMONT, 8.1 (L. G. Morris) .. 2 G—NO FAVOURS, 7.0 (H. Wiggins) 3 Also started: 1 Hynanna, 9.9; 3 Opa, 7.12; 5 Vesperus, 7.11; 7 Ardfinnan, 7.4. Won by a length and a-quarter, two lengths separating second and third. Time, 2.9 1-5. JUVENILE HANDICAP, 5 furlongs.—l Arrow Lad, 8.9 (E. Manson), 1; 4 Chips, 8.8, 2; 6 King Midas, 8.9, 3. Also started: 5 Cosmetic, 8.11, and Historic, 7.9 (coupled); S Terei, 8.5; 10 Exhibition, 7.9; 7 Hygrade, 7.9; Thurnbelle, 7.9, and Lilock. 7.4 (coupled); 2 Vigilence; 3, Keddar, 7.7; 11 Thurville, 7.6; 12 Constantia, 7.6; 9 Grey Mist, 7.4. Won by two lengths. Time, 1.1 2-5. STEWARDS’ HANDICAP, 1 mile.—l Merry Damon, 8.6 (T. Green), 1; 4 Tresham, 9.0, 2; 5 Willow Wai, 7.7, 3. Also started: 3 Bonhomme; 2 Black Mint. Won by a length and a-half. Time, 1.1 1-5. DASH HANDICAP, 7 furlongs.—3 Henna. 7.8 (H. Wiggins). 1; 2 Kilmezzo, 5.6, 2; 1 Addlepate, 7.11, 3. Also started: 7 General Wai, 7.13; 4 Hymestrason, 7.4; 6 Hymill, 7.4; 5 Panorama, 7.0; Avazone, 7.n. ‘ Won by one and a-half lengths. Time, 1.27 1-5. $

WANGANUI’S CARD

MEETING OPENS TO-MORROW REVIEW OF THE PROGRAMME The Wanganui Trotting Club’s annual meeting commences to-morrow, and interest will be taken in those parts as several local competitors are engaged. The fixture is to be held tomorrow and on Saturday on the W.J.C. course, which is one mile, round. Proceedings will commence with the INNOVATION HANDICAP 3.50 class, li miles. Hostess . . . Lt. Kevin Brae . Lt. Abruhanys . . Lt. Good Lady . . Lt. Vallamont . . Lt. Lena Chimes . Lt. Zoe McKinney Lt. Welcome. Pearl Lt. Gold Band . . Lt. Enawah Lt Yds. bhd. Yds. Bhd. Indicator . . 12 Van Mac ... 24 Halgana ... 12 Lady Kevin . . 24 Firebell .... 12 There are several engaged of more or less unknown quality in this 3.50 limit event, and though the majority figure on the limit the winner may come from something back in the handicaps. The Auckland pacer, Halgana, after her third place at the Taranaki fixture, reads a likely one, while Lady Kevin, from the back mark, may prove troublesome. The following event is the EASTBROOK HANDICAP 3.45 class, 1£ miles. Richmond Lass Lt. Ce Advanceur 24 Zoe McKinney Lt. Lou Pronto . 24 Van Mac . . . Lt. Royal Arcade . 48 Yds. bhd. Filton .... 48 Castle Chimes 12 Hal Huon . . 60 Audubon High Sea ... 60 Patch ... 12 Bell Dial ... 60 Marion, jun. . 12 Lady Ballin . 60 In this 3.45 limit race anything may have a chance, for, like the preceding race, the quality engaged is somewhere about fourth rate! Lou Pronto (trained at Hawera) won so well at the Marlborough meeting that he must be seriously considered, while Bell Dial (trained in the North, at Wellsford) cannot be overlooked. Should an outsider be first home it would occasion no surprise. Next on the programme comes the KIRKWOOD HANDICAP 3.58 class, 14 miles. Octachord . . Lt. Dentistry ... 48 Lady Ena . . Lt. Caterpillar . . 72 Maxfiy . . . Lt. Ben Bingen . 84 Bon Tapui . . Lt. Audo Child . 96 Yds. bhd. Peter McDonMidland ... 36 aid 168 Bright Light . 48 For trotters only, having a limit of 3.58, from the material engaged it may develop into a scramble, and if any of the competitors cover the distance without hitting the air it will be worth recording. Ben Bingen and Bright Light may be sorted out as a pair likely to find most favour, but Aucklanders will be inclined to wager on Lady Ena and Peter McDonald, as both are trained at Alexandra Park. They are very unsafe conveyances from the punter’s point of view, and if they are in the money the field will be very weak. Most interest will centre in the WANGANUI CUP HANDICAP Of £150; 4.50 class; 2 miles. Petroleuse . . Lt. Yds. bhd. Karma . . . Lt. Great Actress. 36 George 4th . . Lt. Lottie Advance 48 Nellie Bramlev Lt. Uncle Bert . . 84 Yds. bhd. Kokiritea . . 96 Dillon’s Pride. 12 Pearl CoroHope Dillon . 12 nado .... 108 Aggie Bell . . 24 Direct Morning 144 Blue Glen . . 36 The trotting mare Petroleuse, who won at the Otahuhu meeting, going 4.48, is considered well treated in being asked to do 4.50, being on the limit, but the chances are that despite her speed the pacers will pull her off her feet in the early part of the race. Nellie Bramley has only to do it correctly for her Wellsford owner to prove troublesome, and she will have plenty of support from this quarter. The Mangere trained mare Aggie Bell, although she failed at will have numerous friends, for she is capable of going the two miles. Another one likely to find solid support is Great Actress, who has some fair races to her credit. So the most fancied trio are Petroleuse, Nellie Bramley, and Great Actress. The mile event is the AUTUMN HANDICAP 2.25 Class. One Mile. Caprice .. .. Lt. Yds. Bhd. Indicator .. Lt. Item 1" Royal Arcade Lt, Bingen Boy .. 12 Reveille .... Lt. High Sea .... 1« Gt. Kevin .. Lt. Ben Dillon .. 24 Lou Pronto .. Lt. Cora Tacks .. 24 Ce Advanceur lit. Ajax <>6 Azezlion *. .. Lt. Master Cute .. 4f> Yds. Some Jazz .. 43 Bhd. Pillage .. .. 12 With a limit of 2.25 attached to this saddle contest, preference will no doubt be given to Lou Pronto, who figures on that mark, and although he is engaged earlier in the day he will have many admirers. Bingen Boy will not be neglected, for he is owned by the Gisborne sportsman, R. Fisken, and as he won over a mile and aquarter at Poverty Bay by 40 yards in good time he should prove the favourite. The two-mile trotting race follows. This is the PRESIDENT’S HANDICAP 5.6 Class. Two Miles. Lady Ena .. Lt. . Yds. Bhd. Midland .. .. Lt. Louisana .. <- Bon .Tapui .. Lt. Plunder .. .. M ■ P y da . P . McDonald 96 Bhd. Great Change 90 Audo Child .. 12 Raima v .. .. 120 Real Todd .. 24 Miss Lida .. li*6 Tui Bells .. 43 Ngatira .. .. 202 Native Star .. 00 Patrons will in all fall over one another to be on Great Change, owned by Mr. A. J. Corrigan, and trained by F. Bullock at Hawera. Great Change on form reads well. He won so decisively at Taranaki that his prospects for future events read well. This trotter, on 96 yards, is set to accomplish 4.58, as the limit attached to the event is 5.6. Native Star, who won at the Manawatu meeting, may be the next in request. A 4.57 limit pace will be the FOSTER’S HANDICAP 4.57 Class. Two Miles. Firebell .. .. Lt. Yds. Lady Ballin .. Lt. Bhd. Ngahuia .. lit. Oleda . . . - 12 Richmd. Lass Lt. Nellie Parson 12 Z. McKinney Lt. Gaza 12 Golden Morn. Lt. Explosion .. 3o Bell Dial .... 36 Eleven claim engagement, and six of that number figure on the limit. Explosion, a stable mate of Great Change, and also a winner at Taranaki, will be well sought after. Bell Dial may represent the danger. The business of the day will conclude with a mile and a-quarter 3.2 limit event, the MORTON MEMORIAL HANDICAP 3.2 Class. One and a-quarter Miles. Lady Zoe .. Lt. George 4th .. ’2 Aud. Patch .. Lt. Jesmond Dene 12 Halgana .. .. Lt. Tui Zolplck .. 24 Great Kevin Lt. Hope Dillon . . 3o Good Lady .. Lt. Nellie Bramley 36 Fliton .. .. Lt. M. Audubon .. 6 ) Yds. • L. Fashion .. 6<J Bhd. Blue Glen .. 60 Bell Dial .. 12 Sungleam .. 72 Bell Todd .. 12 Uramic .. .. 72 Item . . .. .. 12 Most of those engaged claim races earlier in the day, and previous running will prove a guide perhaps to successful investing. Item is one that will have a following.

UP AND DOWN

THE WANGANUI CLUB SUCCESS OF MEETING ASSURED The Wanganui Club commences its annual meeting to-morrow, and it i« to be congratulated on the large number of entries received, as well as the first day’s acceptances. Indeed, so well have owners responded that the most successful fixture held by the club for very many years should be registered. When one considers the programme submitted to owners (the cup Is worth only Cl 50). the result reads little short of marvellous. Last year the club gave £ 1.900 in stake money, but this season the prize j money only amounts in all to £1,440, £720 each* day. So far, with the en- ! trance money for both days and the acceptances for the opening day the flub already has in hand £628, this sum including £42K toward the first day’s stakes of £720. or nearly twothirds. WHAT OWNERS HAVE PAID To illustrate this point more clearly, let us take the individual event*, or rather some of them. The Innovation Handicap is worth £7<> and owners have contributed £55, leaving the club to find £ls to make up the stake. Better still is the Morton Memorial, a race instituted to the memory of a real good sportsman and secretary to the club in the years when trotting was very much a small sport. The stake attached to this race is £BO, and in entries and acceptances the club has already in hand £6B. While there is no gainsaying the fact that the Wanganui Trotting Cub is in these days very much on uneasy j street, the figures quoted above rather' suggest that the men in the game are j not getting a fair return from the club. No doubt those most surprised at the , wonderful nominations must have been I the committeemen of this body, for • not in recent years has the response to the call for nominations been on j such a liberal scale. Had they been j aware that they were to be faced with \ a regular deluge of entries for the j events programmed then it is only | reasonable to state that the stakes would almost certainly have been allowed to remain as last year. A TALE OF MISFORTUNE In the past the Wanganui Trotting Club conducted its annual meeting on the Friday and Monday of the week when the Wanganui Jockey Club raced on Thursday and Saturday, and yet they did little good, for although there might have been a small profit made j on occasions, that went quickly _to make up for the loss incurred on Liverpool Park. Liverpool Park was the new ground purchased by the club and converted into a trotting course with a clay track, and just when a start was to be made with the racing on it the slump came and the club had no money left to erect stands and conveniences. Consequently, after one or two experiences of having to stand all day to see the racing, and to be exposed to the heat and dust from the track, the popularity of the sport waned considerably. SUDDEN DECLINE Seven years ago the totalisator investments for their two days amounted to a few pounds short of £50,000; twelve months ago, by which time the club had evacuated their Liverpool Park the machine handled nearly £21,000. Liverpool ‘ Park is now being cut up for building sections, and in getting out from their liability the club decided to cut their losses. Now they are racing once more on the racecourse at Wanganui, on the outside of the course proper, the rope being about ten feet out from the rails all the way round. This means that the times for the races are fairly slow, for the distance to be covered is much more than that shown. Indeed, in the mile fully a second and a-half could be allowed for the additional ground to be covered on this turning course. The indications for this week-end meeting, as already pointed out, are particularly bright, and it will indeed be surprising if a substantial profit on the fixture fails to be recorded. COMING EVENTS April 9. 11—Wanganui Trotting Club. April 16, 18—N.Z. Metropolitan Trotting Club. April 16, IS—Hawera Trotting Club. M ay 7— Cambridge Trotting Club. June 18. 22 —Auckland Trotting Club.

AUCKLAND HOCKEY

ANNUAL MEETING HELD The twenty-fourth annual general meeting of the Auckland Hockey Association was held last evening. The president of the association, Mr. L. C. Kent, presided over a large attendance of supporters and club delegates. In making reference to the past year the chairman said that it was one of the most momentous in the history of Auckland hockey. This was due no doubt to a large extent to the visit of the Indian Army team which throughout the tour had aroused tremendous interest and was of invaluable benefit from a playing point of view. The vice-patron of the association, Mr. L. H. Norton, in reviewing the report, details of which have already been published in THE SUN, stated that the reintroduction of hockey into primary schools was certainly a move in the right direction. The lads had taken to the game with much keenness and it was pleasing to record the success of last season’s school competitions. The following officers for the ensuing year were elected: Patron, Mr. E. R. Davis; vice-patron, Mr. L. H. Norton; president, Mr. L. C. Kent; vice-presi-dents, Messrs. H. B. Burnett, A. S. Player, H. B. Speight; honorary secretary, Mr. E. J. Hewitt; honorary treasurer, Mr. A. Player; assistanthonorary secretary, Mr. Peace; honorary auditor, Mr. A. C. Johns; delegates to New Zealand Hockey Association, Messrs. J. Taylor and G. Ellyett; executive committee, Messrs. Nicholson, Burton, Fitt, Craig, Ellison, Radcliffe, Fletcher and Giles.