SPORTING.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 297, 10 May 1911, Page 8

SPORTING.

TURF TOPICS. (P.y "Moturoa"). The Hawkc's Bay Cup, run over one mile and a-lialf at'llastings to-day, has drawn eleven fair hferses, of which number at least half-a-dozen are reputed stayers. The chances of Fort William, Merrivonin, Woodhey and Cheddar are highly thought of in some quarters, but the winner appears to be well concealed. While galloping at Hastings one morning last week, Lord Soult broke down badly. Wimmera, who was unfortunate at Trentham, has been galloping in great style during the last week, and is sure to run well in forthcoming engagements. At Avondale, jockey A. Whittakcr rode four winners, and "Tartar" Julian piloted tlie winner of the hurdle race each day. Mon Ami and Gold Lace were railed to Hastings on Saturday. The former was galloping nicely before leaving home, and will probably be ridden by C. Emmerson to-day. How Gold Lace will shape in a long-distance event will be followed with interest. Old Grenadier has broken down again, and the projected Sydney trip is now off. Weights for the minor events at the Wanganui winter meeting should be declared on Friday. The same night acceptances for the Great Northern Steeplechase and for the Egmont meeting will require the attention of horse-owners. The ilawke's Bay Stakes will be decided o-i Thursday. Bobrikoff is fast setting into form, but it is hardly possible that the champion will be_n't his best to tackle the strong opposition in the 7orangah.au Handicn-i. Hermia and Formby are considered I'kelv starters.

Chedi 1 r failed badly in the heavy going at Ti ntham, but with a firmer course at Hasti:i»B it is quite on the cards that the Hawke's Bay horse will show a glimpse of the form which carried it first past the post in the Great Autumn Handicap at Riccarton last month. Through an oversight, Kopu was! weighted for the Connolly Handicap at' Wanganui in place of Kopek. The tetter's weight is 7st, and Kopu should not appear in the handicap at all. Kopek is now trained by Mr. J. Prosser at Porirua.

Much interest is being taken in the meeting between Royal Scotch and Bootle in the Nursery Handicap at Hastings. Both youngsters have shown winning form lately, and surprise was expressed when Mr. Coyle assessed Royal Scotch as superior to Bootle. The latter is well suited by a live-furlong course, as he proved at Ellerdie, but doubts are expressed as to his gameness, and with Royal Scotch to worry him all the way it is hard to say ho'w the Birkenhead colt will shape. The Ashburton Racing Club's autumn meeting takes place on Thursday and Friday.