SPORTING.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 92, 4 September 1912, Page 7

SPORTING.

TURF TOPICS. (By "Moturoa"). The Marton Racing Club's spring meeting takes plate to-day and marks the opening of the new racing season as regards the North Island. Fur a oneday gathering the acceptances received must nearly constitute a record, and tine racing should be served up for patrons to-day. The Marton club is quite up-to-date now and the fine large total isator house and silent machine recently installed should be a vast improvement on the ancient all'airS which did service last year. The weather lias been fine at Marton and the tracks are reported to be in good condition. A big number of Taranaki sports left early this week for the scene of action, and the meeting promises to be very successful. Of the fifteen remained in the Hack Hurdles the chances of Xeseot, Moahau and Aema appear to be most discussed. Serenity and Postillion are sure to have a lot of supporters for the Maiden Plate. Some of those paid up for are poor cattle. If Crown Pearl starts in the Railway Handicap the Taranaki horse is almost sure to be favorite. Xgatimaru appears to have sneaked in lightly with 7st., but the issue looks open. On the strength of Wanganui Hunt Club form, Gondolier (late Galtee More) promises to be as well backed as anything when they line up for the Hunt Cup. It is hard to say who will carry all the money in the Marton Handicap. The Rover, Coronetted, Brown Trout, Odessa and Kilrain are all whispered about as likely horses to run well. Sir Tristram ran well at Trentham, wliere he was unlucky, and the aged neddy may be equal to stretching the necks of most of the better-fancied ones.

Thirty sprinters remain in the Electric Handicap, and in a five-furlong llutter much depends on the start. (He who hesitates is left at the tapes). Outward is a quick beginner and comes from a strong stable. Katua is well fancied, but can have little chance with the speedy Silver Rose if last week's running at Wanganui is any guide. Silver Rose won very easily there, and is reputed to be as sharp as a tin of "Colman's" at the barrier. The Hack Steeple should provide an interesting race. Most of the horses are poor 'chasers, but Kelp (who ran second in the Enfield Steeple), and Hakari (with whom J. Hathaway landed a stake at Riccarton last month) are likely to run forward. The Tutatenui Welter has drawn the devil's number of acceptors. "The Native will have a lot of supporters if itarted. Trainer Ben Nicholls, erstwhile Stratford and Hawera-ite, is now foreman under Stewart Wad dell at Ormond's Karamu stable. Prior to leaving Foxton, Mr. Messina disposed of Waiotapu (St. Ambrose— Waipuna) to Mr. Smith. The price paid was £SO. Acceptances for the Dannerirke meeting (which takes place this day week) should appear this morning. No less than 34 horses were handicapped for the Hack iSteeplc, the largest number Mr. Henrys has been called upon to adjust weights for in a steeplechase, with the exejption of the Grand National. Owing to the indisposition of Mr. Aidword, Mr. W. 11. Hartgill will fill the judge's box at Marton. The hard-worked Seaman is now in work again and looks well after his short spell. Since filling the role of runner-up to Stone Ginger at Riccarton, Kelp has been getting through good work, and the Canterbury horse will be piloted by F. Cress at Marton and at Dannovirke. Captain Jingle has always carried an "glv joint and his owner has decided to spell the horse instead of tempting Fate (and a break-down) on the hard tracks of sunny 'Stralia. Mr. J. H. Prossor's team for Marton comprises Aloha, Styx, Stepney and Aratiatia. Styx and Aratiatia are reported to be the most forward ones of the quartette. Bonnie Jean and Hey Boy. trained at Onelutnga, were sent through to Marton this week to fulfil their engagements. Bonnie Jean is only a moderate fencer and the other horse has done nothing commendable to date. " The ox-New Zealander, C. Emmerson, continues to ride in good form in Sydney and is quite in the boom now. Ben Deelev lias had a few mounts recently, but has not been successful so far.