SPORTING.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 111, 26 September 1912, Page 3

SPORTING.

TURF TOPICS. (% "Moturoa.") The Wanganui Jockey's Club Spring meeting, which opens to-day, promises excellent sport, and provided good weather favours our Wauganui friends the attendance should be very large. Heavy rain fell in Wanganui yesterday, and tlie stormy weather interfered with training operations, but the sandy tracks are excellent. and the strong wind should soon, dry up the Jawns, etc. The "enlarged totalizator house and extended lawns, both inside and out, should enable the Club to easily 'handle more money than previously. A large number of horses came through from the Otaki meeting yesterday, and the Hon. J. D. Ormond's

team arrived on Tuesday. The Wanganui Guineas should provide a spirited contest. Last year Counterfeit just wore down Jiificount in the last bit and won by a head. The same stables are strongly represented again this year, and Brown Owl and Haskayne are both looking very fit. Our King has been galloping freely and may take some beating, and Bon Here, who scored, at Aiihburton over seven furlongs, may be eevn to a<!vantage. Track watchers are particularly enamoured' of the chances of Bon Reve, Our King and Brown Owl. Kilrain holds his place as popular pick for the Spring Handicap, but Xgatimaru and Coromandel are also confidently supported. Fred Tilley won the race last year with Goodwin Park and has two horses, Lady Lucy and Kilrain running for him this time. Labour Day arrived lon Wednesday and is said to be' in great heart.

The Flying Handicap is an open affair. Eijnitas has been going well at Fordell, and Altcar and Piriwai have Marton form to recommend them. Master Sylvia won last year with 7st in the •addle, beating Merric Frank (6.7) by a head. The Taranaki horse has done'little since, but Merrie Frank is reported to be in good nick. | Messrs. Stead Bros, have produced a fine sprinter in Oxenhope, a 3-year-old chestnut colt by Obligado—Cyr'enienne. In a spin with Bon Reve on Tuesday, the colt went really well, and he is sure to start about favourite in whichever race he is slipped to-day. The Hurdle races promise good sport, and spirited betting. Koran, Coronetted and Waterworks are discussed for open events, and amongst the hacks Silver Cluse and Fashion Plate appear to be most admired.

Postillion looks very well, and may win a race soon.

Oakum put up the best gallop yesterday morning, but few fancy the horse in the Guineas to-dav.

Our King is a great, strong horse, and if the going is at all holding his chances should be improved.

The meeting will be concluded on Saturday. At time of writing—2 p.m. on Wednesday—the weather is squally, and heavy showers are falling.