SPORTING.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 309, 22 May 1913, Page 7

SPORTING.

WANGANUI WINTER MEETING. (By "Moturoa.") The Wanganui Jockey Club's winter meeting opens to-day, and wi]l be concluded on Saturday. At time of writing —noon 011 Wednesday—the weather does j not promise to be anything but wintry, and the tracks are well soaked by the heavy rains of the last forty-eight hours. Practically all the horses engaged are oil the scene of action, and the gathering promises to be a big one. Tile state of the going will probably upset calculations a little, and punters may find winners very difficult to sort out. The ice will be broken at noon with the Borough Handicap, six furlongs, for which Postillion is likely to start a warm favorite. He is a good horse in almost any going, but he may have to gallop very fast to beat Ineuru to-day. The latter is a warrior in the mud, and on Hawera form must be one of the bestconditioned ones in the sfirint event. The Hack Steeple looks like bringing out a good field, and the race should supply plenty of excitement. Anything may happen in a jumping race, but the public appear to consider that nothing will happen to Rebel, Salopian and Leolanter.

Then comes the piece de resistance—the Wanganui Steeplechase. It may be said at the beginning that if The Native , starts lie will be a very hot order, and with 11.2 the black horse appears to have a great chance. In his absence, Dorando might be the public's elect. The local horse was never better than at present, and appears to be the safest conveyance in the field. Okaihau won with 10.6 last year, and with only 41b more in the saddle to-day A. J. Flynn's mount, may have to be reckoned with if his legs stand. Glemnore has gone up 81b since running third last year, but his party fancy his chance. Bravest is the eleventh-hour tip, and all the Hawke's Bay crowd appear to bq "dillv" about the chestnut. Hawick should get round, but the. distance mav find him out. Looking up the records, we find the names of many great 'chasers enrolled amongst Wanganui Steeplechase winners. In fact it" is many years .since a tried and experienced horse won the race. Those who go for the horses who have form and not mere repute to recommend them will probably be found calling loudest for Dorando, The Native and Okaihau to-day.

The crowd engaged in the Kaitokc Hack Hurdles could not by any stretch of imagination be reckoned a very select lot Tlirave is the Hawke's Bay tip, but most punters prefer a seasoned juniner. If Wutehchain could be got to reproduce his track form, he might be one of the hardest to boat. .Tackpin is another who will be well backed.' The issue looks very open.

The writer has heard whispered about six ''stone morals" for the Century Hurdles, but cannot find one himself. Chief Marshal is sure to give a good account of himself, and the better-of the Hawera pair, Darby Paul and Bereola, may be well up at the finish. If Chief Marshal can stay as well as his backers allege, the stake may go to Hawke's Bay. Leonta is alleged to be quoted j>t a very short price for the Connolly Handicap, and will have the services of W. Price, who will weiejh out a couple of pounds over. Multiply and Byron appear to he very"'well, and Phosphorous and Aruake Jook>-tha.-fittest, of the lightweights. Leonta and Multiply ma J- „l)p ; . tlu\ favorites on the dav.

Sweet Breeze, on the strength of a smart gallop on Tuesday morninsr. is given a rough chance in the Purua Hack Handicap. The field does not contain many good horses, though Invader. Euroeo and Mummer have all shown pace at times. In the heavy going the hurdle horse. Euroco may be one of the strongest finishers.

Mr. S. Erercton will arrive in Wanfiinui this (Wednesday) afternoon with Tneuru. The mave is vcTy fit, and Waverleyites are sanguine of success. The Taranaki arrivals on Tuesday evening included Darby Paul. Tree Lucerne, Knrnalpi. St. Serf. Brown Star and Wild Lupin. The last-named will probably sport silk oil Saturday. Antarctic pulled up sore on Tuesday, and the wet whither has not improved his condition. There is something horoic in "Billy Tuck's firm conviction that the old horse will win to-day.