SPORTING.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 155, 7 December 1914, Page 7

SPORTING.

RACING FIXTURES. Dec, 10 17.—Woodville J.C. Summer. Dec. 26', 28.—Taranaki J.C. Christmas. Dec. 26, 28, 29.—Manawatu R.C. Summer Dec. 26, 29, Jan. 1, 2.—Auckland R.C, Summer. Jan. 1, 2. —Stratford R.C. Annual. TARANAKI WEIGHTS. Promptly to time Mr Geo. Morse has declared his weights for the Taranaki Christmas meeting, and the lists are now engaging considerable attention. The adjustments appear to have been framed with Mr Morse's usual care, and acceptances—which fall due on Friday next—should be numerous. With Rewi Poto engaged in the Christmas Handicap there was no doubt as to what would be top-weight. The form shown by the black horse at Wanganui, and later on at Feilding entitles him to all of 9.4. Rewi Poto won the Marangai Handicap at Wanganui with 8,12, and scored again in the York Stakes at Feilding under 9.0. Certainly he should hold Maniaroa safe' at a difference of 71bs. Byron's last winning effort was in the Higgie Handicap (1} miles) at Wanganui, but a rise of 131bs. may settle his chance. Ratana's recent running has been very disappointing, land Wild Lupin (on the same mark), I und Sir Antrim (who beat him at I Waverley) may have more admirers. Rewi Poto (if started), Sif Antrim, and Maniaroa Bhould have good followfags. | ; The Flying Handicap will .bring some speedy sprinters together, and a return battle between Play Off and Astor would alone be worth watching. At Feilding on Saturday Play Off carired 8.1 and beat Astor (8.3) by a head. Astor will be meeting his rival on 71bs better terms here, and as he is improving fast he appears to have the better of the argument. Kaniki has not been in work long, and may be all the better for a gallop or two in public to sharpen him up. Zetes ran well enough at Waverley, but does not finish too generously, and may find the top-weights too "clasßy." Simple Sam won at Blenheim, but there was not much merit in that victory. Tree Lucerne has been off the scene for quite a while, and Matlow has not done much in public. The minor events are likely to fill well, and the class of hacks entered is very fair. Florist, who ran two really good races at Takapuna, reads well in the Hurdles. Quo Vadis, who could not "act" in the heavy going at Feilding, is nicely treated with 7.13 inj the Stewards' Hack Handicap, and should run better here. The Welter looks very open. Toa Tcre is going well, and should not be troubled with 10.7, though Chaminade has only to keep sound to prove dangerous. The Borough Handicap (five furlongs) has only to attract Lord Multifid, Watine and Toa Terc to ensure a keen race. Lconta is getting busy once again. Toreador, on form, is a spent light. Miacara is carrying an enlarged knee and may not stand. Di Gama- is still in Melbourne, and i has not (as reported) been brought back to New Zealand. The infirm ■ Autumnus is still getting through easy work at Riccarton, and could wipe the course of our sprinters at the present moment. Patronale's luck was out on Monday, He had the big event at Takapuna a» good as won, when he left the rails and allowed Jolie Fille to snap tlig, "inner" and beat him by a head. The Feilding Stakes were voted a good tiling for Battle Eve, but Postilion and Allen Doone had many supporters. When Rangitiro dashed off in front the field,quickly spread out, Postillion being well in the rear. Battle Eve was always lying handy, and was within striking distance at the home turn. But Rangitiro went away again as Battle Eve tired, and Postillion, coming with a great dash, cut Clifford's colt out of second place and got to within threequarters of a length of the winner. The honours of the race were all on Postillion's side. He was giving Rangitiro 371b5., and then had all the worst of the deal in running. Allen Doone cut up badly in the Feilding Stakes, but had a big army of backers when saddled up for the Nikau Hack Handicap on the second day. He again ran badly, and was not amongst the first five, so it looks as if "class" is not a feature of hack events in Hawke'B Bay. Passadena appears to have gone to pieces this year, and her running at Feilding was a long way below that of last season. She finished fourth each day, but was well licked at the finish of each race.

Sunbird is a squib. On the first day she finished well up in third place in the Flying Handicap, and the public sent her out second favourite on Monday. She wouldn't gallop a yard in the York Stakes, aud finished .well down the course. Feilding form was just a repetition of Wanganui form. The mare never runs two raijes alike and must be a puzzle to her owner, Mr. A. Alexander.

The Inglewood sport who races as Mr. C. Sherwood came out with £2OO against his name on the winning owners' list at Feilding. Mr. F. Selwood won .€155 with Playoff, W. Buckle £155 with Wild Lupin, and W. Raleigh £llO with Rewi Poto. Mr. C. Jackson took £3O for Astor's second in the Flying. Rewi Poto was described in the Feilding race books as a bay horse, and it was surprising how many reporters "followed the book" and overlooked "the black champion's" right color. Gold Soult was boomed for Feilding, but after having every chance in the Nikau .Handicap was beaten right back to fifth place—and in some places the Bar Vons were turning down the hotstuff!

Glenorchy was alleged to be "dry" for the open hurdle race at Feilding on the second day, but when passing the stand the first time another horse crossed him and brought him down. There appeared to be every chance of a general smashup, but those, following closely dodged Glenorchy miraculously and then set sail after the distant Leapuki. That spill upset Player's chance, and with ordinary luck he would have been closer up than third. The injury to Player's leg is said to be serious and some doubts are expressed as to "whether he will stand another preparation. Woodville nominations (were record 1 ones, and in all probability "big fields will face the starter there. Thirty-nine were entered for the Flying, and the others drew as follows: Hurdles 28, Grandstand Hack 25; Woodville Handicap 21; Borough Handicap 21; Hack Handicap 20; and Electric Handicap 26. 'The handieapper would be earning his salary with that lot. Amongst the Woodville entries are the Taranaki horses Rewi Poto, St.vvax, Quo Vaclis Wild Lupin, Manawakaha, Calais, Katua, Astor, Zetes and Simple Sam. Rewi Poto is stated to be. a likely starter in the Woodville Handicap.