SPORTING.

Taranaki Daily News, 9 February 1916, Page 7

SPORTING.

TARANAKI AUTUMN MEETING. (Notes by "Moturoa.") Never in the history of the Taranaki Jockey Club have prospects of a Tight, royal meeting been more promising than' to-day, when the Club's autumn meeting will be opened. The presence of fine horses like Merry Roe, Emperador. Bi,raeter, Flying Start, Crown Pearl, Tree Lucerne, etc., makes interesting raeinw a certainty, and in addition the engage" ment of the "craek" Wanganui Garrison Band should be a great draw. The course is in fine order, and the completeness of She arrangements bear the stamp of E. I'. Webster, the secretary facile prineeps. Mr. C. O'Connor will slip the fields, and Mr. W. H, Hartgill will preside in the judge's box. The meeting will be concluded to-morrow.

Proceedings will open with the Waitara Hack Hurdles, in which consistent horses like Vladian, Epworth, and Scrutineer are engaged. The Stewards' Handicap will bring together smart sprinters such as Glenroy, Tyson, and Battle Eve. The firstnamed should start favorite.

The Taranaki Cup has attracted fourteen horses, and horses most discussed are Merry Hoe, Emperador, Moulu, Want and Goldsize. The issue is certainly very open, but the public may go solidly for the two top-weights. Lady Middleton ran well enough at Hawera to earn her friends for the Mimi Welter, in whieli seven very moderate ones figure. The good form shown by Florist, both on the flat at Foxton and over sticks at Hawera, should ensure her a good following in the Okato Handicap. Sylvan Dale, who has lightened up considerably, ran prominently at the Egmont meeting, and will also carry money.

The Flying Handicap promises to provide an interesting race. If Merry Roe is allowed to drop out Crown Pearl will be left in the post of honor, and he is certainly master of 8.13. Astor won the Waimate Handicap with 8.2, but a rise of lOlbs may restrain her velocity. Flying Start, on tthe same mark, and Tree Lucerne Sst read better. Possibly Flying Start and Crown Pearl will be entrusted with the bulk of the money. Scratchings may reduce the field for the Moturoa Electric Handicap tto reasonable proportions, otherwise there would hardly be enough jocksters to go round, Antwerp, Avena, and Pergola may be as well backed as anything.

If Hushman starts in the Timaru Hack Handicap he will come in for much attention. Bisogne and Paraoa can both (travel fast, and a good race should ensue.

Deeley, whose arm lias been feeling the effects of his fall at Takapuna went through 'the Christchurch meeting without a winning bracket. He went north by the Rarawa last night, and so will not be able to fulfil his riding engagements here. Hatch, will in consequence, probably have the mount on Eiuperador today.