SPORTING.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 March 1916, Page 7

SPORTING.

TURF TOPICS (By "Moturoa.") The Masterton Racing Club autumn meeting opens to-day, and judging by the acceptances there should be some good racing, though naturally some punters will imagine that they tan pick out a few "dry" bets in this dry district. The Cup is by no means an easy propisltion. Orleans has been in winning' vein lately, and Leonta, who is a much improved horse, since he ran his stable-mate, PrincesH Moutoa, to a head at Wanganui, is well fancied by his part,y. Chillies is alleged to be a strong favorite i- the March Handicap, but the bay is also engaged in the Masterton Hack Handicap, . in which his chances look brighter. Downham's form at Napier Park was not brilliant, but at his best he would have a chance with 9.0. Pariform finished just outside a place in the big spring at Wanganui, and reads well in with 7.9. The" Masterton Hack Handicap may see Rongora. and Whakahoki in demand. The Ruamahunga Hack Race will bring some fair sprinters together, notably Mahzoltov, Bairnsdale, and Bradaniante. Critic and Melodist are mentionfd as likely to give a good account of themselves in the gentlemen riders' events. The Opaki Welter is run over a mile that may prove to the liking of Zetes and Ararat. Interlude has been taken over to contest the Dash Hack Handicap, ami a meeting between that filly and Marimba should be interesting. A Wanganui scribe states that neither Master Lupin nor ' lionise Orme have done much on the tracks since the Wanganui meeting, and that neither have been 1-n'ked for Rangitikei engagements.

Fred 'J illey's team for Masterton comprised Leonta, Ararat, and Perrier. The trio have been showing fine form on the tracks, and should run well in whatever events they start. The rider of Kooya in the Hack Hurdles at Greenmeadows was advised by the stipes to infuse more energy into his efforts in future. Here's a chance for an enterprising "pill puncher," to trade off some Buck-Up Drops, or Energy Dope. The complaint is very prevalent amongst hurdle horsemen, and not even a six draclnnn ball would shift their lethargy, B. Deploy scored three wins at Nelson, hut his first flutter on board of a trotter was not so successful. Perhaps he wasn't on "the pea." Kevalenta, not "Revelcnter" as the Press Association stated, is a halfsister to Pamnure, and is said to be very speedy in private. Although a brace of seconds were her share at Napier, she should do better when more seasoned. Xo less than fifteen horses arc engaged in both the Great liaster and Great Autumn Handicaps, at lliccarton. Heather broke down badly at Nelson, and will be on the retired list for some time.

Indigo has won JGITC.j in stakes this seasop.

The following horses have incurred penalties for Mnteterton: Bradamante 8.3 (Ruamahunga Handicap), Marimba 0.4 (Dash Handicap), and Critic 11.5 (Ladies' Bracelet).