SPORTING.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 May 1917, Page 8

SPORTING.

WAXGAOTI NOTES}. (By "Moturon.") Writing from Wangunui at 1 p.m. oil ■ Wednesday, "Moturoa" states:— 1 Steady rain fell this morning, and though training operations were got 1 through in sunshine between S.:iO ancflO a.m., the drizzle recommenced at noon, and prospects for the opening day of the Wangamii .T.C. winter meeting are not too promising. The track proper, owing to recent top-dressing, is greasy and will cut up badly unless the weather improves. The trailing tracks all bear evidence of the work done on Tuesday and to-day (Wednesday), and never before have I seen so many horses put through strong tasks on the eve of a w,inter meeting here. The number of hor?es of no account (apparently) is greater than ever. Already a big crowd have arrived for the meeting, and" today's trains should augment the throng considerably. The number of "lydies" parading the town is abnormal. Thursday's racing opens with the Borough Handicap (six furlongs), for which eighteen are carded. Nothing has gone better on the tracks than Chakwaiia, whose morning sprints have been of a high order. Hiacara was not asked to do much this morning, but she stripped well. Starengo did not please, but lightning went well. Interlude, as usual, spun off live furlongs in good style, but tiie final furlong and the state of the going may lind her wanting. Torotoro. made a "noise," and may not be class enough. Chakwana is likely to hold the position as favorite to the end, and should run a great race. / The Hack Steeple promises amusing sport, reminiscent of a hunt meeting at Wavcrlev. The topweight, Hereford, shaped like a cow of that ilk over the big fences this morning, and his chance looks hopeless. Union .Jack, who is reputed to be a good jumper generally, screwed at all his fences, and the best of the bunch, as regards jumping was Fapatere—easily. The last named should command most support. •Braeburn looks tit and jumps as steadily ai last season, and his party will not hear of defeat in the big Steeples. If anything beats him it may be Nita, who is a regular ball of muscle. Gluepot fences cleverly, but may not be in the topi bunch. St. Hlmn got round the big fences nvell this morning, bujj. the pace was not on. The others did nothing startling. The "heads"' are divided between the prospects of Nita and Braebunt.

The big field engaged in.the Kaitoke Hack Hurdles is mostly just plain ''rubbish." l'atinv, on Hastings and Awapuni form, lias only to start to be an even money favorite. Calais continues to jump smartly, and his llawera form is not—to my mind—true. Montana. "!!ew" the schooling hurdles in improved style this morning, but the big fences will stop him effectively. Tatinii (if reserved), Calais, and Colorado are the best track workers.

• L. Traill has got off Mahzoltov to ride Leonta in the Century Hurdle?, and the local horse is now quoted at a war risk premium. Bon I'eve ami Record are considered bis most formidable opponents. Leonta's condition does Walter. Rayner credit.

Of the thirteen engaged in the Connolly Handicap, nothing shaped as well this morning as Gang Awa'. Hcndra, on whom Deeley will have tnc mount, did not perform well, and Golden Grafton looks very light. Kauri King went well yesterday and again to-day, finishing! up very strongly at the right end. Hewipoto aiid Detroit are expected this afternoon. The favorites are Eewipoto, Gang Awu', and Kauri King, of -which Gang Awa' is hardening. Detroit lias only to run up to Manamatu .n to keep tlieni all Wisy.

Rjflst'one looks as fit as anything ongaged in tlie Purua Hack Handicap, though Johnnie Walker is very popular in some quarters.