TUAPEKA RACES,

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 208, 25 January 1872, Page 5

TUAPEKA RACES,

{By our Sporting Reporter.)

Having received a commission to take observations of the matutinal performances of the horses now in training for the Tuapeka Races, I got up for thu last four or five days at abnormally early hours, aud wended my way to the Tuapeka Course. I found a goodly turn-out of racers, which promises well for the success of the meet. As this is written before the entries are declared, I shall confine myself to the two handicaps. For the Lawrence Handicap, the following have accepted, and will, in all probability, come to the post : — Slander, backbiter, Lyndon, Patch, Foretop, Catapult, and Duchess. The whole of those appear in first-rate condition, and it requires close observation to say which is the likely horse. Slander has to carry top weight, but I think he is fully capable of doing it, and will make the pace pretty hot. Backbiter, if anything in his nld form, will not be far behind at the finish. The light weight on Duchess will give that mare a chance. However, I think .she will have to give place to Catapult. The others I don't think have a great show in company with those already mentioned, although they will probably make them put on steam. I place them as follows :—: — SLANDER, Ist ; Backbiter, 2nd ; Catapult, 3rd.

For the Publicans' Purse seven have also accepted — Yatterina, Catapult, Foi-e-top, Duchess, Backbiter, Maniototo, and Slander. The 'first-named, from her previous performances, is well able to carry the 9st. 21b., as she is in splendid form, and if meant for this race, will pull it off. I place them as follows :— YATTERINA, Ist ; Duchess, 2nd ; Backbiter, 3rd,

A large number of sweeps were got off at Bastings' Commercicil Hotel on Tuesday night. Slander was made hot favourite for. the Lawrence Handicap ; but all the other horses found friends. For the Publicans' Handicap, Yatterina and Duchess found most favour in the eyes of backers. At Williams' Victoria Hotel, several sweeps were also drawn.

Given fine weather — of which there is every probability - 1 anticipate that the attendance on the Course will far exceed what it has been hitherto, and that the Tuapeka, Meet of 1872 will be the most successful in Otago.