TURF NOTES.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9046, 12 March 1908, Page 6

TURF NOTES.

(By "Zetland.")

Mi- W. E. Bidwill is to be congratulated on the win of Gravitation in the Jackson takes at Wanganni, on Saturday, for the fine son of Birkenhead and Stepfeldt ran a sterling race. The start—as has been the case during the season in many lead-

ing events—was a poor one, and Gravitation was one that had the worst of the despatch. He showed pienty of determination in the race, and with his splendid turn of speed won in a most meritorious manner in fast time. The colt is one that should continue to show to advantage with age, and being a stayer in conformation, should account for big races in the future. Moloch failed to run prominently in the Wanganui Cup. The Mauser gelding was probably short of work, consequent upon being caught in a wire fence when running out the previous week, and having to be spelled a few days. The nominations for the Masterton Racing Club's autumn meeting must be considered very satisfactory. Mr Pollock, the handicapper, generally succeeds in ensuring good acceptances, so there is every reason to expect good racing. The recent showery weather will do the course proper a considerable amount of good, as it will now be freshened up, and the going should be very suitable. Mr Wi Hutana, of Martinborough, is having his Stepniak—Britomart filly broken in. This filly has grown considerably since purchased by her owner in Christohurch in November last, and should perform in a manner worthy of her breeding when her time comes to carry the colours. A half-brother to Lethean, by Lakeshell, is being handled by his owner, Mr J. J. Jackson, of Martinborough. Over Rate, a full brother to Full Rate, will make his first appearance as a competitor in public at the Masterton meeting this month. He bears a strong resemblance to Full Rate, but it may be soma time yet before he can muster up a similar amount of pace. A two-year-old by Nevermore, from Regret, a well-known Wairarapa racing mare, is being ridden preparatory to being put into work at Opaki. Merrie Zealand will compete m open company at the Masterton meeting, and it will be interesting to see how he gallops with such well-known performers as Full Rate, Cawain, Sun Bonnet, Splendid Idea, Sherlock Holmes and Chicane.