TURF NOTES.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9047, 24 March 1908, Page 6

TURF NOTES.

(By "Zetland.")

Mr W. E. Bidwill's Elevation is to be sent to Sydney on Friday to take p&rt in the Doncaster Handicap, in which he is weighted at 9st lib. This is a solid burden for a three-year-old, but the game son of San Francisco may be depended upon to run a great race. He is in splendid condition just now, and with a good trip over, will retain it, and thus be in a position to race at his best. He will probably ■be ridden in his races l on the other \ side by Sid Reid, and a victory by Elevation would be heartily welcomed by the racing public of the dominoin. Mr Bidwill deserves success for the true sporting spirit manifested in .sending his brilliant colt to do battle with Australia's best. Matakokiri, by Saracen—Momoukai, has gone into J. B. Williamson's stable at Auckland. This horse will, at last, have an opportunity of alrnving what he can do across county. He can .carry weight, jump big obstacles, and gallop fast. This being so, J. B. Williamson is sure to have him well tried,* and it is quite on the cards that Matakokiri will, be found competing in this year's Nationals. The Saracen gelding was bred'by Mr Basil Burch, at Greytown, and is a full brother to, Mataari, engaged in the Waipipi Cup at the Masterton meeting this week. Another full brother—a two-year-old—that is well spoken of, is owned by Mr Henare Parata, of Papawai. The Masterton meeting, which will open on Thursday, promises to be a decided success. The recent rain has done a considerable amount of good to the course proper, and the result will be that nearly the whole of the horses accepted for will l>ne up before the starter. In the latter de-, partment Mr A. C. Macdonell will officiate. He has had racing experience that should serve him in good stead, and there is no reason why he should not prove thoroughly capable. If he succeeds, in effecting even de--1 spatches on Thursday and Friday he { will be a decided acquisition to the Club, and his services are sure to be ' in request at other meetings in Wairarapa, and probably elsewhere. The racing should be interesting throughout, and some fine finishes should result in the principal events. It is expected that at least eight horses » will contest the Waipipi Cup, including Waitapu, winner of the Dannevirke Cup, Moloch, winner of the. I Wairarapa and Wellington Cups, Mataari, winner of the last Masterton Cup, Tangimoana, San Julie, Aberration, Tupono, Chatterer and, Merrie Rose. There are .twelve acceptors for the other open event, the March Handicap, of seven furlongs, whicVbeafs a very open appearance. The acceptors include Full Rate, Gawain.Sunbonnet, Sherlock Holmes, Chicane and Merrie Zealand. The hack races should be keenly contested and taken altogether, the meeting should be one of the best yet held at Opaki. ' Starfish has been scratched for all engagements at the Masterton meet- ' ing, having met with an accident. Difficulty is being experienced in obtaining accommodation for the horses engaged at the meeting.