TURF NOTES.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 3013, 9 October 1908, Page 5

TURF NOTES.

(By "Zetland.") Kopn, winner of the Maiden at the Hawke's Bay meeting is one of the finest colts seen out for some time. Hs is by the successful sire, San Fran, from Maude, dam of that good performer, Mahutonga., Kopu is built on lines combining straight quality and speed, and being possessed of gameness is likely to be in due course one of the best handicap horses in the Dominion. Voetgang, who ran second to Kopu in the Maiden is also a San Fran. She is a neatly turned brown filly, somewhat on the small side, but is speedy. Separator, by Seaton De-laval-Brown Alice, looks likely to furnish into a racehorse of merit and The Cockatoo by The Possible — Seraph is a fine big powerful threeyear old that later on should prove decidedly useful in welter and hurdle races.

By winning the King Edward Handicap of nine furlongs Cailfornia again gave evidence of being one of the best horses now racing in this country. The course was slightly on the greasy and heavy side. He carried the welter weight of 9st Gib, was badly placed throughout the race, and received a goodly share of bumps. Entering the straight he was several lengths baclr from the leaders, but as soon as the field opened out, he galloped through as if the others were stopping, and won ridiculously easy by three lengths. Horse and rider were loudly cheered on returning to the weigh-ing-in enclosure. St. Aidan, New Zealand Cup candidate, ran a good

race, but was not suited to the going, and the warm pace set byPolyanthus settled his chance of trying to stretch California. Master Douglas was unfortunate in

not winning the Hack Hurdles. Haifa mile he put in a brilliant run, but after petting in front he ran out very wide, and jumped the outside of the last hurdle, thus letting Ruabon up, the latter winning by a length. The Hastings Stakes brought out II very fine two-year olds. On appearance perhaps the best were Provocation, by Birkenhead-Sepfeldt, Elysian, by Soult-Dreamland, Nauiform by Multiform-Rattler, Tawhaki by Mensehikoff-Armilla, Xylopnone by Birkenhead-Banjo, and Bliss by Stepniak-Faraway. The contestants were keenly criticised while parading, and the Hon. J. D. Ormond's pair Xylophone and Idealism were made better favourites than theflying Auckland colt, Elysian. After some delay at the post Elysian was first out on the release of the barrier, and cut out a furlong at a merry pace. He was then joined by Provocation, but entered the

straight with a good lead, and won by about three lengths from Mr Bidwill's colt. The latter ran very gamely, and will do better before the racing season is much further advanced.

Mahuta, looking especially weN,, but not yet tightened up sufficiently lor a hard-run race, was made a big favourite for the Welter. He got away badlv, put in a good run after going seven furlongs, but in a brilliant finish could not withstand the fast run by Master Delaval, while Downfall also lasted long enough to beat the Mahaki horse by a necks Master Delaval is very forward in the matter of condition, but Downfall and Mahuta will have

to undergo a deal of solid work during the next month if they are to have a chance of winning the big event of the year. Auldearn, by San Remc-Opaque, had an easy win in the Waipitu Hack, the favourite, Advance. )iddcn by A. Oliver, again running very disappointingly. The Flying Handicap proved a good thing for Master Soult. From the barrier rise he hopped out snrsrtly, while Rangipapa was slow to move. Entering the (Straight Grand Slam joined issue with the Soult celt, but the latter managed to score by a gth. Rangipapa made up grounl in f .he straight and finished well up)

" n *'° Mew Zealand Cup horses seen . *'t rr r -tL?gs were Master Delaval, m u * °"ii « Tangimoana, Mahuta, Zim... ' „ & ,, , * Grand Slam, D 5».. ..* ' - n , ...» Master Souit and St. Aidair, ur tma bit the public fatiey at present Bt*.™ s to lie with the first-named. The Masterton-owned Merrie EnjSf*' land-Blue Bell filly has beefi named Mi'irie Chimes. The Wellington Racing Club is to he congatulated in appointing Mr C. O'Connor, of Auckland, starter for the spring meeting. As starter.for? various clubs last season he gave the •itmost satisfaction, and invariably despatched his fields in a manner that called for commendation. N itninationa for the Masterton meeting wiil close to night. Being the first district meeting of the season Wairarspa owners are sure tt nominate freely, while numerous entries ar* expected from other parts. , The Wairarapa Racing Club inteikU altering the straight atTauheremK.au in the direction of allowing a better sweep into the home run. In oider to effect this a certain amount of '-ind froTi the adjoining owner has. to be purchased.