TURF NOTES.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3098, 22 January 1909, Page 5

TURF NOTES.

(By "Zetland").' The Wellington meeting, which opeed on Wednesday, should be remembered for some time on account of the sterling performances of the Masterton-trained horses, Blue Ribbon and Tumut, which accounted for the big double, Wellington Cup and Telegraph Handicap. In the Cup one of the biggest fields seen out in such an important event for some considerable time contested the event. The starters included recent winners in All Red, Auckland Cup; Apa, Rangitikei Cup; Husbandman, C.J.C. and G.N. Derbies, and St. Andrew's Handicap; Artillerie, Canterbury Oaks; Moloch, Wairarapa .R.C. Handicap; Muskerry, Manchester Handicap; and twelve other good performers. Muskerry and Sunbonnet were responsible for setting a very solid pace for over a mile, with Husbandmar/, Ikon, Sir Frisco and Blue Ribbon lying handy. Entering the straight Muskerry was still in front, but E. Lowe brought Blue Ribnon along in fine style, and running like a true stayer the Bluejacket mare won by a neck. On account of her really good track work at Trentham, Blue Ribbon was second favourite on the totalisator, Ikon being the only one to be more solidly supported. In the Telegraph Handicap the general opinion was that the issue was between Gold Crest and Penates. The former looked we'll, but there was at least a suspicion of the Gold Reef colt having a swollen near fetlock. Penates moved very short in his preliminary, while Armlet, Tumut, Goldbeater, and Rar.gi-

papa appeared to be in excellent racing condition. From the start Armlet and Tumut cut out the running. The first-named got in front when che straight was entered, and halfway down looked a certain winner. Tumut then put in a brilliant finish and won by a head Blue Ribbon and Tumut are instances of cheap horses winningimportant events. The first-named was bought at Auckland by Mr W. Cooper on account of the present owner, Mr F. Dor-jet, for 40 guineas, while Tumut was purchased for even a less amount by Mr M. McGrath from Mr E. J. Watt, of Kawke's Bay. When the weights came out for the Wellington meeting the writer expressed the opinion that with 9.9 in the Trentham Welter Osiris had. been awarded his full share of weight. A Wellington writer, who apparently makes a study of handicapping, wrote to the effect thf.t considering Knight Commander aid Espartero had 9.3 Osiris was really well treated. On Wednesday the race was run, and my contention, as I fully expected, was amply borne out, for instead of the San Fran gelding romping home a winner, his weight told upon him to such affect that in a punishing finish he could not do better than run second to Flingot. W. Garrett and M. McGrath, the respective trainers of Blue Ribbon and Tumut, were warmly congratulated at Trentham on Wednesday on the wins of the pair, whose condition certainly reflected great credit on the winning stables. The wJrs also once again proved that ths Opaki training tracks rank with the best in the province on which to give horses thorough preparations.

SALE OF WAIKANAE YEARLINGS. By Telegraph—Press Association. WELLINGTON, January 21. The sale of Waikuiae yearlings held this afternoon was very largely attended. It attracted a good deal of interest from sporting people, who included many visitors a" present in Wellington for the races. A complet o clearance of the fourteen yearlings offered was effected, the satisfactory total of 1,715 guineas being realised. The highest priced colt wa3 secured for Victoria by Mr Harvey Patterson' who was not to be outbid for a brov n colt by Kilcheran from Fantan, whi.fa was knocked down to him for 350 guineas, the bidding starting at K© guineas. The following are the details of th* 3 sale: — Br fby Stepnr>k—Reel, Mr Harvey Patterson, Melbourne, 160 guineas. Br c, by Kilcheran—Prelude, Mr G. Hume, Wairarapa, 130 guineas. Br c, by St. Ambrose—Ekaterina Passeropoula, Mr Lane, Wellington, 40 guineas. Br c, by Kilcheran—Fan Tan, Mr Harvey Patterson, Melbourne, 350 guineas. B c, by Advance —Bonnette, Hi f G. Payne, Christchurch, 80 guineas. B or br i, by Stepnias—Ranee Nuna, Mr J. B. Reid, Christchurch, 200 guineas. B c, by Kilcheran—Bulbul. Mr W. i Pine, Christchurch, 50 guineas. Bc, by Kilcheran—La Gloria, Mr P. A. Herman, Christchurch, 50 guineas. B c, by Kilcheran—Spun Gold, Mr G. Payne, Christchurch, 60 guineas. Br f, bv St. Ambrose—Success, Mr G. Payne, Christchurch, 110 guineas. B c, by Conqueror—Lady Principal, Mr W. Pine, Christchurch, 130 guineas. Br f, by Merriwoe—Lady Helen, Mr G. D. Greenwood, Christchurch, 270 guineas. Br c, by KUcheran—Strathspey, L. Lane, Wellington 35 guineas. B f, by Kilcheran or ConquerorLady Maude, Mr Vallance, Wairarapa, 50 guineas. Total, 1,715 guineas.