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Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10126, 24 October 1910, Page 6

run under the whin, but failed to catch Wimmera, who won by a length. Merrivonia was a good third, while Llanwern, John, Swimming Belt, Ambrosian, and Royal, Marine failed to run prominently. There were ten contestants in the Hunters' Steeplechase, and Star Lass was the popular fancy. Castout was first to negotiate the water jump, and Star Lass fell at the second jump. Castout found the stone wall too difficult, and it brought him down. Hill Lass then took up the running, with Sylvia Maid lying handy. At the five furlongs post the former fell, and Mahara rushed to the front. He was challenged by St. Amelia at the distance, but came on, and gaining an advantage at the last obstacle, won by three lengths. I Then came up for decision ' what was considered to be the most interesting event, the Champion Plate, for which there was a cup valued at 100 sovs. in specie. The defection of Sir Frisco and Lord Kelvin left five to contest the question of supremacy. As they paraded they were eagerly scanned by many hundreds of spectators, and the interest of the general public in the result was decidedly keen. The Lark, 9st 41b, was brought out in fine condition, and suffered little in the general comparison of the competitors. Tinder the weight for age scale, however, he was at a disadvantage, and was not seriously considered when the investments were rolling in to the bookmakers and totalisator. Polymorphous, 9st, by Multiform-Rumour, represented "Mr Higliden," and appeared to have undergone a very sound preparation. Being rather too 'much on the leg for a damp course, his chance of defeating a good three-year-old was not looked upon by his party very optimistically, although he was expectied to run a sterling race. Lady Medallist, Bst 91b, a good winner, lier latest achievement being to romp home in front of the Wellington Handicap field on Wednesday, was looked upon in a very favourable light, rind with Jenkins as her pilot, was strongly supported. Danube, 7st ! 111b, stood out as the fittest in the field. He has furnished into a splendid stamp of a thoroughbred,, and [ under the care of trainer R. J. Mason, his condition left nothing to jbo desired. Birkdale, fst 111b, is another fine colt, but is not so level in conformation as Danube, and as yet not so muscular. The' i l ace requires very little by way of description. At the rise of the barrier taptes? Jenkins took Lady Medallist to the front, and all along the back stretch led' Danube by a length. At the five furlongs iJost this lead was slightly increased as the colt got into some soft going. Entering the straight the mare had an advantage of about three lengths, and at this stage of the race it did not appear as if Danube could make up the leeway. Gray, however, was patiently waiting, and at the. distance put in a brilliant run, and catching the leader opposite the grandstand, ran on and beat the tiring Lady Medallist by a length and a half. Birkdale was a poor third, and Polymorphous and The Lark finished well back. On returning to scale the first and second horses were loudly cheered, and upon Danube being brought on to the lawn,-Mr G. D. Greenwood, his owner, was presented with the cup, bv His Excellency the Governor j Lord Islington. In a field of nine Rongomai won the Ruahine Handicap from Longstep, who cut out the running, and Penza had a very easy victory in the Nainai Handicap, in which she beat the vnucli better backed Gipsy Belle, Theodore, Bally Shannon, and Hohungatahi. The other outsiders, Sea Queen and Humming Bird, filled the.. wlaces.

The acceptances received for the Masterton meeting are highly satisfactory, and there is every reason to anticipate a very successful gathering. Accommodation has been secured for a large number of visiting horses. All the events have filled exceptionally well, and the racing promises to be well \v9rth witnessing.

As mentioned in my notes a few days ago, the acceptances of Friday last for the New Zealand Cup reduced the field to 21. The most notable withdrawals we're those of California, Sir Frisco, Merrie Zealand, and Tikitere, but there are still sufficient in/to puzzle, the many thousands who are intensely anxious, to find the winner. The most fancied candidates at present ' are Bridge, Diabolo, lugoda, Los Angelos, and Oiyoi. During this week a number of Cup. horses will be taken to Riccarton, and the work on the tracks there may give some idea of the prospects of the several contestants. Remembering what has happened in recent years, many sportsmen will refrain frorri rushing into the market to back horses that may be reported to be doing "flying" work on the tracks.