TO-DAY'S RACES.

Waikato Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1501, 16 February 1882, Page 2

TO-DA Y'S RACES.

The Summer Meeting under the auspices of the Waikato Turf Club, commences on the course, Ohaupo Flat, to-day, the first event being timed for 1 o'clock. As wo goto press there is every indication of favorable weather, and, this being con* ceded, there is no reasou why, in point of attendance, the meeting of 1882 should not equal, or indeed surpass any of its predecessors. Freed r from the work of harvest, country people can atjjhis^time of the year spare a "day"or two for the purpose of holiday making without inconvenience, and .those of them' who retain an affection for this old British sport will doubtless put in' an appearance: -Ample means for reaching the course have been provided; the Waikato Steam Nafvigation Company will run the 'Belt* to Steele's landing, and a coach is wfwtised to leave the Commercial stable3,*t£fitamilton on each day.' Owing to tlie neglect of the Railway Department to make special train arrangements, only,a limited number of visitors' from Auckland have put in an appearance. The ".talent" will be very thinly represented, their experience of the last Cambridge meeting being of a nature not calculated to endear the Waikato turf to them. The arrangements of the club are complete, a splendid steeplechase course having, as we stated in a previous issue, been laid off. The following horses have arrived during the last two days, and, together with those already up, should make good fields: — Lara, Blackcock, Rawenata, Hark away (eh), Harkaway (b), Randwick, Dewdrop, Kenilworth, Maori, Yatapa, and Bita. For the Hurdles to-day, Rawenata and Harkaway are about equal favourites, but should old Sportsman be in anything like fettle, he should make it warm for them, as he knows every blade of grass on the course. We therefore standSportsman ... ... ... 1 Rawenata 2 Harkaway 3 with Harkaway (bay) for a boil over. For the Maiden Plate, as we do know something about the other three, and nothing about Blackcock, we shall for

plump Blackcock, with Prince Charlie for next place. The Turf Club Handicap has an acceptance of six, two of whom belong to the same owner, one of which should win. Yatapa is reported all astray; Maoriwell, no thank you ! The race ought to result Dewdrop 1 Lara • 2 Randwick 3 For the President's Stakes Randwick ought to run first past the judge, provided he does not go for the big money, in which case there should be a good race between Rita and Blackcock for first honours. About the second day's racing little can at present be said, as so much depends on the first day's performances. The Maiden Steeplechase should be a good race, and Harkaway (bay) ought to be mighty handy at the finish, with old Bachelor and Saint close up. For the Flying Stakes there ought to be a good field, but this too will depend so much on previous running that we cau say nothiug at present.