THE COMING RACES.

Inangahua Times, Volume VII, Issue 1062, 17 March 1882, Page 2

THE COMING RACES.

♦ The Keefton Autumn Race Meeting will commence this day, and will open with the District Plate Handicap, for which five horses have accepted. Halfcaste heads the list as far as weight is concerned, conceding no less than a stone to "The Bat" and Lillipie, 3st lOlbs to Rosina, and 2st 71bs to Rustic. If ahe can do this she is a wonder, especially in the face of her accident in travelling across from Nelson. The "talent" however, are sweet on her, and they ought to know. At the same time there are many who, in this race, pin their faith on Lillipie, and others who think that Rustic, with his easy burden, should win. The old Bat, evergreen as he is, will have a show in it should it so please him, but he is an extraordinary animal altogether. The writer of these lines saw him performing most creditably more years ago than is worth recounting, and if he retain only a shadow of his old form he should have a show in the race. Old horses are, however, like old men. and cannot run for ever, and we fear the "Bat" will give

another illustration of "the ancient attempting modern things." At the same time Ids success would be by no means an unpopular one, his owner being deservedly respected in the district. Our pick, however, for the money is Rustic, with Lillipie second, and the Bat— should he not bolt— in close attendance. For the Hack Race— Sir Hercules, a Blenheim importation, seems the only horse in it. The Goldfields Handicap will probably produce a tolerably large field out of the seven acceptances, though whether Rustic and Lillipie, who are both engaged in the District Plate, will put in an appearance, remains to be seen. The present impression, rightly or wrongly, is that the latter will be reserved for this event, and, should he do so, he ought to have an excellent chance. Poor old Fishhook, good and game as he was in olden time, is not the Fishhook of old, and his chance appears dicky. It is very singular, too, that he should be offered for sale this morning. Perhaps, however, the presumed certainty of winning the race may be considered to enhance his value. Dan O'Connel, by Daniel O f ßourke, from Blenheim, is one of the competitors in this race, and though he is comparatively unknown, he comes from a dangerous stable, has been backed freely, and there is at least a very strong presumption that his chances are rosy. Lillipie may win the race, but we do not think he will do so, even if he start. The district handicap trotting race seems to be a gift to Yankee Tom, though some unknown may bowl him over. The hurdle handicap is a very open race, but Dart's superior jumping, bar accidents, Bhould land him very near at the finish. The weather unfortunately seems to have taken a change for the worse, and at the time of writing a heavy shower is f ailing. It is to be hoped, however, that the rain is only temparary, and will hold off at least till Si Patrick's anniversary is spent. The old saying that "The dew should always wet the shamrock " on the saint's natal day is not always a thing to be desired.