THE M.R.C. HANDICAPS.

Manawatu Times, Volume X, Issue 1365, 6 December 1884, Page 3

THE M.R.C. HANDICAPS.

** Flaneur " m the Wanganui Herald writes as follows : — The publication of the Palmerston handicaps has caused considerable surprise, as it is quite evident they were made without reference to the most recent performances of several. of the animals engaged at Wellington lately, However, I will take them as published, and note my comments as I go. Scrutineer heads the Hurdles with list 101 b, not an efct of the way impost, but Parnell, lOst 10lb, and The Druid at the same, weights are decidedly wrongly treated at the latter is all a 71b better horse than Parnell, and not a stone inieiior to Scrutineer. Old skylark, 9st 71b, is well m it, and may repeat hi* last year's j victory if Palmer can get him to the pDst anything like fit, a very difficult matter considering the "dickey" state of Skylark's forelegs. Of all the rest below, Jim, 9st, reads best, but I think with a good horseman on The Druid we ought not to look much further for the winner, if he stands up. The Manawatu R, C. Handicap comes next on the list, and here I frankly confess I can* not understand on what plan the Handi* cap has been framed, as Bayard with 9st is called upon to give weight to horses that beat him lately m Wellington. Refrigerator, Bst 101 b, cannot beat Speculation at level weights on their late performances, as the mare has shown a marked improvement since she changed hands, as shewn by the hollow manner m which she disposed of Consul, Armourer Mata, Putangitangi m the Lilac d Bay Handicap, iv which sb.3 is credited with doing the mile m lmin 45secs, which, if correct, is very near the best on record m this country Armourer Bst slb receives 101 b from Bayard, notwithstanding his defeat of Mr Paul's horse at a difference of only 81b at the Hutt, thus fulfilling my prophecy after their Wanganui running on the 10th November, that the black horse would turn the tables on hip con> queror before the season was over. Ringleader 7st 7lb is badly treated, as he has never shewn any form worthy of note, an 1 certainly none that entitles him to concede VVilberforce and Lady Ar'.ist 71b a piece, as he Is now asked to do. Last Chance 6st 121 bis well m, and ought to gat near the fiont, as aha is a speedy mare, but not very reliable. On paper the race seems to be between Armourer, Lady Artist and Last Chance. In the Flying, Mr Higgie has again made the grave error of asking Ringleader to concede a performer like Par* venu 51bs, a task I don't think there w any ground for imposing on him. For the Palmerston Plate Handicap, Bayard is again the "chopping block' at 9s\ Speculation also being adjudged tbe same impost. Laurel Bst 10lb is better goods, if fit, whMst Armourer Bst 71b ought to hold them both safe. JEtinga Jeader 7st 71b is not my fancy. Last Chance and Trickster 6st 101 b are both well m, especially the latter, a son of Trump Card's, dam Kevoke by Leolinus. and winner of the Maiden Plate at tiers aldine ..last year, beatkg Trinket and several other good ones. If he is sound and fit he ought to be hard to beat at the weight. Of those below him I think Martha 6st 71b has the best chance of landing the money, but sbe has been bad for some time with strangles, and may not be fit m time for Palmerston on Boxing Day, .