Llandudno Advertiser and List of Visitors

LLANDUDNO'S ANNUAL STEEPLECHASES. SPOUTING NOTES BY FREE: LANCE JUNIOR. < Monday, March 15th. Once more I have the pleasure, on the eve of our great annual Steeplechase, to greet all old readers and new stubscrib-ers, and to express the hope that my notes and anticipations may be found increasingly useful. It hardly comes within my province here to deal with racing in a retrospective sense, or in general terms, but rather to convey, by opinion and suggestion, such advice as may be helpful in dealing with the immediate future, and thus secure, if possible, a result in which profit may go hand in hand with pleasure. At the same time I cannot, help but call attention to the results of my forecasts for the last four or five seasons, and particularly the last meeting when I gave an absolutely 0 zn correct aforehand position of every racer. I am accustomed to air my views on these ra,ces for some, considerable period before the day of the race, and by so doing enable my readers in foreign climes, who are dependant on early opinions to guide that world-wide desire for a specula- tive interest in the Llandudno- Steeple- chase, which ranks with other "classics" of the year. At the time of writing it really seems. as if at last Winter had—"Carregolically" speaking—decided to relax its grip on frozen and snow-covered racecourses although, as the play-writer hath it, "You never can tell." There is no getting away from the fact that a large number of meet ings have been wiped out in various parts c of the country, but never in the history of our local Steeplechase have the elements been sufficiently unkind as to stop the race altogether, although many times anr1 oft the attendances have been sadlv depleted owing to the course being partly under water. This season we are to have three events viz. The Eastern, the Central, and thr Western Handicaps, and please the 13igs everv race'will be run, no walk-overs, n seill'ng stakes, but genu ne sport" nr events. Nothing S so exasperating to fh r sporf1 fraterni+v as last scratch- ing, and if any of the owners of the steeds nominated in this season's chases eleøt, to annoy their backers by such scratchings I can promise them something of a sar- castic nature in my notes which I warrant will "touch the spot," and further I shall strongly advocate that the matter be seriously considered by the Board of Management, ycleped the Jockey Club, as to warning them off the, turf for an indefinite period. To my mind it is noth- ing more or less than a dog in the mangier proceeding of a most contempt-able kind. And now having given vent to my feel- ings on these detestable last minute scratchings, I have one more grievance t-o air, and I have done. Why is it that only two steeds are sent. out from the Jockey Club's stables for each race, why not the whole boiling1? I am sure it would make the races far more attractive and the n- teirest would be increased a hundred fold. I am aware that the animals went in o the Ark, two by two, but it does not fol- low that they came out in that order. This is by no means an original idea of secur- ing a full field for each race, and it may be said, and perhaps with some modicum of truth—that I am considering the in- terests of the printers, newspaper pub- lishers. and I admit the soft impeachment, because I. know that their lot is, like the Man in Blue, by no means a happy one. I am told on most unreliable authority that the majority live on the sales of the empties and returns, and I can certainly vouch for the fact that, a, very large per- cent-age of the printing orders are sent 01; r of the town, but not the, race-meeting literature. However, I hold no Lrl?f for the printing fraternity as a body, but I am, and have been for some time, interest- ed in the welfare of a few printers' devils a,nd their associates, and for that reason have ventured to interest the public on their behalf. You make inquiries, and you will find they are the first tü lend out a helping hand, and the last to withdraw it. I have no space at, my command to aVude to the very wide theme of The Turf—as an institution—I feel that no opportunity should be lost in impressing upon every sportsman the vital necessity for action in protecting it against the on- slaughts of its enemies. Whatever may be said for or against the other race meet- ings, T contend that the Lilandudno Steeplechases are above reproach. I coulcj 1 name several members of the cloth whom I have seen handing in their "slips," with the steeds of their choice duly marked, to the recognised Jockey Club officials, which were it done in the open streets would be considered an offence under the ¡ Restrictions of Betting1 Act. » Indeed I can go further, and affirm without fear of contradiction, that I have seen ladies by the dozen take the keenest interest of the races from start, to finish, and in every instance they have, after having secured the opinion of those best in the know, had their little flutter and visited the official acceptor with their "slips" duly filled in. I have no desire to labour the points I have mentioned, but it all goes to prove that the Sport of Kings has got a hold upon the public, including the Suffragettes, that will never be over- come no, not if a dozen Carrie Nation's denounced it and "axed" parliament to sweep the pernicous evil from the face of the -earth.—-Vive la Steeplechase! T'here is one fact about the 'chasers in our local races which is worth chronicling, we have no aliens, each steed is British born and bred, and I have, the jockeys' personal authority for stating that the ser- vices of Tod Sloan have not been retained for any of the 'chasers, not that he is a slow 'un, -or that, to speak in Lancashtr8 parlance, if he were retained that t'od's would be against him, but simply and solely that, in ,this event, local talent is invariably engaged, which smacks some- what of "fair" trade. It is no affair of I mine, but I am "free" to' remark that it, is not in accordance with what Gladstone saiidl in 1870, or what the Kaiser remark- ed at the recent exposure anent South Africa. » SUGGESTED STARTERS, And now to give my clientele some idea of the possibles and probables. I am in possession of information that no reader of Brewer's Guide to Knowledge can pos- sibly find: in that otherwise undoubtedly interesting, and well informed publica- tion. As usual, I will deal first with those said to be in training for THE ORAIG YDON STAKEiS. Mr Roger Dawson's "Stickler," "The Last Word," "Paralised Mate," "Queen's Gambit," or "Tower Vi.ew Tea." Mr Henry Wilson's "Jetty," "F'loro- dora. or "Pride of the Paddock." r Mr SI. Chantrey's "British Fleet," "Uncle Sam," or "Alterations." Mr Greenhalgh's "Ye Banks and Braes," "Gllohe Bazaar," "Dramatic Skill," "Greenbacks," or "Royal Mint. Mr Hallmark's "Gold Standard," "Society Protector," "Plain Figures," "Act and Seal," or "Golf Maestro." Mr Flash's "Jewell," "Flash in the Pan," or "Flash Light." Mr T. Hewitt's "Close Shave," "Canine Friend," "Etx-Terrier," or "Sir Tom." Mr Ri. J. Williams' "Peter-Pan,' "Mouse TSrap," "Flat Iron," or "Robin John." Mr R,. L. Roberts' "Boh-Stay," "Elec .trie Movements," "Bungalow," or "Her Maj esty's Thoroughfare." CENTRAL STAKES. Mr J 01 Thomas's "Hospitdcum," "Jot,' "Discharged," "Not Proven," Batchelor': Button," or "Wyddfyd Lad." Mr T. Smith's "Bill of Fare," "Sam- sonia," "Royal Refresher," "Crackers," or June Rose." Mr John Owen's "Tram-Tram," or "Availl-on." Mr H. Crockatt's "Valuation," "Link by Link," "Come o'er the Brook," or "Fully Insured." Mr Howel Jones's "Fisheries," "Grate Ideas," "Bearded Pard," "How's That," or "Ironical." Mr Rickett's "Developer," "Snap Shot," or "Touch Judge." Mr John Eaton's "Nicely Browned," "Ejccles-Cake," A Bun Dance," or "Dough R,ay Me." Mr Will Owen's "Little Beauty," "Time Keeper," "Mince Meat," "Primest Cut," or "Early Lamb." Mr O. H, Bevan's "Phit E:azie," "We1' Shod," "Chorister," or "Soloist." Mr Alec Taylor's "Royal Mail," 0' "Teddy Bears." Mr Felix's "Go-as-you-Please" or "Stej It." Mr Wm. Arnold's "Concert Extension, "Elarl Rochester," or "Shawl Ton." Mr George Stone's "Wee Laddie," "Constitutional," or "Old Sport." Mr G. F. Brown's "King's Wine," "Pip Pip." or "Sweet Smell of Old Brewery." WESTERN STAKES. I Mr W. Thomas's "Incandescent Light," "Golfing Apprentice," or "White House." Mr Hugh Edwards's "Silver Paint," "Lion Ciomique," "Duresco," or "Lover's Shelter." Mr Wm. Williams's "Lantern Magic," "Try Again," "Shervone," or "Amlwch Lad." Mr R,. 8. Chamberlain's "Wig and Gown," "Constitutional Ruler," or "Re- ginald I." Mr Wm. Ellis Jones's "Re-Tyred," "Scrivener," or "Captain Beater." Mr John Roberts' "Looking Backward," "Relics of the Past. or "Bryn Celyn." Mr Robt. T'. Owen's "Hear R. T. "Plum Bob," or "Cork." I OFFICIAL NOMINATIONS. Thursday Noon. The following official nominations were posted up mid-day Thursday —Eastern Stakes, Mr Roger Dawson's "Stickler," Mr Henry Wilson's "Jetty," Mr S. Chantrey's "British Fleet," and Mr R. J. Williams' "Peter Pan." Clentral Stakes: Mr r. Smith's "Sam- sonia," Mr J. O. Thomas's "Wyddfyd Lad," Mr Wm. Arnold's "General Rie- quest." Western Stakes: Mr Wm. Thomas's "Incandescent Light," Mr Hugh Edwards' "Silver Pa,int," Mr William Williams' "Lantern Magic," Mr Elilis Jones's "Scrivener," Mr R. T. Owen's "Cork." We call our readers' attention to the most correct and up-to-date Map of the Racing Course, all copyrights reserved. A full and descriptive account will, as a matter of course, appear later. LATEST: INFORMATION FROM THE COURSE. Friday Noon.' I am not a believer in so-called systems )f finding winners, and those desirous of ;ecuring a good return for their outlay 'aye only to read carefully my notes from ime to time, until the day of the race, to e able to spot a certainty in each race. TRAINING NOTES. "Jetty" (three-year old) has been doing quiet spins daily. I consider this at present, extra good. His chances are most rosey. "British Fleet" (aged) has the merit of having secured the Jockey Club's highest favour, the blue ribbon. Elqual to the biggest water jump. Would do to double with. Used to motors, and not easily scared. "Peter Pan," if run, must not be con- sidered out of the hunt; in fact, he will not face the flag1 unless his owners see I some prospect of his success. Better wait for further news before giving support. Good at hurdles, of iron constitution. "Stickler" came a cropper in the last big event, and is I am afraid, sure to be top weighted on this occasion. Consider him a good outsider. Will certainly stay the full distance. "Concert Extension." This steed has a pedigree denoting stamina, and I decline to permit his failure in last season's handicap to dim the great merit of his earlier per- formances at May-Day, T.I.A, and more recently the great, form he has shown in the "Extension" meetings. Special in- formation concerning this. If a starter will carry a heap of the public's money. Stable motto, "Straight as a dye." "Wyddfyd Lad." This is another blue ribboner, and will undoiuibtedy start ft warm favourite. A commission out for this. In all justice to his past good work he should start a favourite. "Samsonia" (three year old), not unlike- ly to repeat his performance of 1906. Should be closely watched. Currant opinion on his chances divjided. "SUlver Paint" (three year old). His promising performance in the past, and excellent speed in 1906, must warrant my giving this steed for a win only. He' is capable of "brushing" aside all obstacles. "Lantern Magic" (aged). The past work of this steed entitles him to serious con- sideration. Too1 old at forty may prove his dismissal. Blue and white ribbon. "Incandescent Light" (three year old). Whatever 'chasers puts the snuffer on this; steed will do well. Should be largely supported on past, form shown. Liberal action, by no means putty-jointed. "Scrivener" has only to maintain the form he showed when previously a suc- cessful racer, to be sure of doing his fol- lowers a good turn. A sound "constitu- tion." "Cork," an untried colt in any classic race, but without hesitation should be supported each way. He is an undoubted weight carrier. Must be humoured not "lead." The list of scratchings, it is rumoured, are already very considerable, but it is almost a certainty that three events will be run -to a finish. Sunday training is strictly prohibited, walking exercise only being permitted. Printed and Published by the Proprietors Frank Edge and Alec. G. Moy, at the "Advertiser" Printing Works, Market Street, Uandudno.