NOTES AND COMMENTS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2536, 10 August 1915, Page 7

NOTES AND COMMENTS

[By Glencoe.] ' The Canterbury Jockey Club's Winter Meeting opens at Riccarton to-day, when tho principal events to bo decided aro the "Winter Cup and the Grand National Steeplechase. Tho first ovent is tho Hunters' Hurdles in which a very poor lot aro engaged. Tho two top-weights, Merrie Valet and Pfuwautii, aro moro or less unsound, and may be troubled by tho big fences and tho hard state of tho going. Orinoloid is very small, and Taft, though he comes of a good jumping strain, has been off the scene (or yssrs. Curilla, a placi».

getter several. times last soason, may bo luoro advanced than tlio others. It is hard to account for tho poor field in the Trial Hurdles. It cannot be 011 account of tlio penalty conditions, as they are by 310 means excessive. Evidently most owners prefer not to -risk tho big fences at Riccarton until tho National Hurdles como on. Multiply is reported sore and Diavolo may bp started in tho Jumpers' Flat Race. This makes it look liko Ruatangata, but he is anything but a. good jumper, and tlio Porirua horse Scrutineer, who lias a nice Tacing weight, may defeat him. Regarding the National Steeiplechaso there is little iuoto to bo added to what lias already appeared in these columns. Tim Doolan will doubtless be first choice, and barring accidents ho will be very dilngerous. The safe conveyances of tlio field are Glenmore, wlio is reported to bo as well as ever he was, Golden Glow, and Fagot. If lio is as good a jumper as ho is reported, to be, Ngatiruanui will bo hard to dispose of. but 110 is at a great, disadvantage inasmuch as he is making his first appearance over Ricear.ton jumps. Glemnoro will every fence alike and can bo depended upon to seo it right out.

T.IIO Tally-Ho'Plate Steeples for Tranters with amateur riders, follows the big steeplechase. Of tlio acceptors Rufus, who has a few fair performances to his credit, may bo tho best. Ho is a stable companion of Glenmore, and jumps well. At tho Manawatu Hunt Club meeting, last month, lie was runner-up to Tarero. A very big fiold" will bo seen out in tho Winter Cup, ono mile. His excellent form both in public and private will no doubt ensure for Glenroy the position of favourite. Ridden by Oliver and being such "a smart beginner 110 is certain to bo in a good position early, and from thence on he should have a nice run on tho rails. In tb© Enfield Steeplechase, two miles, there are some fair performers. Fritz won the Timaru Steeplechase in April, and Agatlia Green and Tho Mouse havo also some form to. recommend them. F'jtz will bo riddon by L. Hegarty. The day's racing will conclude with tho Avonlipad Handioap, six furlongs. A good-sized field is engaged, but the majority of tliem are without credentials. On his track form Nicomar may bo tho public choice.