SPORTING.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 432, 3 June 1902, Page 2

SPORTING.

GRAND NATIONAL MEETING. By Telegraph —Press Association. Auckland, last night. Tho weather is slightly threatening for tho North New Zealand Grand National Meeting, which opens at Ellorslie tomorrow. There is a largo nurnbor of visitors from all parts of the colony, and great interest is centred in tho Great Northern Steeplechase. Cavaltero is a firm favorite, and 2 to 1 is the best price. The Guard and Waiwcra aro most fancied of the others.

NOTES AND ANTICIPATIONS. (Special to Times.) Auckland, last night. To-morrow, tho North New Zealand Grand National Meeting commences at EUerslie. Tho races wear a decidedly open look all through, and good racing should result. The following are my fancies :

Maiden Steeplechnso: Matarawa 1, Gipsy 2, Tuni 3. Maiden Welter Handicap : Despatch 1, Minna 2, Hillflower 3. Great Northern Steeplechase: Moifaa has improved considerably since his arrival. Cavaliero is bound to run woll, and is a mo3t pronounced favorite. The Guard’s connootious aro sanguine of success, but Gobo looks a bit on the big side. Evening Wonder may not start.. Of the light-weight division, Sultana is suro to run well. I expect them to finish:—

Cavaliero or Moifaa 1 The Guard 2 Sultana ... ... ... 3 Maiden Hurdle Race: Tresham and the Gisborne horse Medallius may fight out the finish.

Cornwall Handicap: I namo Highlander to win, with Formula as his most dangerous opponent. Remuera Hurdle Race: I fancy Haydn and Tirea, with Medallius a probable likely opponent. Ladies’ Bracelet: Francis Lovejoy and Gatelock are my fancies.

Tho Grand'National Meeting this year is of considerable interest to Gisborne, as several horses from the East Coast are competing. To day I came across a number of Poverty Bay sportsmen, who are in town for the meeting, and although they aro not too sanguine with regard to the chances of the Coast horses, they nevertheless give them a good outside chance, Tho fact that Mr John Clark has previously won a Grand National event ,u----titles his entry to some respect, and given a good run, Paria may bring off a surprise during the meeting. Medallius, who is entered for the Maiden Hurdles and Remuera Hurdles, is also worth following, and I expert to see him well to the front in tho former event. The ex-Gisborne horse, Geologist, is entered for tha Cornwall Handicap, but has hardly too much the best of the weights, and will have to be at his very best to pace i* with Highlander and Formula.