SPORTING.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 965, 11 August 1903, Page 3

SPORTING.

By Telegraph—Press Association,

Christchurch, last night. Another, fine morning was experienced for training work at Riccarton, and the course was in good order. Sound work was performed by Huku, Stepdancer, Red Gauntlet, Nell GWynne, Catherine Gordon, Mahuku, Sanfoin, Comfort, Ragabrasb, Aberlow, Secret Society, Tradewind, Sultana, Kimua, Ratapa, Slow Tom, Shrapnel Shell, Aldinga, Waiwera, Evening, Pipi. Ayrdalo," Windwbistle, Awahuri, Fairy Roae, Bags, Khaki, Phietonitis, Glonelg, Typhoon, Agent, Bombardo, Narcissus, Fright, Mourner, Victor 11., Haydn, The Gryphon, Cronje, Paritutu, and Durable. Rawiri ran steadily, and Ostiak joined him at six furlongs.' The former was drawing away at the finish, and it was found that Ostiak was bleeding at the nose. Battleaxe drew away from Stepniak at tho ond of half a mile. Mars, after galloping steadily, jumped the test hurdles. Vladimir and. Sirius finished together at the end .of half a mile fast go. Pampero went freely over six furlongs.

The Sporting Review’s selection for the (rand National Steeplechase is as follows : . Straybird ... ••• 1 Haydn ••• " Sultana 3

Haydn, who won the event last year with 10.9 in the saddle, will start a strong favorite for the Grand National Steeple--o h\Vairiki still holds his position as first favorite for the New Zealand- Cup, the best price obtainable about the son of Soult locally being 7 to 1. « Box,” writing in the Observer, says In the Grand National Steeplechase Hydn has proved himself a great performer, and though tho handicapper has given him quite enough to carry over the nearly four miles course at Riccarton, backers have been so free in their speculation on him in doubles, it is safe to say he will start at a vory short price. Awahun has a large following, who expect the big | horse to turn the tables on Haydn this ! bout, and wipe out the Ellerslie score. In good going, and under the different weight conditions, I should not be- surprised if Awahuri succeeded. There are several others that should have a look in, such as Straybird, Hurricane, and Sultana. * I expect to see a fight between Haydn and Awahuri, and for choice fancy Haydn. Battleaxe, on form, should win the Grand National Hurdles, though I think he will have strong opponents in Tradewind and Slow Tom, who appear to me very likely place-getters. , A gelding who has been somewhat overlooked to my mind is Straybird, 10.2, i says the Sporting Review. Last year with the same weight he was made favorite, and finished within two lengths of the winner Gobo. The aptly-named son of Wanderer and Fleotwing has won two or three races lately, and is now at tho top of his form., He is cortain to bo very prominent at t-.e finish. Possibly Cronje is the best of the “ light brigade,” but it will bo a Burp .c.e indeed if any of the under ten tingent should succeed in doing tho trick.