SPORTING.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 100, 25 September 1874, Page 2

SPORTING.

TRAINING NOTES. [by hermit.] Thinking it probable that the trainers about Christchurch would take advantage of this fine morning, to do a little work with respective teams, I induced a goodnatured friend to drive me up to the course, and we were rewarded by seeing most of the animals that are undergoing their preparation for the ensuing meeting. We were not early enough to see Boy Bay's string do anything, as they were just pulling up as we entered the course. Bob himself was on Traitor, who, as far as could be judged by seeing him walking with his clothes on, looks well enough ; but we have yet to see whether he is the good horse that his friends declare he is. At the same time, it must not be forgotten that on the only occasion of his appearance on the Christchurch course he was by no means fit to run, and it would have been far better to have kept him at home in the stables than have brought him out to face Papapa and company in the Derby. Remnant, and the colt by Caledon out of Brunette—now named Tadmor—were Bob's other nags; and Remnant looked a different creature to the ragged little brute she was on the occasion of her running at the last Autumn Meeting; still, I don't fancy she is up to mucb, and the same may be said of Tadmor. On going up to the stand we found old Tamburini, who was just being clothed after a 3crape, and he looked very well. Dan O'Brien was riding him about for some time afterwards, and the old horse will have every justice done to him in his hands. I fancy that the party are very sanguine, and imagine that Tamburini can win the Cup this time, despite his two previous unsuccessful efforts. If he does—though I shall not grudge him the victory—l think it will conclusively prove that the younger horses are very moderate this year—an opinion that is shared by almost every one who takes any interest in racing. Tamburini has no pretensions to being a first-class horse, and it would take a great deal of weight to bring him and Lurline together; but as I see no signs of a Lurline amongst the young ones, I may have to fall back on a horse that has always run respectably at least, and that has proved that he is of fair class. Three of Mr Redwood's large string next went round at a good strong pace, the animals being Titoko, Batter, and Toi. Titoko is a great strong, black or dark-brown filly, by Ravensworth, out of Wetsail, and is very backward. She may be a good one, but at present she does not shape like it. Batter is as ugly as ever, and Toi disappointed me, as she has not grown as much as she might, and has not nearly the bone and power of her brother, Kakapo. Bob Derrett next mounted Wainui, and in company with Nangara and Roro, she was treated to a good gallop once round, liuishing at a fair pace. The crack filly sweated very freely, and, on removing his clothes, I was decidedly disappointed in her. With a splendid shoulder, and altogether a taking forehand, she would stand a deal of improvement behind the saddle, and she does not impress one with the idea of being either a weight carrier or a stayer. Her fore legs too are none of the best, and her feet not particularly good, so that a lengthened career on the turf is an unlikely event in her case. She seemed to bo able to leave her stable companions when she pleased, but then they are a ragged looking pair—Nangara being a coarsish chestnut filly, and Roro a weedy relative of hers, both being grand daughters of that famous old mare Phoebe, a good mare in her day on the turf, but a very unsuccessful one at the stud. Mr Redwood's lot having finished work, Webb's team put in an appearance, and he commenced proceedings by cantering, the Zigzag and Ada colts, in company with another 3 year old, a grey, belonging to Mr Studholmc. Meteor, Mr G. Lee's crack, followed in company with old Scandal. After some little time the Zigzag colt and the Ada colt went to work, at a long gallop, both going twice round, and the boy on the Zigzag colt had to bustle him up in the last round to get him along. I don't think any of the colts are very formidable, though appearances are deceitful, and there might chance to be an outsider in the team that may prove dangerous, but I have not yet discoveied that any one of the lot possesses very great merits. Mr DLkumiiu'sstriug comprisingTempletou, Hercules, Ellin King, and The |

Belle were on the course, but they only did walking exercise, and most probably Sam Haynes prefers to treat his horses to their gallops on Mr Delamain'a private course, where there are not likely to be any prying eyes to report on the proceedings. The Belle is a mere pony, and Elfin King I can't stand at any price ; but Hercules is a big powerful colt, and all his relatives have run at least fairly. These are two recommendations to him, and with such an inferior crowd in the Derby he might land the stakes for Mr Delamain, and every one would be delighted if he did. Templeton looks well enough, but he has not grown much, and it is a pity that there is not more of such a good game bit of stuff, as he proved himself last year. He ought to have a good show in the C.J.C. Handicap, as if Traitor should crack up or turn out a duffer, Mr Delamain'a horse has all the best of the weights with everything else in the race, and should surely be able to whip such moderate cattle as the three-year olds of this season look to be at present. However, more of this at another time. The course itself is very heavy just at present, as might be expected after the heavy weather we have had lately, If the fine weather lasts a day or two more it will be absolutely necessary to get the galloping course harrowed, or otherwise it will soon get so lumpy that break downs may be expected. The plough gallop has of course not been used during the late weather, but looks as if it would be very fair going in a day or or two. The grass is coming on finely on the newly laid out course, and altogether things look pretty promising for the forthcoming meeting. In my next I shall call attention to the chances of the various animals engaged in the O.J.C. Handicap, and in the Cup.