SPORTING NOTES.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2251, 16 May 1881, Page 4

SPORTING NOTES.

By Sinbap The weights for tho Grand National Steeplcchano and the C.J.O. Handicap appeared last week. I scarcely think, from hia recont performance at Tinnru, that The Agent can win with 13at on him, and cannot think that Mr Butler will jeopardise hia good chance in tho Hunt Club by starting his horae in tho big event. Bailor Boy (12at 61b) has not perhapß too muoh, but I much prefer Olarenco at 12at 21b. If ho should be fit and well I should look no further for the winner. Unless Lady Mary be the Auckland Steeplechase mare I know nothing of her. If aho be. ahe has nothiug to complain of, nor ii:doed haa Winfield if ho Bhould bo an good over a country bb ho is over hurdles. Mousetrap, I fear, will never be the Mousetrap of old. Kosciusko, I hear, haa a good idea of going over counfry, but his stable companion, Shark, is, I ahould say, much more reliable Miss Hungeiford, I think, would be moro suited over hurdles than in a long distance like this. On the whole, I fancy the winner will come from one of the following three : Sailor Boy, Clarence and Winfield, tho middle one for choice.

The big chesnut Lo Loup, of course, heads the list of weights of tho C.J.O. Nine stone eight ia not too muoh for him, but I hear ho is a very questionable starter. Sir Modred (9st 51b) I do not fancy very greatly. His only two mileß (except the Canterbury Cup, in whioh he did not appear to advantage) was in the Duncdin Cup, which he certainly won with a good lot up his sleeve ; but it must be remembered that he had a very moderate lot to meet, and it remains to be proved whether, good colt aB he undoubtedly is, he can foot it with other more favourably treated animals, who wo know can get to the end of two miles, and in pretty fair time too. Again, it is fairly to be supposed that amongst the three-year-olds, many of whom are exceptionally well-bred, and of good running families, some will be found good enough to be very dangerous even in a race of thia distance. Natacor is nicely in at Bat 131 b, but Foul Play (Bat 111 b) if well brought out I think ia better, as I do not cossidor tho big ohesnut ia at his beat over a mile and a half. I pass old Fishhook out, for I am quito sure he will never stand a aevere oreparution ogaki. Grip haa been so long an absentee that it is really very hard to guess even what his probable form may bo in November. It must not be forgotten however that he was triod very highly for the Dunedin Cup before last, and won the Leger pretty easily. On the whole I should prefer the chance of his old opponent Betrayer. If well, this colt, who is only raised two pounds on hiß last year's mpost, must be allowed to carry a very dangerous label. Sir Georgohas certainly provod himself a right good colt, but I hoar speed rather than carrying weight is his forte, and if thia be the case he has several pounds too much, though I cannot see how Mr Griffith could have given him much less. Randwiok has a weight ho certainly should be master of, but I think the New Bouth Welshman has his objections to anything over a mile and a-half in anything like good company. "What can one say of Volunteer. A really grand looking horse, and possessing, there can be no question, a great turn of foot; but he has been so far a very unfortunate animal, standing his preparation well enough, but going amiss just prior to the meeting. He is now having a good spell, and I hope, for the sake of his owners, he will come out fit, and give us next season a good taste of the quality I feel suro he possesses. Lure, I think, has not much to complain of, but I think she, like Le Loup, is a doubtful starter. Piacatorious has been raised 131bs on his last [year's, which, I think, is a bit more than he deserved, as he has never raced since, while Foul Play, who finished oloae behind Piecatorious, has 21bs off him. Surely Mr Walters' horse never gave Foul Play a fifteen pounds beating on that ocoasion, not to add that Foul Play haß the Auckland Cup and a good many other races to his credit. Gorton has never yet raced. He was formerly called Tomato, and was bred by Mr Ferguson, of Gorton, near Cambridge, in the Waikato. He ia by the English horse Thunderbolt, who seems to get very speedy progeny, out of Lyra, a Ihormanby mare, imported by Mr Ferguson, from whom the colt was purchased by Sir Hercules Robinson. They tell me ho is a fine looking colt, and he is now being trained by Koun. Old Ohanoellor should run well, if in his old form, with 7st 121 b, but I'm not aware whether he has over got quite aound 'again. Libeller, a good little stayer, has 7st 111 b, and ought to be amongst them at the finiab, while Lady Emma haa no cause of complaint with the impost (7st 101 b) Mr Griffith has awarded her, nor has Titania with 7st 91b. She, I fancy, is another doubtful acceptor. Hilarious, in Southland Cup form, can have no chance with Luna, as at the Southern meeting they met at 121 b, Luna winning after a close race. Now Hilarious has to give her 161 b, which is 41b more than he carried when beaten. Badsworth, when he left Canterbury, seemed to have tho makings of a uaef ul horse, but though he showed plenty of pace In the Derby when making the running for Virginia Water, I aoarcely think he is quite class enough for the present company. Leveller, by Traducer out of Waimea, ia good enough for anything aa far aa breading ia concerned. He ran third in the Christohurch Champagne aa a two-year-old, which I think was his only performance, and I don't think he was anything like oherry ripe when he went to the poat. Ho was a nice mover and a good-shaped one. He wsb trained for the lost Christohurch Derby, and, I understand, quite satisfied Ohaffe as to his attainments, but he took the strangles very badly just previous to the meeting, and never raced all the season through. He will shortly, if he be not already in work, and with only 7st 71b on his back, shortly be able to render a good acoount of himself in the race under notice. His owner well deserves to win a big race or two with him, considering the plucky price he paid for him when a foal. Longlands I think, will not put in an appearance, while I think Somnus has been allotted a pound or two too muoh. He, so far, is in performance the best colt of his year, and will probably ho bad to beat in the Derby; but I see more than one animal, old and young, beneath him in weight that I think can put him through without much trouble. On Dit at seven-six has a nice impost, but I don't think she ia equal to the company, unless she runs in muoh better form than she has hitherto shown. Grand Duchess (7st 31bs) has been hitherto a very disappointing filly, but ahe always struok me as being a big overgrown young lady, who might possibly so improve with age that she would run in very much better style than she has yet shown. This improvement has not, so far as I can Bee, exhibited itself. Should it do so, she ought to run very close up in this event ; bat I don't think she will be very formidable in any cuae, as many are better in than ahe is. Of Idalium, it is hard to form any decided opinion. From what I have seen of him in his work, he certainly has plenty of pace, but over a short coarse, so far as he has got yet, I think Somnus ia ever hia master. His not making any appearance at the Autumn meeting may rosult from several causea He mav not have been quite fit enough to please Cutts, or, on the other hand, Cutts having one oolt good enough to win belonging to the same owners, may have thought it not good to expose the form of the other unless he were really fit. The Governor ran a very honest horse at the Autumn meeting, and though he never scored anything beyond borren place honors, he will improve on this form unless I'm much mistaken. He ran a very good trial just before tho meeting and ran just about to his trial form in the race. I don't know how the other half mile will suit him, but that he will score a win during the meeting I am very confident. Atlantic is a very curious horso. He haa occasional prejudices against racing when he won't try a yard, and I don't think he is a very charming animal to ride, but sometimes ha goes well und determinedly, as hia race with Lo Loup certainly showed. He must go a bit bettor than that, though, to have a fair say in this race, and I far prefer the chance of hia stable companion, Leveller. Sir Garnet I do not think has shown us his beat form yet, as during tho greater portion of the season he has suffered a good deal from split hoofs. He would, however, have to show a very groat improvement to have any say in the raoo under notice. Tho last remark applies in a still greater meaauro to hia old shipmate Svlvanus. The Peereaa colt is a horae of a very different color. Being by the great Yattendon out of Peeress, there is not much

to quarrel with in his breeding, while his

appearance is much in his faror. JUia only performances so far were at the recent Autumi. Mooting, where, anything but fit, ho finished second in the Champagne and third in the Nursery Handicap. I think him an uncommonly good colt, and should his owner olect to send him for the longer distance instead of the Derby he will, if well trained,

be very handy at the finish. Norseman, who haa hitherto been a very on Fortunate horae, ia very well in. It must not bo forgotten that as a tbree-year-old, and carrying Bst 131 b, he won the Blenheim J.O. Handicap in 3min 15socs; and the day previc us he won the Cup, carrying Bjt, in 3.50. There can bo no question about his ability when fit to get hia two miles well, and I consider him one of the most leniently treated animals in the Handicap. I don't think the handsome Nautilus will get the distance even with 6st 101 b on her, her best form, so far, having been shown in events o£ a shorter description. When we get low down amongst the weights, a couple of pounds is neither here nor there, but why the Dauphin should carry the same weight as Amulet, two pounds more than Nonpareil, and seven pounds more than Hinemoa, I cannot understand, his only performance being a walk ovor at Blenheim, and a victory over a very moderato lot at Wanganui. Amulet (6st lOlbs). This colt has certainly proved himself a very fast one. Whether he can stay a distance or not i« quite another question, but I think some others of the Bame age will prove over the distance, and that the son of Charm will be more formidable over shorter courses. Moselle is one of the Middle Park youngsters sold here last year. Ho is by Tradueer out of Opera. Never having seen him since he left here, 1 can form no judgment of what the youngster may be like. Bundoora, purchased at Mr Gardiner's first sale here by Messrs Mason and Vallance, is by the Peer out of Argosy by Freetrader from Belhari, the dam of Camballo. Bundoora is a great big raking eolt. who I should say would run bettor with more age. Fleur-de-Lys, his stable companion, is the Traduoer-Fleurange colt, bought last year at the Middle Park sale. He is a handsome little colt, in action and appearance reminding one very much of old Templeton. He has never raced as a two-year-old, but I think should he train on will be a very serviceable animal. Who the mysterious owner of Mataku is I know not; but I do know that Cutts will train him, and, therefore, has every chance of coming pretty right to the post. I believe he does not find favor in the eyes of many good judges, but I fancy he will make a real good one. I should say tho Derby will be his dart, but should he start in the big handioap ho must be a dangerous opponent to any in tho field. Afghan (6st 81b) is far from a badly bred one, being by Albany, out of Tell Tale, by Tradueer, out of Brunette. He is now in the Yaldhurst stabli?, where there are, I should think, bettor than him engaged in the same event; but ho is quite untried, and he may be a good one after all. Of Nonpareil's speed there can be no question, and should he continue to improve throughout the winter he will make a good colt. He is the first of the Korurig, and I am inclined to think will, during next season, do that bonny little sire a lot of credit. Bosarina is by Tradueer, out of Yatterina, but so far she has not shaped with much success. Luna at 6jt 71b has certainly boon very favorably treated, and though two miles is certainly not her favorite distance, she must run very forward with only 6st 71b on her beck. It ia quite certain that after a winter rest she will, bar aeoident, come pretty fit to the post, and make it very merry for a good portion of the road, if not at the finish. Mischief has been sold to go to Napier, and is not at all a probable starter, as it will pay her owner better to reserve her for local events. The Skittle Sharper filly, Legerdemain, has not so far impressed us, and she must improve a good deal to have the slightest show. Though she has a pound less I should say the Cassivelaunus filly, on her Dunedin form, must have a good deal better chance, though I do not think much of her show in such company. Caprice is by Anteros, out of Foul Play, dam Fanny, but she is so far, I think, quite untried. Mignon, who is by Korari, out of old Malice, is, judging from her appearance, the best the sister to Lurline haß yet thrown, but I fanoy she will be relegated to the paddock without ever going to tho post. Aurora, another of Mr Nosworthy's breeding, being by Maroro, out of Grip's dam Awatea. It is quite probable this filly will be put in work during the winter, and I dare say will give a good aocount of herself. Gitana is by Bapid Bay, out of Gipsy, and hae never performed. Zealandia (6st 51b) is the property of the gentleman who races under the name of Mr Bate, and being by Maroro. out of Toi Toi, ought to race above a bit, The Slander filly (6at 51b) is not over well treated, a Consolation win at tho recent Auckland meeting being her only win so far, though she has run several times. Bawdon (Gat 41b) is a nice, useful-looking colt, whose only per- . formance was running a moderate third in the Nursery Handicap last Metropolitan meeting, but I think from his breeding speed rather staying will his form. Louis d'Or has only run once, being unplaced in the Nursery just alluded to. He ia a very nice-looking and well-bred colt, and has nothing to complain of in his impost, whioh remark also applies to La Mode ; but I must confess to the opinion that Hinemoa might have received several pounds more, as she has been a very consistent filly, and certainly on performance must hold the majority of those she has competed with quite safe. Dan and Laertes have nothing to complain of, but I don't think either can go fast enough for the distance, no matter what they carried. Holderness (four-year-old, Gut), if his temper would only improve, would surprise a good many, and Prospero has plenty of foot if he can only stay. Borneo, though much improved, is not good enough, and of the Caslanette filly I know nothing. Of Mr Webb's pair I should prefer Virginia Water's half-brother Blue Jacket to Gold Dust, while Flap Jack I 1 know nothing of him further than that he is a fairly bred one. It is altogether too early in the day to talk about probable winners, but I shall have a little to say about them when the acceptances come out on August Ist. Sam Powell seems likely to have a full stable this winter, for in addition to Mr McLean's team, his boxes will also be tenanted by Mr Walters' quartette, who will be under the care of French.

The " Dunedin Evening Star " informs its readers that Mr H. Prince purchased at the recent yearling sales at Sydney a brown colt by Goldsborough out of Sea Bresze for the sum of ninety guineas. The colt was shipped on board the s.s. Wakatipu, and may be expected here in the course of next week. Sea Breeze is by The Barb out of Mermaid, halfsister to Tocal. Also, that Grand Flaneur broke down very badly in one of his fore-legs the Saturday before the Sydney races, and will race no more. He has been purchased by Mr Andrew Town for stud purposes at the high figure of £SOOO. Mr 8. Higgott has recently left the employ of Messrs Robinson and Lance, and is now residing on his own property on the Upper Riccarton road. Higgot would be glad of a horse or two to train or sohool, for whose accommodation he has good boxes. The Knowsley string will for the future be trained by R. Ray, who has already taken up his abode at D. O'Brien's old placo in the vicinity of the raceoourse.

Owners of steepleohasers are reminded that nominations for the handicapa at the Ashburton fixture must be Bent to Mr J. Bell not later than 9 p.m. on Wednesday next, May 18th. General entries, with acceptances for tho handicap?, close on May 25 th at eight o'clock.

I am requested for the last time by Mr Elliott, the editor of tho " New Zealand Stud Book," to remind owners and breeders that he will receive no moro entries after the current week, Mr Elliott would be glad to receive from any secretaries of Jockey Clubs particulars of their varioua meetings, which will materially assiat him in the compilation of the forthcoming " New Zealand Turf Register." All communicationa to be addreaaed to the office of the " Canterbury Times," Christohurch. Tho annual meeting of the Canterbury Jockey Club will be held on Saturday next, May 21st.

By the time these lines go to press, I think it is more than probable the old stand will be down and the new one about to commence.

The V. R. Club Committee have decided to call for applications for tho post of secretary, as successor to tha late Mr Bagot. Applications will be received until June Ist.

At a meotiDg of gentlemen held in Oamaru on May 3rd, it was decided to hold a steeplechase Dieting on the 9th June. The sum of £2lO will be given. The programme has not yet been arranged. Mr P. Martin left on Friday for the North, taking with him Mischief and the two-year-old filly by Maroro out of Wainui. I wish him luck with both o£ them, and I think he will find the daughter of Wainui will turn out well.

Messrs Stocks and Stenhouse have commenced operations on the race course with regard to the erection of a new stand. The weights for the Wanganui Steeplechase are to hand, Lonehand should wis it should

he prove in a jumping humor; if not, I like King Don best, and consider that he has most to fear from Lady Mary and Chandler. I see by Melbourne files that Mata and Oamballo have left Melbourno en route for Adelaide.

Considerable intorest, aaya the " Melbourne Sportsman," is evinced by the general publio aa to who will obtain the secretaryship of the Victorian Racing Club. Its present cnairman ia spoken of, although we deem his candidature unlikely. Mr Olibbom, secretary of the A.J.0., it ia underatood, would be ouro of it did he apply, but ia better off where he ia. Superintendent Hare, of the police force, ia spoken of as a probable candidate, with an excellent ohance. Mr Haydon, aecretary of the Auetralian (Coursing Club and Victorian Rooms ; Mr Wm. Bahilert, aecretary of the Ballarat Turf Club ; Mr A. F. Bradshaw, and Mr Chapman of the sporting press, are all spoken of as probable candidates. Some of my Southern confreres have made a slight mistake in assuming that because Mr Ohaffo purchased several of the best of Mr Redwood's youngsters that thoy were coming South. The truth is, they will remain with Ted Cutts, at Ohokebore Lodge, but a thiok veil of mystery is spread over the buyer. To slightly parody Lard Dundreary, "His patronymic no fellah can get hold of."