ASSEMBLY SPORTING NOTES.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2349, 13 October 1881, Page 3

ASSEMBLY SPORTING NOTES.

THE SYDENHAM PLATE. [By thk Fbiab.] The importance of the several fixtures appointed to come off in December next, and the number of horses entered for the same, rendered it incumbent upon me to visit the different training establishments and note the various stages of preparation of the animal* who are to try conclusions. Accordingly, I paid my first visit to the Sydenham paddocks a few days since. The first nag brought under my notice was the well-known old stager Mortmain, a lengthy description of whom is needless, as he has already shown twice on the Ohristchurch course, being distanced on both occasions. As will be remembered, this all-aged roarer is by Speculation, out of Filthy Luore. He is a big, rakish-looking horse, and in spite of his velvety coat, and the vast amount of preparation he has undergone, is certain to drive all the others before him. In his preliminary canter, on Tuesday last, he ran very wild, kicking out ail round. Indeed, after a critical examination of his condition, I am certain he is too groggy on his pins to lead the way on the Sydenham course. I, therefore, plaoo him last on the list at the finish. The next animal brought out for my inspection war. aß)ther old stager —I refer to Quilldriver, by Urbanity, out of Civility—who placed the Lincoln Stakes to his stable's credit a few years ago, since which lime he has been turned out to grass. His preliminary was oreditablo to his trainer, and he negooiated the railway fenoe very oloverly, as also the Lottery dyke, which elicited a buzz of admiration from the onlookers. With a little more careful attention I fancy one need look no further for the winner. The only other acceptor for this event is a blaok, oobby little horse, who reeently had a walk over for the Borough Purse. He was not at work on the occasion of my visit, so I cannot report of his appearance. I refer to Stonechatter, by Granite out of Lignum Vi!as, and, judging from all I hear, he will make it rather warm for Quilldriver at the finish, although I believe the latter's good staying powers will land him a winner, still it is difficult at this early stage of affairs to prognosticate, as the entries have not yet finally closed, and it is rumoured there is a dark horse in the background, but of this I cannot speak with certainty. So far as matters stand at present, I shall allot first place to Quilldriver, with Stonoohatter close- up, and Mortmain about fifty lengths in the rear.