ASSEMBLY SPORTING NOTES.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2361, 27 October 1881, Page 3

ASSEMBLY SPORTING NOTES.

THE NORTH CHRISTOHURCH SPRING MEETING. [By the Fbiae.] If tho delay in the preparation of Time o' Day for hie preliminary canter on tho Gaiety course haa given rlee to any doubts as to hia fitnoas, I am quite sure those doubts must have been dispelled by the grand manner in whioh he shaped yesterday. The result of this trial must be considered very satisfactory, and perfect confidence as to the result of the final was very openly and generally expressed by the majority of those present. On tbo occasion referred to, punctual to the tick of'the clock, at the appointed hour, the door of his loose box wa3 Bwuug back, and the big, black, upstanding aon of Mainspring was brought out into the saddling paddock, and became at once the centre of attraction. Little Jimmy was told off for the monnt, and no tlrao being lost in bringing the perf irmer on the couree, the trial b?gan Before long the Representation fence was neared, and answering with alacrity to tho hint of Little Jimmy—he cleared it in good frrm. A little further on the Corrupt Practice Hurdles were eesn barring the way. This too was crossed in a manner leaving nothing to ba desired. The Licensing Bill barrier came next, and this difficult jump was splendidly negotiated, and the big black bounded away at a clinking rate till tho Education Hurdles came in sight. This jump is beset with difficulties of no ordinary kind, being both very high and wide, but to the credit alike of his trainer and the stable, it was cleared with skill an-i judgment. The West Coast Railway barrier cirao next iu order, and was negotiated flying. The Local Legislation Hurdles were then taken without a moment's hesitation, and the Local Industry Water Jump was seen ahead. At this he went with the utmost determination, and cleared it. Then came the Volunteer barrier. By this time he was going very fast, being well warmed to his work, and it is almost needless to say that it proved no obstacle to his onward course. The Railway Management Hurdles were also cleared with judgment and precision. The big combined Native Fence and Water Jump were then seen looming aheai, and at this he was scarcely In such good form, but still it was taken. The Direct Steam Service Jump was declined, but at the Hospital and Charitable Aid Fence he was more fortunate and e'everly placed it behind him. the Policy Hurdles were then taken with the utmost credit, and amidst the cheera of the bystanders. The Lotteiies Dyke and the Church Trust Fence were both got over without difficulty, and the big Squatters' Gully was gamely cleared. At this he was eased off, and gently cantered home to the starting point. The result of the trial was, that he at once jumped into the betting, which has hardened somewhat to-day. One thing Is certain, he ran honestly and well, and if he continues in hia present form, and no other horses are entered for the event, the question of his passing the winnlngpoat ahead of Cremation, and taking the stakes, is a moral. I noticed the other horse on tho ground, but ho was not put up for a spin on this occasion, being walked about with the clothing on. I thought he seemed somewhat out of condition, and heard that he has been physicked, so as to ensure hiß running in good form on the day of the race ; but, despite that, I think the company he will travel with on that occasion will be too good for him, and he will sustain a defeat.