NOTES AND COMMENTS.

(Bjl Sit Bedivere.) - So the shadow of Bobrikoff, which overhangs the Champion Plate, has already had the effect of reducing the field down to seven. There is an old Ba y, m gj "There is many a slip, etc.," and, although it iv far from my intention to adopt the role of scaremonger, I may as well mention that, according to "information received" whilst attending the Napier meeting, it is no absolute certainty that the black champion will long survive such gallop* as may be necessary to keep him fit. Horsee of his class are rarities, and it is to be sincerely hoped that all may continue well with him. My informant, however, assured me that not only had Bobrikoff been given swimming exercise, which is in iteelf ominous, but that his trainer has been applying cold water to hie legs by means of a hose. It would, of course, be a relief to near that such stories ate ' ail moonshine, and I make mention of them merely for what they may be worth. Acceptances for the New Zealand Cup and Stewards Handicap are due on Friday. Fort William's withdrawal from the two-mile comes as no surprise, «.nd among other nanws that may be missing from the amended list on, Saturday are Birkdale, Gunboat, Advocate, Sonite, Montiform, Nyland, Shuja, Genius. Projectile, Aema, Gold Coin, Lady Jean, and Nightlight. . Sunstar's retirement from the turf 'Wfi« necessitated through his havinc sprung the back tendon, not of his near I fore-leg, which had originally given | trouble, but of his off one. His case i« but another instance of what common* ly happens— -the sound kg ie ea«riflced m an attempt, on behalf of the horse itself, to save the unsound one. He is to stand at the Childwick Stud, at afee of 300 guineas, and among the few niares— ten or twelve— other than those belonging to his owner, with whom lie will be mated are several belonging to Hi« Majesty the King and Lord Rosebei'y. Sunst&r ha* no Galopin or St. Simon blood in hie composition, and there will therefore bo no difficulty in gating jum advantageously. The value °' ! h Ai' hre i raceß he won this veal- was £14,280. Swjnford, whose retirement <vas caused through Ins having fallen and broken a leg whilst galloping, won four event*, of a total value of £14,814.