ST. HIPPO.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 175, 26 July 1893, Page 3

ST. HIPPO.

In connection with the supporting of St. Hippo for the New Zealand Cup, I am informed by Mr Nathan thab since the horse was brought back from Melbourne h e has bßen treated by Dr. Haines, the wellknown local medico. This gentleman pronounced bbab the crack was sound eleven days ago, and on the strength of this it was determined to support him to win the New Zealand Cnp, and a commission was worked throughout the colony. I understand that something under £3,000 is the amount obtained from the different pencillers. With regard to St. Hippo's prospects, personally I should say that he has a good chance of repeating lasb pear's victory providing thab Wright oan bring him to the post sound. The colb is dow doing strong work ab Ellerslie, and if Jhe weather keeps fairly fine, no donbt he ;an bo got ready for the big task set him. [am told on mosb reliable authority thab an Saturday morning last he was sent twice ,-ound the tan with Stanmoor, the pace being sound, and that he did nob appoar at all distressed nor did ho show any symptoms of unsoundness. Ib ia said thab Sb. Hippo looks big in condition, but there is more belly about him than flesh, and his jorpulency is disappearing daily. On Monday morning St. flippo was associated with one of his stable companions in a halfpace gallop, pulling up all right. DESPISED.

The local New Zealand Grand National .Steeplechase and Hurdle Race candidate Despised is reported to be doing good work, and on all hands it is agreed ab Ellorslio that he is a bit hotter than when he won the Great Northern Steeplechase ab Ellerslie. Personally, I think that Despised has j_ very good chance cf winning tho big lepping event at Riccarton, but I am not much In love with his chance in the GrandNationnl Hurdle Race, simply because he is not fast enough on his running ab the Takapuna Winter Meeting on the 24bh May. Taking » line from Despised's form at the marine suburb he will require to improve a great ileal to win the big hurdle race at Riccarton. My fancy for the Hurdles areKulnine ;jl2st), Kapua (lOst 71b), and Mutiny (lOst *.lb). For the Steeplechase I like besb Norton (12sb 121b), Despised (103b 51b), Gondolier (list 31b), and Empire (list 51b), but of the quartette I like Depised best.