ANTICIPATIONS.

Hastings Standard, Issue 91, 11 August 1896, Page 3

ANTICIPATIONS.

[By Gipsy Graxd.]

The acceptances for the Christchurch Winter meeting are not nearly so good as expected, but what is lost in number is there in quality ; and the best of New Zealand's jumpers will face the starter on Thursday nest. For the First Hunters' Hurdles fifteen horses have accepted, and without running through the list I look to a half brother to Clarence, St Elmo, to win, with Vagabond handy at the finish. For the Maiden Hurdles eleven are satisfied with the adjustments, the local horse Rangipunehu being at the head of affairs. If he was not under a cloud I look no further for the winner, but his legs have been troubling him lately and I am doubtful whether Mr Quinlivan's' gelding will be seen in his true form. In the mile and three-quarters nothing should catch Zanzibar, and he should be followed home by Docility and Fraternite in the order named. The big event, the N.Z. Grand National Steeplechase, will see a poor field, eight only being on the list. Liberator with 12st 91b must certainly be reckoned with, as on performances he holds most of them safe. 'ln my opinion Donald McKinnon has never shown what he is capable of doing and I look to him to bring the big prize to Hawke's Bay. Booties will get all the way, and so will Mutiny, but if the course is at all dry the light weight division, Gillie, Nat, Narrate, and Cyrus 11, will be found in the rear in the three and a half mile ran. When the numbers go up Donald McKinnon should be first to weigh in. For the Enfield Steeplechase, two miles, seven will face the starter. Barnardo holds pride of place with list 91b, and is reported to be going great guns. I cannot fancy Rangipunehu in his present condition at lOst 81b, but Chris's chance is a very rosy one with lOst 71b. The Gisborne horse Sam comes as a strong tip, but he is uncertain, and does not know Riccarton well enough. The Joker, Kowai, and Armstrong are the other starters, of which I prefer the first-named. But the horse that beats Chris will win. The last race of the day—the Winter Handicap—brings out a field of nineteen. Prime Warden and St. Hilda are top weights. If Young Cheviot is in the form he was two years ago lOst 121b would not stop him from winning, but the result should be fought out between Moonrakek and Warbbcgton, the former for preference. The coal output in Victoria during the quarter just closed eclipsed all previous records of the colony.