SPORTING.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17861, 6 August 1918, Page 6

SPORTING.

NEWS AND NOTES. Acceptances for til© Metropolitan' Trotting Gub's meeting will close at noon to-morrow. Master Strowan claims only one engagement at Riccarton next week—the Grand National Steeplechase. All the other acceptors for that event, however, have been nominated for the Beaufort Steeplechase, on the second day. The fifteen acceptors for the Grand National Hurdle Handicap have been Dominated for the Sydenham Hurdle Handicap, on the second day of the meeting. The connections of Waimai are evidently prepared for a programme of mixed racing next week, in addition to the Grand National and Beaufort Steeplechases, - the Spalpeen gelding claims an engagement in the Sydenham Hurdle Handicap.

Ormesby, Moddito and Styrax may bo regarded as doubtful starters for tho Grand National Steeplechase, as they are also engaged in the Knfield Steeplechase. Wishful, J&snnot and Bon Francisco are similarly situated in connection with the' Grand National Hurdle Handicap, as they aro-in the Trial Hurdlo Handicap as well. Of the acceptors for the Winter Cup Whiro, Sardinia, Fleetham, Point Blank and Retard figure in hack races on the same day. During th? recent spell of snow and rain, while the Riccarton tracks were very soft, Sir Agnes was )>3ing freely discussed as a likely Winter Clip prospect. The drying winds of tlie past week, however, hare had such a marked effect on the tracks that tho Boris gelding is not in so much favour now, his past record showing him to be at his best only when the ground is heavy,

Ascalaphus has been showing rerv attractive form on the training tracks lately. He is a rare good galloper, but he may not be at his best in a race like the Winter Cup, with a big field and a solid pace certain from end to end.

'i'he Bnnyan gelding, Bedford, put in an appearance at Riccarton about the end of last week, but so far he has not been set any severe tasks. Ho looks in first-class condition, however, and he may have to b 9 seriously reckoned with in the Winter Cup. Bedford has been off the scene for some time, but earlier in his career he registered some good performances. His last success was in the Prince of Wales Handicap at Blkrslie, in June of last year, when Red Ribbon, 4n receipt oi 41b, filled second place.

; Gang Awa is reported to have got througli a very solid preparation for nis National Hurdles engagement, hut it is said that he has done little or no jumping.

J. O'Shea is booked to ride Cardrona in the Winter Cup. The pair were associated on several occasions last season, when Cardrona raced rather unluckily, though very consistently.

CANTERBURY JOCKEY CLUB

Tho following handicaps have . b«en declared:— HUNT CLUB CUP, of 200 bo'vs. About two "6 uies and a half. et lb et lb Master G aekwar 10 13 Hamilton , 13 6 Brown Joe . 10 4 John Bunny . 11 IS' Transfer . '9 13 Captain Loch, Golden Butte'-flj .11 9 Prenoz Garde . 9 7 • 10.13 Dardanelles , 9 7 TEIAL HURDLE HANDICAP, of 25C t sovs / One mile and three-quarters. et lb et It Wishful ' . . 12 1 Master Bcria . 9 11 Hylans . ll 9 Turohana 9 5 Jeannot . . 11 1 Reformation ,. 9 C Eon Francisco . 11 0 Vaacouia, . 9 0 Kahunianru . 11 0 St Cletus . 9 0 Mo tchikoff . 10 o Rose Blush , 9 0 Tornoa . 9 13 AVONHEAD HANDICAP, of 200 sovs i. Six furlongs. et lb at lb Sardinia . 10 13 Silver and Black 9 S Phil Kay . 10 12 Leaping Hum , .98 Charley . 10 11 Omahu , 9 8 Ardmoro . 10 11 Jingo 9 3 Fieetham . 10 10 Moiford , 9 2 Hasiie . 10 10 Turpinito , 0 0 Royal Prince , io 9 Bon sign 9 0 Missouri . 10 5 Mcorabbe 9 0 Primato . 10 1 Notability 9 0 Whiro , 10 0 Spyglass , » 0 iVimbolton . 10 0 A' 1 * 6;yper !) •■ Piano , 9 13 ffy'ero - ' 9 0 War Tax . 9 9 Chora)© . 9 0 Derby Day .98 Cadet .9 0 THE: ENFIELD STEEPLECHASE H' CAP, of 25' 9 sovs. About two milo 9. et lb st lb Master Bore 11 3 Hamilton , ,-ia a •, ...s 10 9 Ar .ing.on . ii 13 i tivdma'.a 10 9 Modciitd 11 3 John Bunny 10 7 Ormesby 11 8 tia'c-kwa* 9 7 THE SUMNER (fiat), ol ; 200 aovs. One uuie. «t Jb •t lb Retard , 10.13 »Yarform y a Kahuinangu 10 12 Warmth 9 7 Aramore. 10 fl Leaping Burn , 9 6 King of the Luff 9 6 Valley 10 2 mady : . 9 5 Primato ; . . 9 13 Mo;lord 9 0 Rio 9 13 - JBcl&ian King . •J 0 Kimbolton 9 12 r'loLuty 9 0 Bomb , 9 9 Ayo Ready 9 0 i-ciut Blank . a o