THE TURF.

Northern Advocate, 21 August 1915, Page 4

THE TURF.

SOME OF THE GRAND NATIONAL CANDIDATES.

"Argus" writing in the Christchurch "Star" says:—lt would be difficult to recall a Grand National meeting at which the cross-country form was so

poor as was the case last week. There was a time when Xejv Zealand more than held her own with Australia in that department of the racing same, out the Commonwealth can apparently give us some points just now. This is shown clearly by the running of Tim Doolan, who was easily the second best horse at Riccarton last week, whereas he was handicapped in Australia, after his unlucky performance in the Victoria Grand National Steeplechase, as just one of a big bunch of good ones, from a number of whom he was receiving weights. Tim Doolan ran well last week, though at times his fencing did not reach high water mark. He must always be reckoned with over the Riccarton country, but I think Morning will always be his master. For that matter, however, Morning looks in a class by himself. He is a fine fencer, despite his ?all on the first day, while he is much too brilliant in the" flat for the average cross-country horse,. In each of his races last week he took the field along at a heart-breaking pace and I have little doubt that this accounted j for some of the falls. Morning ha.,l done very little schooling before l>e came to Riccarton but the experience gained in his three races should be valuable for next winter, when he looks like proving a great horse rwc-i fences. Ngatoa had only a lightweight on his back when he won the Grand National, but he was going woll on Saturday till he got into the fenca at Cutts', after which he did not jump at all kindly. Glenmore is getting old but his jumping still helps h s m to a prominent place. Daylight Bi'! is not certain enough at his fences, a remark which also applies to Sandy Paul. Fagot scarcely came up to expectations, but he may be better next season, as he has not done much racing. We did not see enough of Ngatiruanui to judge him, and he may not stand another searching preparation. The Brewer is a great jumper, but only a plodder, while Bonny is another whose jumping will always assist her In any field. Grey Renown is a promising sort, among the young brigade, but he does not stay. Captain Macky is another fine fencer, who should be better next winter, when Naupata may also improve on anything he has yet done. On the whole, however, it was difficult to select many of the beginners as likeyl to develop the best form next year.