Review Of Field For G.N. Steeples

Northern Advocate, 3 June 1939, Page 11

Review Of Field For G.N. Steeples

Sporting

Although no fewer than 23 horses still remain in the Great Northern Steeplechase, to be run at Ellerslie on Monday next, it is probable that the field will be reduced after the first day’s racing to-day.

The Greenlane Steeples, the opening event at Ellerslie to-day, has often proved a good guide to the big crosscountry event. In 1924, Sir Rosebery, after winning the Greenlane Steeples, went on to score in the Great Northern Steeplechase. Twelve months later he won the elusive double, the two Great Northerns, but was the last horse to do so. '

Erination is top weight with 11.13. and may be improved by his race in the hurdles. Although he was the star of last season, he may have to give way to several improving lightweights in this year’s contest. All Irish registered two third placings in the steeplechases at Te Rapa, and his good jumping may assist him to be up close at the finish. Hanover has plenty of pace, but his fencing has not been too sound. If he survives the jumps he should be prominent. Mio Lume was going well when he made a mistake in the Te Rapa Steeplechase, but he is well forward and is capable of a bold showing.

A Capable Jumper

En Tour gained many friends when he ran second in the Waikato Steeplechase. He is a well-seasoned jumper who will be one of the main fancies. John Charles is another candidate who will not be troubled by the distance. A good jumper, he has come into strong favour as the result of his good schooling exhibitions since his arrival at Ellerslie. Power Chief has two recent wins to his credit, and is handily placed with 9.3. With W. E. Pine in the saddle, ho will lack nothing on the score of horsemanship. He is by Tractor, a sire of good jumpers. Smiling Thru won the Winter Steeples last year. However, as she has no recent form, her chance will be governed by her display in the hurdles today.

May be Favourite.

Survey has a good southern record, his victories having been accomplished in pleasing style. He is no stranger to the Ellerslie country, having been placed in a steeplechase at Auckland before going south. He is in great condition, and his schooling efforts since his arrival at headquarters have been of a high standard. His one mistake early in the week has ' not affected his confidence, and his later efforts have satisfied his many admirers. He may ‘|o out favourite on Monday.

The chances of Pyrenees, Gascync, Adsum and Kinkle will be governed by their showing to-day. However, they should account for the remainder on the minimum.

Without the benefit of to-day’s results, the present inclination is to favour the chances of: Survey, Power Chief and John Charles. The acceptances are: — GREAT NORTHERN STEEPLECHASE, Of 1750 sovs. About 3;{ miles. tTo be run on June 5). Erination , 11 13 Pyrenees . 9 0 All Irish . 10 12 Count Hanover . , 10 5 Rousillon 9 0 Mi:< Lume .10 3 Car Leaf ..9 0 En Tour .10 3 Survey ..90 John Gascyne . 9 0 Charles . 10 2 London ..90 Bryce Adsum ..90 Street . . 10 0 Electric Sporting Flash ..90 "Song . . 9 12 Bells of Irish Comet 9 5 Bow . . 9 0 Power Chief 9 3 Roxy . . 9 0 Smilin’ Thru 9 0 Kinkle . . 9' 0 1 Breeding of Lord Hereford. A recent winner in Lord Hereford came out a couple of years ago and won over hurdles. Last season he made only one appearance. He is a seven-year-old gelding by Lord Quex, who traces back to the brilliant Sunstar. Promising ’Chaser. Slayer has been freely entered in the steeplechase events at the Dunedin meeting, and there are few with better prospects of winning a race than the Valkyrian gelding. In his first appearance over the big timber, at Riverton at Easter, he gave an outstanding display to outjump and outpace a useful field. Slayer may never be capable of carrying big weights, but a repetition of his Riverton form would find him, winning again at short notice. A False Price. Though Royal Minstrel paid nearly a double score at Awapuni last Saturday, ho is credited with having done the best six furlongs on the Hastings track two mornings earlier.

RACING FIXTURES.

June 3,5: Napier Park R.C. June 3. 5; Wanganui J.C. June 3,5, 7: Auckland R.C. June 3,5, 10; Dunedin J.C. June 10; Hawke’s Bay J.C, June 17: Bay of Plenty R.C. June 17: Hawke’s Bay J.C. Juno 17; Greymouth J.C. June 24: Ashburton County R.C. June 24: Waipa R.C. June 24: Otaki Maori R.C.

TROTTING FIXTURES.

June 3: Methven T.C. June 5: Ashburton T.C.