NOTES BY PHAETON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 10813, 23 July 1898, Page 6

NOTES BY PHAETON.

The very satisfactory result which marked the opening day of the Wellington Racing Club's Winter Meeting augured well for the success of the gathering, and favoured with fine weather for the holding of the second day's racing, the happy end was most fully attained. During the two days the totalisator investments reached the good round ram of £12,572, which, it may bo remarked, is r.n increase of £4337 on the amount handled at the corresponding meeting held last year. There was a field of seven for the Wellington Steeplechase, and, as was generally expected would be the case, Muscatol was made a strong favourite, the respective investments being as follows:—£6sl, Muscatel; £224, Nor'-west; £195, Dromedary; £161, Bradthaw ; £97, Claymore; £63, Coastguard; £55, Greenstone. At list Muscatel certainly bore a most attractive appearance, for her impost was only 1111) more than that under which she triumphed over the trying Ellerslie courso last winter when she put up a record performance from a time point of view in the Great Northern Steeplechase. However, whatever was up, the daughter of Foulshot failed, and that too somewhat badly, in the Wellington r-ice, and the winner turned up in the Auck-land-owned Nor'-West, who carried his lOst 31b home in front in a fairly comfortable manner. That Nor'-west would get over the country all right I felt pretty confident, but the strong doubt existing as to his staying capabilities prevented me from contracting anything like a strong fancy for his chance in the Wellington race. The race at the Hutt may have been run in such a manner as to suit Nor'-west, but 6m. 295. for the journey (about three miles), seems- to me to read all right, and the bay son of Sou'-wester may bo said to have removed to soino extent the suspicion that attached to him as a lion-stayer.

The committee of the Auckland Racing Club had some hopes of securing five totalizator permits in connection with next season's racing, which concession would have enabled them to open the season with a First Spring Meeting in, September. The Colonial Secretary, hewever, has determined to continue the policy which ho laid down when lie took up the totalisator question, and as) by this only four permits are allowed to any one club, the A.R.C. will have to let the September meeting go by the board. This will not prove a pleasing piece of information to tho horseowr.ers and trainers of this district, as it means a wait of several months before an opportunity will present itself of winning .. fair stake with a horse.

By an English cablegram to hand we loam that Velasquez managed to annex tho Eclipse Stakes of 10,000sovs, at Sandown Park last week, for Lord Rosebery, and as the son of Donovan carried tho extreme penalty of 101b, which raised his impost to the steadier of lOst 21b, the performance has undoubtedly a champion ring about it. Last season Velasquez had the bad luck to meet Gallec More, to whom he ran second in both the Two Thousand Guineas and St. Leger Stakes. However, with the Irish colt out of the way in the Princess of Wales' Stakes, ho won that valuable stake for tho Scottish earl; and a little later on ho won the Champion Stakes at Newmarket. Though Velasquez was evidently inferior to Galteo More last year, his performance at Sandown Park stamps him as a good four-year-old, and it is unfortunate that lie will not be given a chance of endeavouring to wipe oat the dual defeat which he suffered last year at the hands of Galtee More, as the latter has been shipped to his new home in Russian territory.

For several years past Mr. Stead lias received anything hut encouragement in his breeding operations, and, judging from intelligence to hand, the Southern sportsman is not to have a change of luck this year in that respect. Corolla (dam of Gold Medallist) has, it is slated, slipped twins to Gipsy Grand, whilo Bcllicent and Ich Dien, who were also mated with the same horse, liavo proved barren, as is also Blucfire, who was last season sent to Auckland on a visit to St. Leger. This is a rather uninviting little list, and following, as it does, on a run of ill-luck ill previous seasons, would, in many cases, cause a man to lire of a pursuit into which enter so many disappointments. Mr. Stead is, however, built tho right way to stay.

Whatever may happen later on, it would seem safe to say at present that Boreas is t he most heavily-backed horse for the New Zealand Cup. In referring to the support that has been accorded the son of Sou-wester, " Spectator" says: The first real blow strode since the weights for the New Zealand Cup appeared has been the backing of Bore is. Altogether I understand that nearly £10.000 lias been written against the name of Boreas, the great bulk of the money being for the immediate connections of the horse. The son of Sou'-westor is a very speedy customer, and if ho can only stay must bo accounted very nicely handicapped for the long distance handicap with 7st 101b. Boreas will, in all probability, sport silk at the Grand National Meeting, and the chances are he will remain at Kiccarto'n from then until the Cup meeting. White lias already been engaged to ride Boreas in the Cup.

Another strong effort is to be made in Victoria to have the use of the tolalisator legalised in that colony; and it is understood that the second reading of the measure will be moved in the Legislative Assembly during the coming month. It is not intended, under the Bill, to permit the use of the totalisator at any other than a racecourse conducted by a club— is to say, tho machine will be prohibited at what are known as proprietary courses. No racecourse will be permitted tr uso a totalisator for more than four days at any one meeting, and it is also provided that any club running a tote may deduct no; less than 5 nor mora than 8 per cent, from the moneys placed therein, and that one-third of the net profits of the machine must do paid to a " support of charities fund."

The uncertain Wait-a-Bit is certainly receiving his fair share in tjie comments made by the Victorian writers on the two Cups. "Reginald," of the Melbourne Sportsman, is one that puts in a plea for "just one more chance" for the disappointing son of Malua, and the Melbourne scribe does so in the following powerful —Somehow, at every run through the weights for the Cups, one pauses at the name of Wait-a-Bit. What this gentleman can really do when he likes is probably only known to his trainer, but the watchers both at Caulfield and at Flemington have from time to time been given an idea of his really remarkable ability. "On the track" Wait-a-Bit is probably the greatest galloper in Australia to-day. There is nothing he cannot do there. Two furlongs, or as many miles seem all the same to him. He can do the sprint with the two-year-olds, and, when it comes to the longer course, he can take on the best of the Cup horses. Such a wonderful combination of speed and stamina as that possessed by Wait-a-Bit is, indeed, rarely found in a horse. Amiable certainly settled him in a Newmarket gallop, but at that time nothing alive could beat the black mare over her favourite journey. In a mile bout; though, later on, the Malua flyer had his revenge by handsomely defeating Amiable in lm. 465. on the sand. Only that he let us down so often, we would bo inclined to think that a horse of such brilliancy, and one that can go the trip as well, will win any Melbourne Cup over run with Bst. But, unfortunately, these great deeds Wait-a-Bit shows himself capable of in private are never reproduced when the real battie is on. Up to now he has seemed to lack that finishing determination which is 80 essential in a racehorse. In both the Melbourne Cup and Australian Cup this season, Wait-a-iiifc looked line holding the position near home, but, when the tight started in earnest, he surrendered in a fashion most pronounced. In neither case was it because the task was beyond him, but it was mainly that Le 'did not. fancy the contract, and escaped from it in his own way. There might be hope for Wait-a-Bit yet, however, for these " criminals" are sometimes reformed. Anyhow, backers might give him just one more chance. He is a dangerous customer to have running against you.

Another good horse had his name enrolled amongst the winners of the V.R.C. Grand National Steeplechase in the consistent Floater, who on Saturday last carried the steadier of 12st 71b to victory over the big fences at Flemington. Floater was not favoured in the matter of going to achieve his brilliant victory, for we are told that the weather was very wet, and to win in such easy style as he did proves Floater to bo something in the shape of a top-noteher. The following is a list of winners of the V.R.C. Grand National:—

The Wellington Cup winner, Uniform, who was purchased from Mr. Stead in January last by the agents of Mrs. Langtry, and taken to England, has made a favourable impression there. In a letter to Mr. Stead about Uniform, Mr. Alison, who negotiated tho pur chase of the son of HotelikiEs, says:— form is going on wonderfully well, and I think they are very pleased with him. I have seen him at work with the rest of Webb's horses, and he really looks like being fit to run very soon. I thought him a very nice horse indeed, all that you led me to anticipate, in fact."

An Auckland firm recently received a commission from across the sea to inquire the prico at which Opai could be bought. This information was obtained, and the firm in question were instructed by their client to effect the purchase of the horse at the figuro quoted. In the meantime, however, Mr. McDonald had changed his mind, and an answer was returned that the Grand National winner was not now for sale.

The Chevalier, who won the Birthday Handicap at Flemington on Queen's Birthday last, treated his party to another win on the same ground on the opening day of the recent Grand National Meeting, when he carried Bst 81b to victory in tho Winter Handicap. Tho latest victory on the part of The Chevalier mulcts the son of Lncliicl in a 31b penalty for the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups respectively, and his weight in the first-named event will, as a consequence, be raised to Bst 21b, while in the latter race it will go up to Bst,

In the running of tho' Second Hurdle Raco at the Wellington meeting, Marina proved that thero was no fluke about her victory in the same class of raco on tho opening day, for, though Mr. Evitt raised her a stone and ten pounds in weight, she won just as easily as slio did on the previous day. Tho daughter of Sou-'wesler is evidently a good class of mare, and it is a wonder that she was not nominated for the Grand National Hurdle Race, to be run at Ricearton next month,

In order to give them a sight of the crowd, and to get them used to noises, George Wright had in town during the present week the trio of youngsters that are to carry Mr. L. D. Nathan's colours next season. Seaton Delaval's descendant* comported themsolves in their walk up the principal thoroughfare in a manner that shows them to be free from anything approaching a flighty temperament. ' As Waiuku's career on the New Zealand turf may now bo looked upon as closed, the following summary of his performances will be perused with interest:— Uu-

BREVITIES. It is understood that True Blue's turf career has closed. Amberite continues to train on well at Randwick. St. Clements was sold during the present week for £150. Swordfish has shortened to 100 to 7 for the New Zealand Cup. The Friar has been scratched for the Grand National Steeplechase. The Dunedin J.C. have a surplus of assets over liabilities of £5597 6s. The Goldsbiougli sire, Sou-'wesler, should be well tip the winning list this season. Umslopogaas is reported to bo doing splendidly in his preparation at Riccarton. Mr. Wilson has fixed tho stud fee of Bill of Portland and Wallace at 50 guineas each. Cocos, the full brother to Coil, is reported to be moving along in good style at Randwick.

A rumour is current in Canterbury to the effect that Mr. D. Rutherford has purchased Plain Bill. Mr. L. D. Nathan's New Zealand Cup candidate Explosion continues to train on nicely at Ellerslia. £108,000 was invested on the totalisators at Longohamps in connection with the iast race for tho Grand Prix de Paris. The Wellington Steeplechase winner, Nor'west, lias arrived at Riccarton with a view to his Grand National engagements. It is stated that the stallion Artillery, who was sent to America some throe years ago, is to be brought back to New Zealand. The imported hunting sire Paddy's Land failed to find a purchaser when submitted to auction yesterday at the Haymarket. "Terlinga," of the Australasian, does not consider Amberite has much chance of annexing the Melbourne Cup under 9st Mb. During the principal- day of the Paris Summer Meeting tills year the totab'sator investments amounted to no less than £246,000. Accepting as correct the totalisator numbers telegraphed, backers were laying £1 to 19s on Muscatel's ability to win the Wellington Steeplechase. ' St. Ursula, the full sister to St. Paul, is at piesent enjoying a respite from active training, having been sent back to the estate of iter breeder in older to recruit. Lady Alwyne, the dam of Airs and Graces, was worthless as a racehorse, having started thrice, and on each occasion failed to get a place in very moderate company. A Southern writer, who recently looked over Hermosa, says:— finor mare of her inches— she is only a handful—has not beer, seen at Riccarton for a long time, Homespun, a highly-bred son of Lowland Chief and Needle, was sent out favourite for the Maiden Hurdle Race at the recent Plemington meeting, but he failed to get closer than third. Castashore's ill-luck stuck to him '..troughout the Wellington meeting. Tho Auckland horse managed to make a dead heat of it with Oracle for second honours in the Hutt Flying Handicap. It is staled that a substantial wager was taken in Auckland some time back about Nestor for the New Zealand Cup. Ellerelieitos doubt the sun of St. Leger standing a strong competition. It is stated that in addition to Waiuku, J. Hickey has purchased Brennan on behalf of Mr. Gollan. Brennan is a four-year-old ion of Torpedo and Christina, that has won a few good races in the Napier district. Magazine, who has been a bit of a disappointment to Mr. P. Campbell up to the present, has been jumping hurdles nicely, and he is looked upon as a promising candidate fur Grand National honours. The Carbine colt, George Frederick, must be giving the utmost satisfaction in his training work. A wager of 5000 to 100 was recently accepted about him for the Melbourne Cup, coupled with Bobadil for the Derby. Cannonshot, who in some quarters was looked upon as an eligible candidate for Grand National Hurdle Race honours, did not long remain in the list to tantalise backers, for a few hours after Mr. Henry's adjustment was posted the son of Artillery passed out of the race. Mr. W. R. Wilson baa nominated no less than nine horse* for the V.R.C. Derby of 1899. and it is worthy of remark that tho fillies are more numerous than the colts, five out of the nine that figure in tho St. Albans sportsman's name being of the weaker sex. A Ally his not won the V.R.C. blue riband since .Bnseis triumphed at Flemington in 1876. '

AUCKLAND RACING STABLES. ; AROUND ELLERSLIE IN WINTER. [BT fhaztox.] A journey to Ellerslie in the depth of winter is not, as a rule, ono that bears a very inviting aspect. The present season lias, however, been characterised with such mildness that the opportunity of a run into the country was quickly availed of when it presented itself to me during the present week. As I wended my way down the carriage drive at the racecourse, I stopped for a few moments at the top of the rise at the Green Lane end, to view the delightful scene that there spreads out to one's gaze. Never previously, I thought, had Ellerslie looked so beautiful or borne such a trim and orderly appearance in the winter season as it did at the time of mv recent visit. The tracks and surroundings were so dry that one might have traversed the whole of the course without picking uv a particle of mud. Though the scene and the state of the ground at the racecourse at the present time is more in keeping with the spring than the winter season, it was at once apparent to one like myself, whose business takes him frequently to the racecourse in the busy season, that our racers are now eased up and in winter quarters, for at the time of my visit not a singlo equine was in sight. Howover. I was not disappointed in that respect, for it is to interview them in their boxes I'Jit I have undertaken my trip Ellersliewards today , and proceeding up the lane which skirts tho racecourse at its southerly front, I bring up at J. chaafe's. Doors, I found, were hero all closed, end when on inquiry at the house I was apprised thai " old John" had gono to town, I began to think that my visit to the home of St, Paul and Co, was to be barren of results; but "young Jack," who had three of the youngsters out on tlie road, was seon returning, end making known my wish to have a look over the horses, ho at once acceded with that readiness which at all times makes a visit to " old John's" place one of pleasure. My first interview was with a yearling colt by St. Leger from Coalscuttle, who, like his sire and dam, is a chestnut in colour. He is a fair-sized youngster, but a hollow-shaped back detracts greatly from his appearance, and he looks decidedly a commoner. Ho possesses a good set of legs, however, and when he makes up a bit, may be found useful. "This is St. Peter," quoth young Chaafo, as we entered the next apartment; which observation had the j effect of at onco bringing my notebook and pencil out. When I looked over the brother to St, Paul at Mr. Percival's Citato at Three Kings in Match last, I contracted a great fondness for him, and as he has in the interval made a deal of development, I was more than ever takon up with him. Ho is not what would be termed a commandinglooking colt; but lie is wonderfully compact, and ono can gaze on him for a long time with pleasure. Ho possesses a good gamo head, which is nicely sot on to a muscular neck. He is wondorfully good in front, and his back looks strong enough to carry it dragoon. He is hardly so good behind as in front but a lot of improvement may bo looked for there as he matures, and whon lie makes up H bit in his quarters, ho will fill the eye most p'asii'gly. As we stood looking over St. Peter, the question arose as to which he rejamUed most of his two full brothers, St. demerits or St. Paul. Tho youngster happened to turn his head towards us at this particular moment, and as he brought a bold pair of eyes that shorn) out like two stars to bear, with his dashing-like forelock thrown a bit to ono side, my vole went in favour of St. Clements, though " young Jack" is very str< ng in the view that St. Peter is the " dead ring" of St. Paul. So far as looks are concerned, it will therefore lie gathered that St. Teter is a filling brother to his two doughty iclativß?, and I have little doubt myself that like them ho will provo himself equal to the task of getting his name on the winning list. "The pick of the stable, the show of the shop" was next brought to light in the shape of St. Paul; and, need I say, that I was 1 at onco found conferring a caress on the neck of the gamo littlo fellow that has been tho hero of so many battles during the past three seasons. When interviewing St. Paul in the last winter season 1 was struck with the development he showed between the close of his three-year-old career and that of the period named, and I was curious to ascertain whether improvement was still going on. I can ay that such in tlio case. Tlio little fellow lias filled out splendidly, and during my recent this I was more than over taken up with him. What a wonderful little horse this son of St. Leger has proved himself ! The work that ho has been required to perform would have settled nine nut of ten ordinary horses; and yet here wo find him as lively as a two-year-old. " A perfect glutton for work," is what " young Jack" says of St. Paul, and his trainer has long since recognised that it is no kindness to tho littlo son of St. Legor to allow him to bo idle. When racing at Dunedin in tho autumn it will be remembered that St. Paul suffered an injury to his near hind fetlock, and the limb was encased in a bandage on each occasion when ho raced at tho A.R.C. Autumn Meeting in April last. A slight enlargement is still visible, hut judging from tho manner in which ho handles the limb, there is little cause for anxiety as to it tolling against him in his preparation for the Nov Zealand Cup. As wo stood looking 'over St. Paul it need, 1 suppose, hardly bo said that conversation turned upon tho many battles that he and " young Jack" have been engaged in. " Now, Johnnie," said I, "I will not ask you to say which is the greatest race St. Paul eve." ran; but, tell me, which defeat caused you most disappointment." I had an inkling what the reply of the young horseman would ho, and when ho said "tlio last Auckland Cup," tlio answer relumed to my query was what I expected. "Tho littlo follow was going so well insido tho home tarn," said 'tis rider, " that I didn't think anything had a chance of catching him; but ho died fair under me in the last 100 yds of tho journey." Yes, thero were more than "young Jack" badly cut up that afternoon, and some of tho uncharitable woro heard loudly declaiming against tho rider. But the little follow rode St. Paul all right. He was the victim of bad luck, and that bad luck was losing a big lump of ground at the start, A two-year-old that took my fancy a good deal at the back end of tho season was Aid' Reekie, a daughter of Cuirassier and Coalscuttle. She was only scon out onco '.n tho autumn, when she carried the colours of Mr. J. Marshall in the Champagno Stakes, in which race she ran unplaced. She was, however, not herself that afternoon. Asi I had contracted a bit of liking for Aid' Reekie on her first appearance, I was anxious to ascertain how she had fared in the interval. She had, I found, mado up into a lino mare, furnishing well all over, and if nothing comes against her sho may in the near future, I think, bo expected to give Mr. Marshall a winning turn, which event would, I need hardly say, bo most pleasing to that gentleman's large circle of friends. A full sister to Bon Godfrey was next brought to light in Kate Godfrey, who, though racy-like, is decidedly on the small side. These little ones are at times funnel valuable property as two-year-olds, to wit, Hermosa, who last season time after time Succeeded in lowering the colours of her more commanding-looking opponents. However, Kate Godfrey is not, I think, likely to prove herself as good as the chestnut filly that was last year nousoj at Frank Alacmanemin's, and she may bo passed by. '" Whatever have you got here ?" was the exclamation that burst from my lips as the door of the next apartment was swung open, and a commoner of the common was found therein. From St. Paul to this specimen of the thoroughbred was liko a jump from legitimate drama to burlesque, and I could hardly help indulging in a laugh at old John trying his hand on anything so moderate-looking. Tho quadruped, in question is Cannongate, an unattractive-looking son of Cannon and Fishfag. Cannongato may one of these days tab up serenely; but I make bold to say that at the present time he would score a good Srstif a poll had to be taken for modorato looks. A second look at St. Paul concluded ray visit to Chaafe's, and thanking young John for his courtesy, I retraced my steps to the lane, and next made a call at

F. moUANEMIK's. I was fortunate in finding tlio popular young trainer at home, 'and ho greeted ino with a warm welcome. Though what may ho termed young in years, Frank is veteran enough to know that when a sporting scribe is found hovering around a racing stable in winter ho is in search of material with which to build up his weekly budget, and the object of my call, therefore, required no explanation. T. 1.0 open Msama was at once given, and my infpection of the team commenced. The first one I was called upon to view was a five-year-old gelding by Sou'-wester from Wharepipi, who has had the nice sounding name of Verdi conferred upon him. He is a strongly-built horse that it is intended to put to the jumping business, and so far as looks are concerned, he seems to be in every way an eligible candidate for the illegitimate game. The yearling colt by Castor from Valentinia, who was picked up cheaply at Wellington Park in January last for 20 guineas, is terribly weedy-looking, and his proving a stake-earner at two years old is, I fear, a point upon which there is room for a good deal of doubt. Old Panoply, looking remarkably well, I found to be still occupying his old box, from which it would seem safe to conclude that the old son of Splendor will again next season bo carrying tho colours of mine host of the Occidental. :' I■ . ' ' ~ ■ Another veteran was next unearthed in St. Clements. The old fellow looks perfectly

sound again, but I learned from his old owner and trainer that he had parted with the son'of St. Leger, and he will, therefore, not again carry Frank's "black jacket, yellow sash." St. Clements, it will be remembered, went amiss last autumn at Riccarton, and a very sudden breakdown it was. W. Smith, who was in charge of him, on his return stated that on the morning of the opening day of the C.J.C. Meeting, he fancied his horse's coat was standing up a bit, and he was in the act of giving him a mild breather for the purpose of warming him up on the course, when ho felt him go wrong behind, the seat of the trouble being in the near hock. So far as appearances are concerned there is no unsoundness in the part named'now, and it may not be quite safe to say that St, Clements' turf career lias closed, albeit he has, I understand, being purchased with a view to his being used as a sire during tho coming season. Frank Macmanemin will not, it may be taken as quito sure, part with St. Clements without a feeling of keen regret, for tho doughty son of St. Leger gave him his first good send-off on what has proved a most prosperous carter. The yearling full brother to Dayntree was easily picked out as the occupant of the next box, for, like his relative at J. B. Williamson's establishment, lie is a grey in colour, and in many other respects takes after that colt, though I hardly like him so much as Dayntree. He is inclined to lathiness, and is hardly so taking to tho eye.' He is, however, promising, and if his trainer succeeds in keeping his condition up, ho may accomplish a winning feat at two years old. A' Now Zealand Cup candidate tenanted tin adjoining apartment, in the shape of Firearm, the three-year-old son of Carbine and Hestia, and he, I was pleased to find, showed a vast amount of improvement since I last viewed him some months back. Firearm is a low-set horse, with a full supply of power, and ho may bo said to havo a promising look about him, though whether lie will provo good enough to tackle so important a contest as a New Zealand Cup is, I should say, an open question. However, Firearm is in good hands, and if he is equal to proving himself a worthy son of a great sire 110 will have ovory chance of doing so. A great upstanding yearling chestnut filly by St. Leger from Cliarcnto next claimed my attention. This young lady was one of tho finest-looking fillies that was last season sold in Auckland, and how she failed to bring more than 75 guineas is, to me, a bit of a mystery. Charente's daughter is such a massivo young lady that she may not como to hand early; but later on she should most certainly be found equal to handing back a good bit more than the 75 guineas which it took to purchase her at Messrs. Nathan's sale.

Merry Maid (by Hotchkiss—Maid of Atliol), who has of late proved herself a bit of a disappointment, looked fairly well, and slio is being sohooled with a view to being put to hurdle racing during the coming season. Tho hurdle-racer Tim, who has just been taken up after a four months' spell, clad as lie was in a shaggy, rough coat, presented a very different looking Tim to that which wo saw contesting at Ellerslie last summer; indeed, to mo he was quite unrecognisable as tho son of Woolbroker. Tho cause of Tim's retirement was only due to an attack of rheumatism, so that thero is overy reason to anticipate his being scon out under silk again during the coming spring. With tlio inspection of Tim, tho list of horses this year located at F. Mitcinanomin's was exhausted. The popular young trainer's establishment is not nearly so strong as it was this time last year, when it sheltered the whilom Cup winner Antares, tho Guineas and Derby winner St. Crispin, and that little gem of the two-year-olds Hermosa. Frank has, however, a fair team on which to devote his attention, and even if Dame Fortuno should again turn tho wheel next December in his favour in tho Auckland Cup contest, it can be safely said that few would bo inclined to raise a word in protest.

NEW ZEALAND GRAND NATIONALS. A WORD ON THE WEIGHTS. [bv piiaf.ton.] During tho resent week Mr. Henry issued his adjustments for the two principal events of tho Now Zealand Grand National Mooting, and as tho weights for tlio two big jumping races como to us at a timo when racing matters are especially dull, they will bridge over nicely tlio gap that separates us from the racing events of tho coming spring. In the Grand National Steeplechase, Plain Bill heads tho list with list 1311), and the son of Flintlock cannot, I think, bo said to bo harshly used at that weight. Disquieting rumours, are, however, afloat concerning Mr. Scott's horse, and it may not be safe jest at present to favour bis chance. Opai (list 61b) has not so far figured in a cross-country event, but I see no reason why tlio ton of Somnus should not be as much at homo over big fences as he proved himself at hurdloraoing; and though, of course, ho lias to be taken on a certain amount of trust ,'u tl;o new departure that in to bo mado with him, I am myself quito prepared to place a lick opposite his name as an eligible candidate for steeplechase honours. Rhino has received his full deserts in list 51b. Still, lie showed himself to bo a very grcatly-imuro.'cd horso by the dual winning performance which ho registered over country at Napier last month, and though the littlo chestnut will probably encounter very much stronger opposition in the Canterbury raco than that -.vlnch he had to deal with at Napier, I shall elect to havo such a reliable fencer as he has pioved himself on my side. Dummy (lOst 131b) lan a good horso up to tho timo ho toppled over a fence in last year's Grand National contest, and as he reemcd to me to bo an improved horso when 110 was at Ellorslio last month, ho may repay watching. Nor'-west is quite master of lOst 131b, and now that the tig fellow has shown his ability to slay out a, threemile course, thero is some reason to look upon him as a promising steeplechase candidal". The son of Sou'-westor is a really fine jumper, and that in itself is a good credential for him tn hold. Muscatel must be accounted nicely treated with lOst 121b, notwithstanding the indifferent performance which she registered at Wellington on Saturday last. That Muscatel's unplaced performance in the Wellington Steeploohase was altogether wrong, can bo looked upon in the light of a certainty, and tho Grand National at Riccarton may bring m? most convincing proof 011 that head. If Tally-ho could bo got back to form sho would have a chance at 9st 131b; but I fear sho must bo looked upon as a light of tho past. Amongst the lightweights, Dromedary (9st 71b) and To Kooti (9st 71b) seem to me to bo tho most likely pair to 6Core. However, at this stage, I am inclined to look for the winner amongst those at the top of the list, rather than those at the bottom. As I said before, if Plain Bill should g) to the post quite himself, he is ,found to bo a troublesome customer to dispose of; but until there is some information Hearing on tho probability of the son of Flintlock fulfilling his engagement at Riccarton, I think it well to limit my clioico to Opai, Rhino. Dummy, Nor'-west, and Muscatel. The Grand National Hurdle Raco is rendered most difficult to deal with at this stage owing to the presence in the raco of a very large number that may bo termed unxnown quantities so far as a jumping event is concerned. However, ono of the tried lot that appears to me to bo nicely in is Umslopog.ias (Ilk 131b), who in last year's race simply aiwlo hacks of his opponents. Tho son of Puritan is staled to be training on well at Riccarton, and I should take him to be dangerous. Magazine (lOst 51b) has no performances to recommend him, but as the highly-bred ron of St. George and Engagement has, there is some reason to believe, received a special preparation for this racc, ho may prove to be worth watching. As was the caso in Che two preceding years, tho winner may be found amongst the light-weighted division; an J a pair figuring at the tail of the handicap that seem to me likely to follow in the :ooUeps of Dummy and Umslopogaas aro Light (9st 91b) and Hussar (9st 81b). The latter, J. may remark, is a son of Cuirassier, and he distinguished himself by winning an amateur event ru.i over two miles on the flat at Die Ilawko's Bay Jockey Club's recent meeting, He is owned by the Hon. Mr. Ormond, and is spoken of as a really nice cut of a horse. As to his jumping capabilities, howevor, I know nothing. THE WEIGHTS.

Yr. Owner. Winner. Wgfc. Time. 1881 Mr. F.C. Goyder.. Sussex.. ..13 1 7 2J 1852 Messrs. Robinson and Wagner .. Great Western 11 0 7 21 1853 Mr. T. W. Phillips Blackthorn .. 10 12 7 17} 1884'Mr. W. Neil ..Chippenham.. 11 0 7 0 lS85Mr. M. Loughlin.. IVymlet ..10 4 7 19} 1885 Mr. M. l.oujThlin .. Game .. .. 11 10 0 48 18S7 Hon. W.Pearson.. Royal Oak .. 10 12 " 25 1838 Mr. W.Y. Bryant.. Huliy .. .. 12 7 6 53 1889Mr.S. Miller ..Eaglet.. .. 11 2 6 59 1890 Mr. J. S. Edge ..Fearless II. .. 9 9 7 0} 1891 Mr. W.T.Jones .. May Be .. 10 6 7 15 lS!)'MIr. S. Miller .. Rwlltap* ..13 3 6 45} 1893|Mr. J.W. Edge ..Trojan., ..11 9 7 41 1894,Gibson Bros. .. Dniniio 9 3 7 0} lS95!Gitjson Bros. .. Daimio 11 1C 6 45} 1896 Mr T. P. Manifold Dungan ..12 9 6 58 1897 Mr. S. Miller ..Hayseed ..10 0 6 413 ltfflSMr. A.W. Beazley Floater ..12 7 0 54} ' Including penalty.

Starts. 1st. 2nd. 3rd. placed. Won. At 3yrg ... 3 2 0 1 0 £104 At 4yrs ... 14 7 0 2 5 603 At 5yrs ... 22 6 3 1 12 472 At 6yre ... 16 5 2 1 8 1,019 At 7yrs ... 16 2 5 0 3 1,735 65 22 10 5 28 i3,933 The sum of £1436 was invested on the totalisator in connection with the recent Wellington Steeplechase, and the prices at. which each of the candidates started will bo gathered from the following table: — No. Horse. Dividend. 651—Muscatel ... >„ 119 0 Nor'-west £6 0 0 195—Dromedary 6 12 0 Bradshaw 8 0 0 97—Claymore 13 6 0 63—Coastguard 2010 0 Greenstone 23 9 0

Grand National Steeplechase of 650sovs. Three miles and a-lialf. (Run August 11.) st lb st lb Plain Bill.. .. 1113 Magpio „ on Opai .. .. 11 0 Tonki .. ,, o 10 Rhino .. .. 11 5 (Jlayniore .. ..5 9 Dummy .. .. 10 13 Dromedary ..9 7 Nor'-west.. .. 10 13 Great Britain ..9 7 Muscatel.. .. 1012 TcKooti ., ,.9 7 The Friar .. 10 12 Coastguard ..9 7 Dante .. .. 10 9 Ned Kelly.. .,9 7 Violence .. .. 10 4 Reindeer .. ..97 ltobin .. .. 10 8 Barbarossa,., ..9 7 Morag .. .. 10 2 Kanaka .. ,.97 Rootles .. .. 10 0 Riot 97 Tally-ho .. .. 9 13 Beggarraan 97 Strathbraan .. 912 Huntingdon ..9 7 Grand National Hurdle Race of SOOaovs. About two miles. (Hun August 13.) st lb st lb Plain Bill.. .. 12 3 Headforil .. 10 Missfire .. .. 12 3 Voltigeur _ .. 910 Opai .. .. 11 13 Dundee „ .. 910 Ilex .. .. 11 8 Nicholas „ „ 910 Dummy .. .. 11 0 Kanaka .. 910 Dante .. .. 11 2 Secrecy .,99 Uiuslopogaas .. 1013 Light .. ..99 •Social Pest .. 10 13 Hussar .. ..9 8 Toriki .. .. 10 13 Lobo ., ..9 7 Torpina .. .. 10 11 Napoleon .. .. 9 3 Boreas .. .. 10 10 Stanley .. .. 90 Nor'-west .. 10 10 Sea Serpent ..9 0 Cannonshot .. 10 9 Voltaire ., . -90 Muscatel.. .. 10 7 Splinter .. .' 9 0 Golden Plover ... 10 6 St. Vincent ,.9 0 Magazine.. .. 10 5 South Pacific ..9o Strathbraan .. 10 3 Izal .. .. 9 0 Moonrata- .. 10 2 Off Chance'.'. ..9 0 Ruby Twist .. . 10 0 .Avant .. ..9 0 Tally-ho...-' .. 913 Garde .. ..9 0 Opou .. .. 9 12 Barbarossa ..' 9 0 Ned Kelly ; .. . 912 Slaidtn .. ...9 0