NOTES AND COMMENTS

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9094, 13 July 1915, Page 8

NOTES AND COMMENTS

The race for the' Grand National Steeplechase at Melbourne created a large amount .of interest in New Zealand, mainly, on account of the race being contested by horses owned in this Dominion. Prior to the race a cable was ' received in Wellington . that Tim Doolan was in great heart, and great hopes were entertained by his connections of carrying off the honours. That he ran a great race is evident by the cabled description, and but for the weight he conceded the ■winner ho probably would have won. The Pole, who, has won a race or two the other side, was early out of the hunt. Of the thirteen starters five came to grief, which is not surprising, as the course is a very trying one. Sir, Donald, since his mishap at Palmerston, has not been seen on tbe turf, and no information has been forthcoming as to his progress. In the earlier part of the season he proved himself a veritable champion over sticks, and if he strikes form again his prospects in the Grand National Hurdles should be very promising, provided he receives a handicap within reasonable limits. It is almost a certainty that Tim Doolan will he brought across from Australia for the Grand National meeting. At present he must be the most forward horse as far as racing condition is concerned in the Steeplechase, and will be most sought after with the sporting public. The Pole is also expected to arrive in New Zealand at the same time as Tim Doolan, but he has not been nominated for the big cross-country events at the Christchurch fixture. - The most favoured double for the meeting at Riccarton next month is Multiply-Multiply, for the Winter Cup and Grand National Hurdles. Another" favoured pair is Multiply for the Winter Cup and Mornmg for the Grand National Steeplechase., The ■ Australian • representative Plymouth is, from latest advices, coming across for the southern fixture. From all accounts he is. a' speedy customer, and is able to extend Do Gama to some purpose over six furlongs. A horse that is gaining favour at present for the Grand National Hurdles js Leonta. This five-year-old Conqueror gelding.is reported to’ be showing fine form over sticks, and if he displays similar form in his engagements at liiccarton next month, he should, with an, impost to 'his liking, give a good account of himself.

Very little has been beard of bow Master Lupin is shaping in bis schooling over hurdles, but recently he was seen out on the track, and made a very favourable impression. He takes kindly to his work, relishes the jumping, and does his work well in company or by himself. Master Lupin jumps like an old stager, and does not hesitate when negotiating the obstacles, but takes them in his stride. With the pace he possesses and his natural penchant for jumping he-is bound to gain favour in the National Hurdle Race. He was bred by Mr G. J)“. Moore, and is by .Lupin from St. Lyra, who was bred by, Mr T. Morrin in 1896. St. Lyra was by St-. Leger from lyrelinus, by Leonlinus from Lyre, by Patriarch from Lyra (imported), by Thunderbolt.

-In.contradistinction from Master Lupin,' Awahou is a bad horse to school by himself, and takes very unkindly to the jumps, but in company he shapes very well. He was second favourite for the - Manawatu Cup, in which he had Bst, but failed to secure a place. Both he and Master Lupin are. extremely fit just now, and they are almost sure starters at Biocarton. • The Pahiatua Racing dub is getting a!meeting in this season under its're-cently-granted permit, and it is quite on the cards that Multiply may contest: an event at the meeting in*order to give him a gallop. ■ Sandy Paul was not successful at the Auckland Grand National meeting, but his recent gallops have done him an appreciable amount of good, and he should be about right to fight out a good finish when the Grand National comes round. •

In the Brush Steeplechase at the Aspendale Park meeting last month The Pole, witS 10.7, had a comfortable win from Manx Lad, carrying 9.2. A Melbourne paper gives A. J. McFlynn Credit for riding a good race, and states that at the finish there was nothing' else had a chance outside the winner. The Pole’s time for the two miles was 4min 4sec. ■ ’