SPORTING NOTES FROM CANTERBURY.

Otago Witness, Issue 1764, 12 September 1885, Page 20

SPORTING NOTES FROM CANTERBURY.

(from our own correspondent.)

Chkistchukch, September 8. Quite a fresh life has been instilled into our sporting community since the return of the Canterbury contingent from their short but somewhat lively visit to Wellington on Thursday, to be present at the Exhibition meeting. To hear sonte of them talk it would lead you to infer that the Empire City had monopolised all their spare cash, but of that I have my gravest doubts, as I am informed by an outsider that there was a good deal more parting done by backers on Saturday night than on the metallicians' part. That some good business was done on coming events I am prepared to show, as some doubles that have not been as yet spoken of were laid, and at good prices too. For an instance, Welcome Jack has been strongly supported to win the Metropolitan Handicap, and his name, coupled with that of Trenton, for the Melbourne Cup, has been pencilled for a good round sum with one bookmaker here at 1000 to 5. He has also been coupled with Commotion and Coronet at the same price, and at longer odds with any of the Hon. W. Robrasoix's team. There may be a certain amonut of clumsiness this backing our own horses, but with the exception of the two C.'s abovementioned, nothing is supported here at the same price for the Melbourne Cup, and people would as soon think of committing an act of treason as of backing any other horse than Welcome Jack for the Metropolitan. It is the general opinion that he is fit for it, and will win it, and these opinions were confirmed by information derived from Mr J. Pilbrow himself, who is said to have stated to a sporting scribe the other day that the old horse was " never better in his life, and is going well." There is still another string added to the bow of the bookmakers through their visit North — viz., the Napier meeting in which several of the horses engaged at Island Bay on Saturday are expected to put in an appearance. , Books thus opened on this event are giving 100 to 8 on the two Pearls, that is for the Flying and Spring Handicaps ; while 100 to 6 is taken on The Bard and Pearl, on the two Pashas, the two Ascots, and the two Speculations. Several wagers at these prices were booked during the Wellington visit, and doubtless there will be as much on the metallicians' books by the beginning of October as to warrant a general holiday trip to the charming neighbourhood of Hawke's Bay.

I am told on good authority that July has at last been supported by his owner (who I believe to bo a Mr Talbot, of this city) for several hundreds at 100 to 10 to win the New Zealand Cup, and all I know at present is that this? price has been laid about him, evidently a commission by someone on behalf of his owner. This being the case, his chance of going to Melbourne this season is small ; and as the time is getting close, there is no doubt that if going he should " not hesitate in going, but go at once." You have already been advised of Mr D. O'Brien's intention to go to Melbourne via Sydney. His reasons for so doing are that the weather, and consequently passage, are expected to be better and shorter by soa by the Northern route, and the Hauroto, being specially fitted up for horse accommodation, offers greater facilities than the regular passenger boats. Besides, the horse will be in company of other horses, which would hardly have been the case via the Bluff.

Wapiti was raised a point in the market this week. His price is now 100 to 8, and. he was backed to 'win £1000 at that price in Wellington. I learn that Necklace came in for a share of support up there, but not above the quoted price. Nordenfeldt and Thunderbolt for the Melbourne Derby, with Oudeis or Treutou for the Cup, have been much sought after, but the books are pretty well full up of these goods. No one seems pleased with the Geraldine weights as declared. I often think if a handfcapper were allowed to publish test weightssay one week, — then read the comments on them, and subsequently publish the correct or amended one, he might give satisfaction. Mr M'Kenzie, according to some would-be authorities, ought to do this with his latest production. But I presume he will not ; hence there are so many scratchings, the latest of which is Lochiel. Ike stays in, though, and his price has now hardened in consequence, though there is little or no straight-out betting on these events as yet. A few doubles have been taken, but nothing of any consequence has been done. " Robin Hood's " consultation was drawn this evening in the presence of a large concourse of subscribers, amongst whom was, I was informed, a representative of the Witness. I was not a winner, unfortunately, but when I say that the drawing was conducted in tho same systematic and orderly manner as usual, I think I need say no more. Tbo result will reach you in the usual way. Despite the hard times, the sweep filled, and the company have full coniidence that their monster programme on the Melbourne Cup will fill also. A great number ol sporting friends are just

now inquiring kindly after '• Warrior's " health, and he may rest assured that, though unknown to them personally, he is well and favourably thought of here, and the absence of his letters from the columus of the Witness and Daily Times is commented upon sympathisingly.