CANTERBURY DOINGS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3097, 23 July 1913, Page 49

CANTERBURY DOINGS.

(By Fritz.)

Wo have had a week of tine weather, and training operations at Riccarton have been carried on without any interruption. With, the Grand National meeting so close at hand, to say nothing of the spring fixtures, trainers are glad of all the chances at present of keeping their charges up to the mark. The rising two-year-olds are fast getting into shape, and before long a good line should be obtainable regarding them prospects. In the meantime several of them arc stepping out. in attractive style, and although it is too early yet to offer definite predictions, I fancy it will be found that Riccarton stables shelter more than ono youngster above tho average. Tho Australian-bred gelding Narrangarie, by Voyou—Titbits, has been purchased by a natron of P. F. Claridgo’s Riccarton stable, the price paid, it is reported, being £6. Claridgo lias had a good deal of experience with this 12-year-o!d veteran, but I should doubt whether ho will do much goofl with him this time, as he must be past serious racing. Ho competed at. the recent meeting of tho North Canterbury Jockey Club, but never looked like a winner, oven in the moderate company taking part in the Welter Hack Handicap, and it will probably puzzle Claridgo to place him successfully K. Loitgley has Svoaborg moving along nicely at Riccarton. and I will be prepared to sec this son of Finland —Novoe Yremya turn out a useful performer next season. General entries for the Grand National meeting are due on Friday, and I expect we will find all the events on the programme fill well, for there seem to be plenty of horses about which the, big prizes offered hv the Canterbury Jockey Club cannot fail to attract. The weights for the three leading events made their appearance last week, hut they have rot caused any wiid excitement,, 'though they have, of course, come in for sonic discussion. To the majority of those wlip trouble about early reference to big races tho weights are of minor importance. They form their opinions on other grounds, and as likely as not will select ins the likely winner a horjse time lias no recent credentials, because they think, or have boon told, this is tho right time to back it. There are plenty of double and Treble books open at present, and backers are taking a wida range in their selections. One thing that strikes me forcibly about (he Grand National Steeplechase is that Mr Henry* has not formed a very high opinion of our cross-country horses. After Paritutu, who heads the list, there is a gap of 61b, ami then we have eight in a bunch within a range of another 61b. This suggests a very even lot, and as Paritutu is only set to give away 2st 21b to the worst, performers in tiio field, the weakness of New Zealand steeplechase class at tho present time is made apparent. Tho result of tho Wellington Steeplechase last Wednesday makes the outlook rather brighter than it was. In the early cross-country races this winter the jumping was very bad. but they appear to have had. a fine race at Trcntham, and it is not too much surely to anticipate a decent contest at Riccarton next month. In the Grand National Hurdlo Handicap, again, nothing really stands out, there being a batch of horses all doso together. They arc a useful lot. but no move, on all th-y have shown in public. The Winter’ Cup contingent includes some good gallopers, and nothing seems to stand out. Hie hacks, from whom one usually looks for the winner, being less promising than usual. Tho first acceptances for those three races are due on Friday, when tho fields will be considerably cut down; but I should say wo will have plenty of competitors left, tho alwer.ee of anything of special merit providing owners with a good excuse for fulfilling their engagements. Owners of trotters should note that nominations for the Now Zealand Metropolitan Trotthvr Club's August meeting are due tonight (Wednesday). Tho success of Tim Doolnn at Trent ham last week did not occasion me any surprise. I saw him racing at tho North Canterbury meeting on the previous Saturday, and. although he was only opposed by a lot of moderates, I was impressed by his quirk and safe jumping. I think Mr G. L. Stead has got hold of a very useful horse, who is likelv to plav a prominent part in event* onen to hunters at the Grand National meeting next month. Gnome appears to he coming back to form again after a long (succession of poor efforts earlier in the season. IPs effort at Trentbam last Wednesday, when ho finished second to Khimki over seven furlongs. was very encouraging, an he had a, lot of iti-efu! horses behind him. Air R. J. Taylor sent Stamboul to Trentham last week, but he failed to do any good. All the came. I think the fk, Ambrose colt is likely to develop into a decent sort ov r hurdles, when he gi t- a bit more experience. Messrs W. O. and G. T„ Stead, suffered a severe loss at their stud farm m North Canterbury recent!v. when trie brood more T.a There died. T.a There, -who was bred bv Messrs T,. Id, and N. A, Nath-m in 1 poo, was ■> sister to Nnnette. bV SeaTn Gel-aval —C-hir»ntc. bv Xord'-nfeld I—T.a 1 —T.a Danohine. She starred her stud career by nrodue’ng that good horse T.ns Angelos to San Fran'-bco. and left another useful coH two later m nmanforlc fliv Mu’t'form). but nnfortiinatclv he -vent In the ~v : n d. Her biter pro< r <my ah /-tied except T.e-- \ eggs a r-Vng two-vear-ofii filly bv TWform that shows e-yee-et'or-id r.rornbc. At the time of fin- death T.a Valle re was again in foal to t>, , :c, Jalv 23. On Thursday morning at lliccartoc two oX

Mr G. Riggs’s horses —Chief Justice (Golden Knight—Justice) and Ramrod (Calibre— Lazen) —gave an indifferent display over the big fences but they should improve on further acquaintance with the obstacles Canterbury, who is now under the care of J Bridges, was schooled over two hurdles on Thursday in company with Gold Pin, who also negotiated the brush fences. Both horses performed pleasingly. O’Donnell was down from Ya Id hurst twice during- tko week. On Saturday, when tuc ©utside of the course proper was open, he gave Bon Rcve, Boniform, Culture, and the rising Good Night, Ringform, and Dinner Gong useful work. They all look forward Martins has recovered from the recent injury to his foot, and has rejoined R. Derrett’s active division. His stable companion Judith is also working after a spell. G. Scobie is allowing bis charges to get gradually acclimatised before putting them into solid training; but he may he expected to commence with some of them shortly. Among his charges are several promising voting horses. The South.lar.der P. Hogan is a regular attendant at the tracks with St. Aidan, Jan, and Corso. The first-named pair each have an enlarged foreleg, but they arc apparently sound. Now that the Wellington meeting is over we can anticipate the _ early arrival of northern visitors, ami Riccarton will soon be busy in the mornings. There are over 150 local horses in training, and the visitors should easily bring the total to over 200.