CANTERBURY DOINGS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3327, 19 December 1917, Page 48

CANTERBURY DOINGS.

By Fritz.

Tho weather during the past week has been dealt out in samples. To begin with, we had a very heavy fall of rain, lasting for a couple of days, and since then there has been a further downpour. Cold winds were also in evidence, but the week wound up in a blaze of sunshine. The- ra:n did not seriously interfere with training operations at Riccarton. On a couple of mornings a grass track was available, and the work was got through very smoothly. H. Cutts left last Wednesday for Auckland in charge of four horses, who will represent Sir George Clifford at the Ellerslie summer carnival. The blue-and-gold chequers have not been much m evidence this season, so far as it has gone; but I am prepared t<> see them carried with distinction on this trip. Adjutant looks well, and he will laok nothing on the score of condition. What is against him is the fact that ho has never shown a liking for Ellerslie, and for that, reason ho may not bo seen at his best. Gamecock has not grown much since he was a two-year-old; but he has come on a lot during the last few weeks. He is a much better colt than when he raced at Riccarton last month, and he has been galloping in fine style. He seems certain to race well. Wrestler is" an uncertain customer, in the first place owing to unsoundness. It was not until the last minute that it was decided to take him north. He had been lame, off and on; but he seemed all right after a sprint on Tuesday, and it was then arranged that he should take his chance. He is a brilliant galloper, but not one of the hardy, generous sort. Long Range, the two-year-old member of the party, has come on nicely during the last few weeks. Ho is a big colt, and he is galloping better than when he competed at Eiccarton last month. He looks as if he should pay his way on the trip. F. Christmas also left for Auckland -on Wednesday, with Fiery Cross and Glendower under his care. Fiery Cross has got through a very solid prerjaration. He gets an enormous amount of work, and it appears to agree with him, judging by his looks. I expect him to race prominently at Ellerslie. Whether he will run out two miles remains to be seen, especially as he is likely to go to the front earlj ; but he will be hard to shake off over a short journey. Even ; should he fail, however, the trip may not be expensive, as Glendower has been galloping in great style, and he looks as if he should pick lip a stake. The Wellington-owned two-year-old Courtfield, by Elysian—Lady Gwen, was shipped north on Wednesday. After racing at the Canterbury Jockey Club's meeting ho was gelded, and he has since had a spell at Riccarton. Sir George Clifford has further reduced his team by the sale of Good Hope to Mr J. J. Corry, the well-known Marlborough sportsman. At tho end of his two-year-old season the son of Cannie Chiel —Tomorrow gave promise of being a really good horse; but he has never realised expectations, Latterly, however, he has been galloping well, and I expect to' see him a winner Deforo long.

Mr J. Grigg's imported mare Assertive, by Cocksure ll—The Tabard, has beert sent home. She went lame soon after her arrival at Riccarton, and W. M'Donald came to the . conclusion that she was unlikely to stand a preparation.

Zuland has not done much work lately. A few weeks ago he fell into a drain, and he has since been very sore. lie had a sprint during the week; but he. was lame afterwards, and he can be written out, so far as immediate engagements are concerned.

R.' J. Mason still has Biplane on the walking list; but he is sending some of his other charges along in earnest, probably in view of the Wellington Racing Club's meeting next month. The two-year-olds Eleus and Indus are shaping weil, but the best galloper in the team is Lovesick. This sister to Nones has a great burst of speed. She was delicate; but as she is improving in that respect I am prepared to see her win a good race shortly.

A. M'Aulay has decided to take a team to the West Coast during the holidays. All his team look well, except Furling, who is having an easy time. It will bo hard to stop Samisen over short courses. The imported mare Henriette is beginning to build up, while Kilrush is also shaping nicely. Daytime may go to Oamaru, where he should be hard to beat Carol Singer, in R. Emerson's stable, has been galloping nicely, and she may pick up a sprint race before long. Jeannot looks particularly well, and he should pay his way on the West Coast during the holiday campaign. Euripos shaped attractively in a mile gallop last week, when the track was soft, following on the rain. I am disposed to think ho may be at his best under these conditions.

Matty has been galloping in brilliant stylo lately, and she soon should reward her owner with a well-deserved win. She will take a lot of shaking- off over short courses. Post Haste is an improving horse, who may pay his way before long. But for a mishap when he was a youngster. this brother to Flying Start might have been a high-grade performer. Killjoy is in great fettle at present, and galloping as well as anything at. Riccarton, while her stable companion. Partisan, is moving alonor in brilliant style. It is not known whether thov are to race during the holidays in the south or on the West Coast; but wherever they go they seem certain to pick up stakes. Spangle looks in pood trim, and T should say she is coming back to her best form. She- should pick up a stake before the holiday meetings are concluded. Her stable companion, Asealaphus. is e-alloping as brilliantly as ever, but he is not solid in public. Scoullar's third representative, Briar Patch, is gradually coming on. PL Longley has Winter Cherry going along well, and she should be worth following from now. as she seems certain to win good races. Phil May and Donnata are also galloping freely, but they are in a-- more modest class than the imported maro. Kilkee is in great trim, and he will require a lot of beating on the AYest Coast trip.

Kilalla and Bondage are a couple of Ric-two-year-olds who are likely to race woll at Oamaru. Bondage has grown into

a fine filly, and she will be good next sea son.

The crack pacer, Author Dillon, will not go north for the Auckland Trotting Club's fixture. From present indications, in fact, the team from this quarter will not be as large as was expected. Mr W. Kerr has sold another three-year-old pacer. This is the brother to Calm, by Wild wood Junior—Gertie, who has been secured 'by Messrs Knight and Jarden, for whom ho will be trained by B. Jarden. I understand that a substantial price was paid for the colt.