THE CHRISTCHURCH STEEPLECHASE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5462, 14 January 1896, Page 2

THE CHRISTCHURCH STEEPLECHASE.

TEAINING- NOTES. \[By Ouk Special Tipster.] la view of the interest that is being manifested in connection with the forth- ' coming bye-event, the Christchurch Steeple- : chase, brief notes on the horses that will probably be nominated are appended : — . Sydenham, by White Tile— Joko. This hors'd was once a favourite with a section of the investing public, and figures in the list of winners ; bu£ his going now is not good enough for the pace and the distance. Tommy T ,by Teetotal—-Deuuncia- ' tion.' This horseis expected to make the pace ' for a part of the distance, but the ! knowing ones declare that water-gruel has been" used overmuch, and that the result cannot fail to be disastrous. Still, his I trainer, better known as Prohibition Backet, is understood to be "cocksure about the chances of his entry, some showy gallops having been done; though no reliable time was taken. -.; '/ Scotia, by Steam Hammer — Industry. When, this horse was brought out for a former meeting he made mistakes at one or two fences, and put himself out of tho running. Since then he has been in quiet training, and has done some capital work over the Railway course. He has already won so large a measure of support as to occupy the position of favourite for the coming event, and the fact that his own stable have made large investments owing to their thorough confidence in his good qualities, justifies/rie faith of the public. ".".'-;.. .''.... . Protest,, by National Ass— All Swell. The - touts; say that; this horse was. riot much fancied by , the Btalile ' at .the .outset, his, training having been conducted over ;a country course, where there was a good deal of interruption owing to the rambling, of sheep. .HowWer,; as a number, of, other horses of the same colour had been submitted .to. private trials, and the conclusion was unwillingly come to that they could ,not be. got to face the starter,' ,the stable had no alternative but to fall back, upon Protest, arid endeavour to bring lim into the saddling paddock in as decent form as (possible.^ Protest iB finding soirie of the obstacles awkward to negotiate, and though .'the bookies are offering pretty terms the public.are shy of investing their money.