OUR CHRISTCHURCH LETTER.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume II, Issue 67, 5 November 1891, Page 3

OUR CHRISTCHURCH LETTER.

(from our own correspondent.)

St. Andrew, Queen of Trumps, Thane, British Lion, Hippomenes, North Atlantic, Strephon, and Rosefeldt, are the latest arrivals at Riccarton, and all of them have been cantered and galloped. Like Strephon, Rosefeldt is a capital mover,, and when extended she is a very taking mare ; and to follow, she is one of exceptionally good conformation, and it appears singular to me, how Clanranald ever defeated her at Napier. I. do not know what her pace is against the watch, but when well, I should think she is faster than Clanranald over a mile or a mile and a half under classic weights. Queen of Trumps is a slippery looking iron grey mare that is fit enough, and I believe it is thought there is a race or two in prospect for her during her sojourn here. Crackshot was tried over two miles yesterday morning, Black Diamond and Christmas being the tackle used to bring him along. The gallop was only partially seen on account of fog, but the time was got for the full distance, and though that was not exceptionally good, the Cup horse is certainly improving. A good many people think he will win, but it appears to me that a New Zealand Cup candidate

would have to perform something sensational on the tracks in their present state ere his chance could be made anything like a “ moral” Of. ‘: Cynisca and Cruchfield were galloped together to-day over a mile and three quarters, but the mare couldnot be induced to go up to the horse, and the gallop was a disappointing one to the trainer of Cruchfield; the distance was half covered before the pair got properly extended. There was nothing lazy about Cynisna, as a two-year-old, but she appears to require a pair of “ hooks,” and plenty of riding now. Since her arrival, Whisper has not done much work, and what she has done has been mainly sprinting. She looks in capital condition, however, and there is no doubt about her pace. It is said that Wakawatea can gallop so well that his connections think he cannot be beaten in the Welcome Stakes, but we have two or three here that can cover half a mile quite, as quickly. Though he was gelded as a yearling there is a good deal of the Apremont temperament apparent in Wakawated. Still the history of the “ AVelcome ” shows that the Apremont’s can frequently get well away, and race fast as two-year-olds. Both Launceston and Tamar, are very often spun out over half a mile, and the former can foot it with anything of the same age seen on this course for some time. Tamar is also fast, but Lauceston can “ down ” her over four furlongs nevertheless. Freedom has done a sound preparation for the Cup, and whatever beats him will just about win. His stable companion, Flinders, is thought a lot of in some quarters, but I have frequently seen Fieedom have the best of the finish with Flinders. • British Lion, like Arthur Smith’s other horses, is 'Very well. "When he was last trained here, his legs gave a lot of trouble, but they are now all right, and he will win a race or two in the immediate future, whatever he may do at the Metropolitan Meeting. There is nothing trained on the Riccarton course better than Florrie over a mile and a- half in my opinion, and she is as pink as a rose.;; I think she should be a very good double for the C.J.C. Derby and Oaks. Cajolery is likely to be in good condition for the forthcoming meeting, and the worst feature in him may be'whether he can be got off the mark al! right, yet, Haney Florrie has more pace over a mile and a half. ? A ./pair- of Oaks candidates, that can have very little show of winning are, May and Ilium, both are fairly fast, and in a certain class they may win a race or two, but neither is up to middling classic form. Merrie England is being given strong work over short courses, and doubtless a six or seven furlong Welter is contemplated for him. ; ; Egotism, the sister to Tassy, goes well. Billy Brown told me he had bought her the other day, but I do not know whether that be right. She is a cheap mare to him if he has really purchased her. : ( Derrett thinks his colt by Tasman — Adulation, is agoodjone, though he is very small. He has been jumped off pretty often lately.