SPORTING NOTES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume II, Issue 97, 2 June 1892, Page 6

SPORTING NOTES.

[By

New Chum.]

The crucial question of the hour is, “ What is the winning double for Saturday and Monday next?” Since writing my review for last week’s issue of the candidates in the Hurdles and Steeplechase some more facts have been brought before our notice, and we have an extra line or two to theorise upon. For the Hurdles I said Couranto, 12.0, was just in his proper place. Since then he has done a good performance by winning the Wanganui Steeplechase, which has had the effect of hardening him in the market for our local events. I placed the three in order of merit for this event as follows: Glenelg. Lonely and Couranto. Since then the first named has met with an accident, and is now “ out of it.”. Fabulous, 9.9, is training on well, and as his “foot’’ is rather beyond the majority engaged, if he negotiate the ‘‘sticks” all right it seems almost a certainty he must at least reach into a place. Tupara’s party are credited with trying the “ funny business ” —reported lame, broken down, gone amiss, &c. —but it did not work evidently, as he is among the “ short odds ” division. Against Couranto & Co. I cannot stand him. Belmont won at Takapuna, but I imagine he will find this company “very sultry” compared with the push at Takapuna. The rest of the field I noticed in last week’s notes, and 1 fail to see any reason for altering my then expressed opinions. Right here, then, I might say that I expect the result on Saturday to read :— Couranto or Lonely . . .. 1 Fabulous .. .. .. 2 Commotion .. .. .. 3

The Steeplechase comes up for settlement on Monday next, the 6th inst. As in the Hurdle Race, so in this item my previous notes hold good throughout, or nearly so. As Shillelagh has gone astray, Commotion can take his place, which I deprived him of on account of his running at Wanganui. I am still at a loss to gauge Ingarangi’s chance, but am inclined to give him a place. Having selected Couranto for the Hurdles causes me to hold somewhat aloof from him in this. Besides he has won a steeplechase, and thereby incurred a penalty. Hopeful Kate ran second in the Steeplechase at Takapuna and fenced up to her best form, but since then she has been acquitting herself very badly in her schooling at Ellerslie —re-

fusing repeatedly —so in face of the Tatter factT I am reluctantly compelled to pass her over. Whalebone, it is reported, will be a non-starter. Onslow, 9.7, ran well for part of the journey at Takapuna. He there went on fast and not on slow during the early part of the race. .He is an awkward “ outsider,” and might “ I oil it over,” However, without more ado I shall just set them down in the way I believe they will finish, and that is— Somnambulist or Couranto .. 1 Commotion .. .. .. 2 Ingarangi .. ’ * .. 3 and if anything is calculated to miscalculate my calculations it might be Fishmonger or Chance. The latter is a very much improved horse.

In the Winter Welter Handicap Leorina—that old chopping block —heads the poll with i2St 41b. At this she is in about her right place, but should not give so much weight to Fiesole, nst 21b, who should have a great say in the race at that weight. Of Yattaghan and Ida at lost gib each I prefer the former at the weights. Tulloch at lost ylb cannot have a show with the previous two. St. Michael lost 61b has more than an outside chance. Vieux Rose lost 41b might have a say as it is only a mile. Brigade lost 31b, on her Helensville running holds rather a mortgage over the event. Stamford lost 21b is out of it at that weight. Of the lost lot I fancy Stranger. At the time of writing no acceptances are to hand, but I shall select five in order of preference, viz.:— Brigade, Stranger, Fiesole, Yattaghan, and Leorina.

For the Maiden Steeplechase I like Chance, and for the Selling Tim or Moonlight are perhaps the best to trust.