Canterbury Countings.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume III, Issue 119, 3 November 1892, Page 9

Canterbury Countings.

The C.J.C. begin on Tuesday next, and continue their Spring Meeting on Wednesday and Saturday. On the opening day there comes up for decision the New Zealand Cup. Since last I wrote nothing of importance has taken place, except that prices perhaps have shortened a bit on each horse. So far as I can judge, my original pick contains the winner, unless Crackshot is going to return to his three-year-old form, that is, renew his youth. lam rather afraid he is going to “ fool” me a little. I didn’t include him in my previous calculations simply because I didn’t think he would stand, but “it is always the unexpected that happens,” for I chose Lebel and he couldn’t stand, and thus far Crackshot has. According to press reports he is “ going on ” allright, and if he be back to his three-year-old form, then the result will read Crackshot first, the others somewhere (behind him). lam still disposed though to leave him out of my calculation. I forgot to add that I included in my last week’s list my old favourite Strephon, not picking him in my first dozen until I should find he was well. Seeing that he progresses in his work satisfactorily, I must choose him amongst my final lot, which are Merrie England, Strephon, Prime Warden, St. Hippo, Crackshot, and Awarua Rose, and if forced at the mouth of a cannon to place them, I should say— Prime Warden or Strephon i Merrie England . . .. 2 St. Hippo .. .. .. 3 On the second day comes up “ for trial ” the Canterbury Derby, one mile and a half, for which there is a field of six, and I opine the finish will be fought out by St. Hippo, Saracen, aud Launceston, and most likely in that order. On the third day the Oaks and Canterbury Cup are to be negociated. For the former the nearest I can get to it is that Reflection or Vivat ought to win. The Canterbury Cup is very open. I like Rosefeldt, Prime Warden, and Saracen or Launceston.