C.J.C. GREAT AUTUMN HANDICAP.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume III, Issue 139, 23 March 1893, Page 6

C.J.C. GREAT AUTUMN HANDICAP.

Out of 31 weighted for this mile and a half event 13 have cried content. St. Hippo is of course out, and the fact of Merganser having incurred a 101 b penalty causes her to head the list, 9.8 being her present weight. With 91b in his favour Stepniak should beat her, provided always that he does not incur a penalty for winning the Great Easter Handicap. Prime Warden, 8.12, is not a fancy of mine, and with Boulanger and Launceston out I next come to Crackshot, who didn’t read badly at 8.7 when the weights came out, but he ran badly at Napier, and until I know how he is getting on in his work I shall pass him by. Merrie England is well enough handicapped at 8.5, and it should not be forgotten that with 101 b more he won the same race as a three-year-old ; but he has gone off a lot since then, and I think his sun has practically set. Palliser, with 7.12, or 21b more than he carried into second place last year, has been left in, and as he is'not engaged in the Great Easter he may be dangerous. I have also a sneaking regard for Retina at 7.10, and she, too, is not engaged in the Easter Handi cap. Thame, with 7.7, looks to me particularly well in, but I don’t care for any of those below her. My present fancies are Stepniak, Palliser, Retina, and Thame