V.R.C. GRAND NATIONAL MEETING.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IV, Issue 206, 5 July 1894, Page 6

V.R.C. GRAND NATIONAL MEETING.

On Saturday next the V.R.C. Grand National Meeting will open, and the first day of the gathering will see the Grand National Hurdle Race run off. New Zealand interest would have been greater in this race had the New Zealanders Kulnine, Norton, and Fright been accepted for, but their owners have declined the engagements. From the weights published elsewhere it will be seen that Tim Swiveller has been given 2ilb more than the impost he carried to victory last year, and crushing as the weight is, T.S. is undoubtedly a great horse and may carry his burden successfully once more. He can jump like a deer, and as for pace —well the last Caulfield Cup showed what he could do in that direction. His connections have backed him fairly well according to the news brought by the last mail, so he may be regarded as a pretty certain starter. OfEborand Captaip/Webb I prefer the former, and I gather from a communication received by the last Melbourne mail that Captain Webb will be an unlikely starter. Of the N.S.W. seven, Anarrow, Cadet, Warbrook, C. 8., Pro-Consul, and Associate, the best should be Pro-Consul and Warbrook, and Bischoff stands a fair chance of gaining distinction for Tasmania. Although the New Zealander Ixion is said to be out of form, a recent advice sends the ex-New Zealander as a, very strong tip, and I am informed a good deal of money has been invested on his chance, straight out and in doubles. Tom Hales has a clever jumper to represent him in Trio. To take six I should name Tim Swiveller, Neli, Courarlto, Ixion, Ebpr, and Trio, and for a final three I like Tim Swiveller, Ixion, Trio. High weighting is found in the steeplechase, and from the weights given in another column it will be found that ho less than nine horses have been weighted above twelve stone. Knight of the Garter has been on the shelf for some time, and may be safely passed by, but heavy as is the impost given to Mikado 11. he cannot be ignored. Thirteen one is' a heavy thing over country, but the horse is a great one, and as I believe that veteran and accomplished steeplechase rider Tommy Corrigan will be in the saddle, it may be regarded as certain that the horse will be splendidly ridden and carefully saved. Both Busaco and Dondi are likely scorers, and Trojan is under the suspicion of lameness, although I am told this candidate has been well backed. Corangamite, Mutiny and Medicine appear to be the best of the light weights, and for a half dozen I like Mikado IL, Busaco, Dondi, Corangamite, Mutiny, and Medicine, and for three I fancy Mikado 11., Busaco, Dondi.