NEW ZEALAND GRAND NATIONAL MEETING.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IV, Issue 208, 19 July 1894, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND GRAND NATIONAL MEETING.

Mr Henry brought out his handicaps for the two big jumping events of the New Zealand Grand National Meeting last week, and on all sides the opinion is expressed that the adjustments are very equitable. With that expression of opinion' I may say I entirely concur. Taking the Steeplechase first, we, of course, find Norton at the head of the list with 12.8, which weight is 41b less than he carried into second place last year. He must be very dangerous, and it is very probable that his name at the weight mentioned will frighten many owners, and prevent them figuring as acceptors. His chance must be as good as any. Liberator we know as a sterling good jumper, and although he has never demonstrated his ability to get over country, it was a foregone conclusion that he would be well weighted. He deserved a lot of weight, but I fancy the 12.3 awarded will stop him from going to the post. Waterbury, 11.3, on Norton’s weighting cannot have much chance, but Despised at 11.3 ought to be good. In the form in which he went to the post last Summer he would be as good as anything. In the form we saw him in at the last Winter Meeting he would not, on the other hand, stand a ghost of a chance. However, I saw him a few days ago, and Stenning is certainly getting the beef off him.and he may be reckoned a certain starter. He will be piloted by Collins, but I must say I am not enamoured of his chance. Bomborder, at 61b. less than is what is known in the classics as a “ hummer,” and he will, bar accidents, certainly see the fall of the flag. He will jump the Christchurch country like a bird, and along the flat country he will cut out *

pace that will certainly take the most of them off their legs. He is one of the best investments in the race. Clarence Ido not fancy, but Tiritea, 10.10, has an un<dbubted chance. Mutiny is too uncertain a starter to prophesy about. The z Hurdle Eace will be Melinite’s mission. Mor ng looks well at 10.7, butthen there sthat wound in his leg to remember, but as I hear it is improving I will certainly name him. Victrix, Booties and Eobin I pass by, and Crazy Kate, if accepted for, / would have a chance, but Ido not think she is going down. TShe has since been scratched. —Ed. S.E.J Belle, at 9.11, if in form, will be a hot member, and if she undertakes the journey I shall have her on my side. The others I don’t fancy, and respecting Fishmonger it is very unlikely that he will go South. The best six should be Norton, Bombardier, Despised, Morag, Tiritea and Belle, and for three I fancy Norton, Bombardier, and Mobag. In the Hurdle Race Liberator has top weight, as was generally expected, and with his figure at 12.6, and the next candidate, Kulnine, at 12.3,1 shall expect the latter to prove the better. Couranto and Kapua are very fairly placed, although I do not think Kapua will be able to give Melinite (the Hawke’s Bay race notwithstanding) a stone and a beating at the coming meeting. Melinite is as well placed as anything in the race. St. Kilda will not undertake the journey Adam Byers informs me, and Clarence will be beaten by Melinite. Despised has a chance at 10.10,' and so has Musket at a pound less. This hurdler’s chance is a very good one. Of the others, Magazine and Barnardo are the best, and on Southern reports they should stand a chance. Liberator, Kulnine, Melinite, Musket, Despised and Magazine should be the best half-dozen, and for three I fancy Kulnine, Melinite and Musket.