NORTH N.Z. GRAND NATIONAL MEETING.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VI, Issue 305, 28 May 1896, Page 6

NORTH N.Z. GRAND NATIONAL MEETING.

[By

Newhaven.]

The first payment in connection with the Grand National Hurdles and Great Northern Steeplechase fell due on Friday last, and judging by the large acceptance Mr Evett has every reason to be pleased with the result of his labours. In the hurdle race twenty-three horses are left in, the most notable withdrawals being Acone and Panoply. In the Steeplechase twenty-one remain. Last year only eight horses faced the starter in the Hurdles, and ten in the big Jumping race. With ordinary luck, nearly double that number should go to the post this year. St. Kilda is about first favourite for the hurdle race, and no doubt this is due to the form he displayed at Takapuna, coupled with the fact that his stable companion, Miss Nelson, made such hacks of those opposed to her in the hurdle race on the second day. However, lam not prepared to vote him such a good thing as to warrant his selection in preference to many other good performers over the small sticks ; and until I am convinced that he can stay to the end of a fast run two-mile race, I shall not have him on my side. Dante is a horse for whom I enteatain the greatest fespect, and although 12.10 in soft going is a big impost I shall label him as very dangerous. Liberator I shall pass until I have an opportunity of seeing him next week, for I cannot think he will arrive id the same fettle as when he won the double last year. Donald McKinnon (12.7) has plenty of weight, but Bombardier (11.0) may beat him in this race at a difference of twenty-one pounds, Hopgarden has been consistently backed since the nominations, and his weight has not caused his supporters to desert him. My opinion is that he will be found wanting in the last quarter of a mile. Tally-ho must have a chance second to none, and if anything upsets the topweights I shall pin my faith to this mare. Aughadowey’s running oh the second day at Takapuna discounts his first day’s: performance, and I must be discard him from my selections. Of the others Ongon has an outside show, but to pick three to beat the field I shall select Dante, Tally-ho, and Bombardier. In the Steeplechase I see nothing tobeat Mr Douglas’ selected, unless it be Donald McKinnon or Belle. The latter, with 10.12, ran well at Takapuna, and is, capable of much improvement, so with: 121bs off her back she:should be handy when the final question is being asked., Next week I shall have another opportunity of dealing finally with the winter puzzle of ’96.