CANTERBURY.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VII, Issue 341, 4 February 1897, Page 7

CANTERBURY.

The forthcoming- Canterbury meeting— Riccarton training notes-Our correspondent’s anticipations—The imported colt Sandhurst—Bicycling.

Christchurch, February 2

It is expected that full acceptances will be received for the Canterbury Jockey Club’s Summer Meeting on Saturday. The weather has been fine during the week, and the club should have a successful meeting. Most of the horses having engagements are now at Riccarton. During the past few days fast work has been given the Canterbury horses. On Saturday morning several horses were on the track at an early hour. Marquis of Zetland accomplished the best gallop of the morning, getting over a mile and a quarter in good style ; he moved very freely and should be hard to beat, in the Midsummer Handicap. Weary and Choroid both did a fast four furlongs. Barmby, Bisley, and Miniature performed well; they will also start, at the meeting. Skirmisher, who is looking as well as ever, did a fast gallop. Belligerent moved freely in a six furlong gallop. There is a considerable amount of double betting going on in connection with the Midsummer Handicap and Craven Plate. Marquis of Zetland is a popular fancy for the former event, Musketry, Leda, and Plotter being next in demand ; these horses have been coupled with Bizaare, Firefly, Rustic, and Campbell. Since the handicaps have appeared for the events at the meeting public interest has increased. There are only eight horses in the Midsummer Handicap. St.’Paul (8.9) is top weight, then follow Skirmisher 8.7, Musketry 8.3, Marquis of Zetland 7.12. Of these four I like Musketry; fit and well he should r.bout win ; he is reported to be galloping well, tut, as he does his work in private, very few people have had an opportunity of seeing him ; it is quite possible he will be reserved for the Craven Plate. Leda (7.9) is leniently treated. Missfire (7.9), Plotter (7 ; 8), Lord Roslyn (7.3), and Maximus (7.0) complete the rest of the field ; the last-named is an improbable starter. Plotter is reported to be going well. Lord Roslyn’s prospects of success are considered to be really good. My tip is Musketry, if he starts, and next to him I like Skirmisher and Marquis of Zetland. Gold Leaf will be a starter in the Middle Park Plate, but he cannot have much chance of beating Gold Medallist or Multiform, who will probably finish first and second in the order named, with Gold Leaf third. In the Craven Plate, Stead’s selected (Musketry 8.11 or Firefly 7.9) should about win. Barmby (8.12) is not thoroughly wound up. Belligerent (7.11), Rustic (7.0), and. Campbell (6.10) should run well.

Senior Wrangler (8.12) or Bloomer (7.5) should be well up in the Lyttelton Plate. Jewel, Montacute, and Tale of War read well in the Hornby Welter Handicap. Mr P. Campbell’s colt Sandhurst, by Bendigo —Engagement, who arrived at Lyttelton last week has been placed in quarantine. He is a fine looking colt, and, if looks go for anything, he should make a name for himself on the racing track.

A. R. Barker, the Canterbury champion cyclist, left for Auckland to-night, for the purpose of competing there on Saturday. He is very fit and should win a few sovs at the meeting. A. 0. Wilmot was unable-to journey North owing to pressure of business. Mr N. Oates has built a quad for pacing pur- , poses. It was on the track last night. Shorland, Jones, and Harry Thompson will represent the Pioneer Bicycle Club in the amateur championships at Wellington. The first-named

is riding splendidly, and intends making an attempt to lower all New Zealand records at an early date. The Dunlop Tire Company has imported a triplet, which will also be used for pacing. Several tandems may be seen on Lancaster Park.