CANTERBURY.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IX, Issue 426, 22 September 1898, Page 13

CANTERBURY.

The scratching of Explosion—The N.Z. Cup betting—Cup horses going to Dunedin —The Ohoka meeting— St. Paul’s Avondale victory— Dundas—The Canterbury Derby—{Hauser —A promising colt.

Christchurch, September 20. The announcement of the scratching of Explosion for the New Zealand Cup formed the subject of lots of talk, and many backers here are lamenting the fact that they backed Nathan’s colt. Glowing reports had been sent from Auckland about the way Explosion was shaping and the work he was doing in view of the big race, and naturally his withdrawal will be disappointing to those who had backed him. Can you inform sports here the reason of Explosion’s withdrawal. The victory of St. Paul in the Avondale Cup was very popular here, the son of St. Leger being favoiite for the race. He was wt 11 backed, and so was Explosion. The betting on lhe New Zealand Cup has been very limited, only a few small wagers being taken since my last budget. Four of the Canterbury horses engaged in the N.Z. Cup—Epaulet, Sequin, Double Event, and Cannonshot —have been nominated for the two f principal events at the Dunedin Spring Meeting. Epaulet, Sequin, Bloomer, and Haria ar® among the nominations for events at the Ohoka. meeting. • ' ' -V-A The Spinner and Bizarre, who have not been.: raced for some months, are likely starters at.* Ohoka. 4 It was thought that after St. Paul’s win in th®; Avondale Cup he would be much enquired after : for the N.Z. Cup, but, strange to say, there has been no enquiry. . . • , s Dundas, in Hobbs’s stable, has furnished into a handsome looking colt. He seems to like hi® daily tasks. We hear a lot about tbe N.Z. Cup, but very little about the Canterbury Derby. Among likely starters are Nihilist, Alta r, Djin Djin, Dundas, and Hermosa, and all of these have been doing good work. If they all start they are sur® to make the race interesting. Mauser will undertake stud duties shortly. . : Glenogle, a bay colt by Clanranald —Retina, belonging to Sir G. Clifford, is pleasing touts at Riccarton. Cutts thinks he has something good in this colt, whose name appears in several classic races. Several other youngsters by Clanranald have the appearance of developing into racehorses. ' . . Some of Stonyhurst’s stock are also shaping well The youngsters in Mr Stead’s stable are coming r.long nicely. The Yaldhurst sportsmant has Screw Gunt, Saint Ilario, St. Lucia, Tolstoi, Skobeloff, and Courtier in the Canterbury Welcome Stakes, and, unless the Hon. J. D. Ormond has something particularly smart, this race is likely to be won by one of the Yaldhurst team.