Inter-Provincial.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IX, Issue 429, 13 October 1898, Page 11

Inter-Provincial.

[Own Correspondents. CANTERBURY. The Napier Running — Multiform backed — Swordfish’s condition — Arrival of Nestor — Horses for Dunedin —flaria—Epaulet — Wedlock— Cannonshot — Sequin — New Zealand Cup payment—Antares scratched.

Christchurch, October 11. The defeat of Tigress and Altair in the Hawke’s Bay Guineas was a great blow to backers here. The winner was not backed. A commission came for Tigress, but arrived too late, and needless to say, the books were much annoyed. Multiform has been backed for the Cup during the week. It is now thought the son of Hotchkiss will be the elect of Stead’s stable. Swordfish has improved since he arrived at Riccarton a week ago, and is greatly pleasing the touts. The horse has been doing sound work all the week, and looks as fit as human hands can make him. Nestor, the other Auckland Cup representative, looking big though well, has arrived at headquarters since my last. He has only been given light work yet, but Byers intends pushing him along next week.In Swordfish and Nestor, Auckland has indeed two fine representatives in the New Zealand Cup this year. The prices on offer to-day about these two horses were—Swordfish favorite for the race at 100 to 12, Nestor 100 to 7. Tirant d’Eau was well baeked in several places yesterday for the New Zealand Cup, and 100 to 10 was taken even early this morning, but after the news of his defeat in the October Handicap at Napier 100 to 6 was the price at which book-

makers were prepared to do business. Tirant d’Eau was a great favorite here for the above race, while Douglas was practically unbacked. Epaulet, Liberator, and Miss Charm left for Dunedin yesterday. Haria will be kept at Riccarton. Powder Monkey and Wedlock will also race at the meeting. Epaulet, who is greatly fancied in many quarters for the New Zealand Cup, started at Ohoka in the principal handicap, but had the steadier of 9.13, and finished outside a place. Epaulet has been backed for the Cup by his connections. He should win a race at Dunedin.

Wedlock has been doing good work on the tracks, and may win a race at Dunedin. Cannonshot is a likely starter at the North Otago meeting. Sequin, who was fancied for the Cup in certain quarters some time ago, started in the Ohoka Handicap, but failed to stay at the finish of a mile and could only get third. The next payment for New Zealand Cup must be made on Friday next. It is fully expected that there will be a good weeding out. I have not been able to to ascertain the views of owners, but I fully anticipate that of Canterbury horses Multiform, Starshot, Epaulet, Goldleaf, Heritas, Dundas, Altair, and Peerage will be left in. Malatua, Seqnin, Seabrook, St. Cyr, Cannon shot, and Double Event might possibly go out. At any rate, I would not care to risk any money on the last six horses named at the present time. Antares was scratched for the Cup yesterday afternoon. Goldleaf has shown improved form during the week. Old Liberator has been allotted top weight, 11.9, in the Curragh Steeplechase, Clarence and Kuku coming next with one pound less. Then comes Dundonald with 11.3.? This horse is such a proficient jumper, and performed so well at. the National meeting, that I am inclined to think whatever beats him will win.