CANTERBURY.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume X, Issue 489, 7 December 1899, Page 14

CANTERBURY.

CHRISTCHURCH RACING CLUB — SANT ILARIO—CANNIE CHIEL—BETTING. Chbistohub ch, December 5. The Christchurch Racing Club will hold its race meeting on December 16 and 18. The nominations for the flat races are smaller than in previous years, but the four trots have filled well. For the Christchurch Cup, one mile and a quarter, Huku, Skirmisher, Sequin, Ben Farley, Lapidiary, The Spinner, and Suzannah have been entered Other horses entered at the meeting are Fireside, Cannonshot, The Orphan, Rougemont and Phryne. The following are the weights for the Greymouth Cup of 200 sovs, one mile and a half : — Dundas 9 0, Strathnairn 8 12, Skirmisher 8.12, Ben Farley 8 10, Sequin 8 3, Pom Pom 8.2, Haria 7.12, Petroline 7.10, Speculator 7.5, Paratina 6.7. Of this lot I prefer Strathnairn. Owing to the success of Canterbury horses at West Coast Chrismas and New Year meetings,

several owners and trainers intend making the trip this year. The Greymouth, Hokitika, Westland, Reefton, and other clubs will no doubt be pleased to receive the additional support. Matters at Riccarton are rather quiet just now. As I predicted, all Canterbury-owned horses, except Sant Ilario, were taken out of the Auckland Cup. With regard to Sant Ilario, it should be remembered that he is a colt who is likely to perform better as he grows older; and now that he has no Seahorse to meet in the big raee at Auckland, his chance should not be underestimated. Sant Ilario is also in the Great Northern Derby and Royal Stakes, and as he is reported to have improved a lot since the Canterbury Meeting, he may be relied upon to make things merry for the Northerners. Sir George Clifford’s Clanranald colt, Cannie Chiel has been left in the Great Northern Foal Stakes and Royal Stakes. I hear Cutts has the colt in capital feetie, and, if all goes well in the meantime, I think you will see him in Auckland before the end of the month; Screwgun, the champion two-year-old of last season, has been left in the Royal Stakes, and if Dick Mason can get him thoroughly wound up the battle between the two champions—-Screw-gun and Seahorse —will be well worth seeing. Betting on the Auckland Cup has livened up a bit since the acceptances. Seahorse was supported in many quarters, and the news of his being scratched came as a great surprise to a host of backers. Explosion is favorite here at sto 1. Battleaxe, Record Reign are at 6 to 1. Last week lire was quoted at 25 to 1, but on Satur day he was backed for several hundreds, presumably from the right quarter. Tire is now quoted at 8 to 1. Skirmisher was scratched for the Greymouth Onp directly his owner saw the weights.