CANTERBURY.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XI, Issue 609, 18 September 1902, Page 15

CANTERBURY.

Christchurch, September 16. Siege Gun was out at Riccarton the other morning, and put in a good gallop once round, brushing home over the last six furlongs. Orloff accompanied the Cup horse, who got through his work in a pleasing manner. The Derby colt presents a well-trained appearance, and the stable representative at Hawke’s Bay will prove a hard nut to crack. Romany Queen, who still remains in the Cup, is whispered . about as likely to be the Yaldhurst representative in the twomile race. She is looking in excellent fettle, and gives every appearance of being able to stay. This filly is in the Cup with a very light impost, and if she trains on she may be started in the Cup and also the Oaks. Glenaladale continues to go along satisfactorily in his Cup preparation. The work allotted him is of ,a solid kind, just what .is required to fit him for the two-mile journey. This son of Clanranald is, I believe, thoroughly sound, and one of the hardiest of the Clanranald family. Calibre has come on a lot during the last month. If he continues to improve he may vet see the post in the Cup. Latterly ’he has been galloping in a resolute manner, and does not shirk his work in the least. He had a gallop with Bombardo, another Cup colt, over a mile on the grass on Saturday. Both horses shaped well.. The Hotchkiss colt is getting in racing condition. Cannie Chiel has been doing light, work during the last few days. I prefer his stable companion’s (Glenaladale) chance in the Cup. , , Welbeck and Pallas have been backed for the double, the Cup and Stewards, during the week, the amount taken run's ning into four figures. The Stewards’ candidate, Pallas, has been responsible for some smart work ■latelv. „ It is quite evident that Welbeck is going to have a shot at the Derby, and very likely the Cup too. One of his latest working gallops was twice round on the grass at a sound pace. This colt is standing up to his work in great style. , , J . Dundas is in steady work, but so iar he has done nothing to suggest that he is being prepared for the Cup. I would not care to back him for the big race on the work he has done lately. ,

Golden Vein and Windwhistle, who are' nominated at Wanganui, are gettingthrough the tasks allotted them satisfactorily.

Sh-.-enan’s two Musketry fillies, Greek Maid and Merrymaker, are doing nice work. The former is probably the better of the pair, and should give a good account of herself in her spring engagements. I fancy Greek Maid will go near winning the Oaks Stakes this year.

Mr Reid’s Musketry—Dudu filly Lolah. is shaping well in her work. There are several fillies working at Riccarton engaged in the Oaks Stakes. Greek Maid, Dirk, Stepdancer and Romany Queen are perhaps the best known,, but in Merrymaker, Lolah, Cyclamen and Aherlow something good may turnup.

Among the horses who have just resumed work I notice Djin-Djin and. Huku. The Derby colt Deerstalker, from, whom great things are expected if hestands training, had a five-furlongs flutter -with Dirk on Saturday, and thefilly had most to say at the finish. The Stepniak mare Whirlwind has probably run her last race, at least for some time. She will visit Royal Artillery this.season. Lavalette was supported in Christchurch for the New Zealand Cup last week. Several backers got to work immediately it leaked out that the stable were making a move in favour of the son of Seaton Delaval and Miss Letty.. Grey Seaton was also backed for the Cup by those who had 'supported Lavalette.