CANTERBURY.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume IX, Issue 698, 23 July 1903, Page 7

CANTERBURY.

Christchurch, July 22.

The hurdle <racer. Violin, from Invercargill, arrives at Riccarton on Friday. Slow Tom and Pipi came back from Wellington on Sunday. The former’s win in the Wellington Hurdle Race was .quite unexpected, except by the horse’s immediate connections, who, I hear, scored a good win. Mr Taggart gave 200 hundred guineas for Slow Tom late in the autumn. He has not had to wait long to regain the purchase money.

A rumour was in circulation in Christchurch to the effect that all was not right with the New Zealand Cup favourite, Wairiki. News of this kind is not long going the rounds of the town. A few of those who had backed the Auckland horse were anxious to lay off, but late inf the evening, the son of Soult was a firm) favourite at Bto 1. On inquiry to-day I learned that nQ better price than thisi could be got about him. With Orloff booked for Australia, the price of the Yaldhurst horse has lengthened to a hundred to five. Lady Lillian is quoted at 10 to 1. The biggest surprise of the Wellington meeting, to Riccartonites was the downfall of Sultana in the Steeplechase. Prior to leaving for Wellington Sultana had been jumping sp, end idly, and as he possesses pace his chance of winning was considered to be an excellent one. The only reason I can advance for Sultana’s nonsuccess is that he was given too much stiff jumping before going North, and that he found the going a little too heavy for Lis liking.

Ashburton, has sent four hurdle racers to Riccarton to Undergo their preparation for the Grand National Meeting. The quartette belong to Mr S. Brown, their names being Hurricane, Defiance, Roller, and Fairy Rose, Victor 11., also owned by Mr Brown, is likely to reach Riccarton some time next week.

Golden Rose was scratched for thq New Zealand Cup at 1.30 p.m. on Friday last. Sans Peur was withdrawn from the same race at 9.30 a.m. to-day. Battleaxe, Tupara, Straybird, Tepapa, Windwhistle, Goldspur, Khaki, and Lee Enfield arrived at Riccarton to-day. Now that Battleaxe has arrived at headquarters there is likely to be a run on’him for the National Hurdles.

Handicaps for the Grand National Steeplechase, Hurdle Race, and Winter Cup have been freely, criticised. ■ In the Steeplechase Haydn heads the list, and in bis present form he is lively to be favourite. Although the field is a big one, it

cannot be said to be a very formidable one. Of the first half-dozen I certainly prefer the chances of the top-weight, while Awahuri, if the going is good, may improve on his Auckland form, but I do not think he will beat Haydn. I have a fancy for Hurricane, and if he goes to the post I feel pasitive he will be one of the hardest to beat. Sultana, despite his failures at Wellington, will have many supporters, as also will old Straybird. The three I lik,e best are Haydn, Hurricane, and Sultana, while in the Hurdle Race Battleaxe’s name stands out prominently, and whatever beats him will, I think, win. Haydn arid Awahuri are likely to give- the top-weight most trouble. The Winter Cup will be a hard race to pick. A likely half-dozen are Scylla, Durable, Shrapnel Shell, Gora Linn, Exmoor and Pampero.