The G.N. Steeplechase.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XII, Issue 740, 12 May 1904, Page 6

The G.N. Steeplechase.

A very knotty problem has been set backers by Mr Evett in his handicaps for the big cross country event of the A.-R.O. Winter Meeting, and it is one which will take a lot of solving. Fortunately the Wanganui Steeplechase precedes it by about a fortnight, so that the Southern race may help to throw some light upon the probable chances of those engaged at Ellerslie, for many of the same horses are engaged in both events The winner at Wanganui has before now captured the big prize at Ellerslie. Many of the horses listed to compete in the big jumping race at headquarters are also down to appear in the Takapuna Steeplechase, and as the distance is in both cases the same it is rather interesting to compare Mr Evett’s and Mr Knight’s compilations. In the Grand National Steeplechase Cannongate stands at the head of affairs with 12st 51b, and it is curious to find both weight adjusters dealing out exactly the same poundage to the son of Cannon. That he is a good one over country admits of no dispute, and with two pounds less he ran second to Haydn last year. The field on that occasion was, however, a remarkably weak one, and I am inclined to think the top weight might well have had those odd five pounds off his back. Haydn, 121 b 21b, came in by himself last year, on which occasion he carried list 61b. He has been kept at it all through the summer, and may be somewhat stale. Spalpeen, list, has not so far been asked to tackle the big jumps, but he is such a fine fencer there is no reason why he should not do so, and on the score of weight has nothing to grumble at. Princess of Thule, lOst 101 b, is a mare who can get the country all right, for with Quinton in the saddle she won the Auckland Steeplechase at the Summer Meeting at Ellerslie in very hollow fashion when carrying but four pounds less than her present impost. On that form she ought to hold Haydn quite safe. Slow Tom, on the same mark, is an unknown quantity as far as timber topping is concerned, but he is reported to be a bold fencer As he is one of those entered at Wanganui he may be given a chance to show what he can do in this respect. Nor’-west was allotted list 21b in last year’s event, but fell when he was running with the leaders* Mr Evett in apportioning him seven pounds less has put the son of Sou’wester in his place, but I am inclined to think he is a past light. Comfort, lOst 71b, has frequently to advantage over hurdles, winning the other day at the Manawatu Meeting. What sort of a performer he will prove himself at timber-topping has yet to be seen. Stray bird, lOst 61b, has six pounds less than Mr Knight considers should have been his share, a remark which also applies to Dingo, lOst 31b. At this weight the Sou’-wester gelding, if really himself on the day of battle, should be a hard horse to beat. Killarney, lOst 21b, may run well, while old Kanaka, lOst, registered a good performance at Avondale the other day, although it is to be feared the hill climbing may find him out. Hipstone 9st 91b, Marine 9st 91b, and Hylas 9st 71b, may have outside chances. It will, however, be well to wait till after the Takapuna and Wanganui Steeplechases before coming to any definite opinion concerning the candidates, for these eyents are certain to throw considerable light ;upon the chance of those listed to compete at Ellerslie.