Sporting and Dramatic REVIEW ANO Licensed Victuallers’ Gazette. With which is incorporated the Weekly Standard Thursday, May 12, 1904. THE GREAT NORTHERN MEETING.

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

Sporting and Dramatic REVIEW ANO Licensed Victuallers’ Gazette. With which is incorporated the Weekly Standard Thursday, May 12, 1904. THE GREAT NORTHERN MEETING.

The G.N. Hurdle Race. The near approach of the great winter fixture of the Auckland Racing Club is heralded by the publication of the handicaps for the chief events. As usual Mr Evett has been prompt to time, and the result of his labours shows much careful work. As this year the club has adopted the sensible method of running the big hurdle race on the opening day that event can be considered first.

At the head of the somewhat lengthy list of names comes Waiwera with 12st 41b, and on his Southern form he might have a chance, but if he repeats his customary method of performing at Ellerslie the son of Gipsy King cannot be written right out. Spalpeen with 12st 21b opposite his name possesses an undoubted chance, for whatever his failings may have been on the flat the chestnut has shown to splendid advantage when called upon to Negotiate the small obstacles. The last time he met Waiwera was in the Grafton Hurdle Race, which he won very easily by three lengths from a fast horse like Hautapu, the Southerner being hopelessly distanced. The latter, although meeting Spalpeen on eight pounds better terms, should be easily held safe by Mr Marshall’s horse, who, however, is said to be very backward at present. Cannongate, list 111 b, has received quite enough, although with a pound more he silenced a weak field in the Autumn Hurdles at Ellerslie.

Up-to-Date, list 101 b, is a horse which is certain to come in for plenty of support, as there are many who hold to the opinion that he is another Record Reign. In the Grafton Hurdles Spalpeen, who was conceding Mr Roulston’s horse 161bs, gave him a fearful licking, and even admitting that the son of St. Hippo has made very considerable improvement since then, it is difficult to see how he is to beat Spalpeen at a difference of only six pounds. Still he is sure to run well, for he is a very honest horse. Haydn, list, has not shown to advantage for a long} time past, and naturally his weight has been upon a descending scale. He will be meeting Spalpeen on 231bs and Waiwera on 151bs better terms than when they last met, and if brought to the post in his best trim may show to advantage. Slow Tom, on the same mark, has given evidence of winning form of late, for at Wellington with lOst 61b in the saddle he had a very easy victory in the Handicap Hurdle Race. On that running Mr Marshall’s gelding must prove hard to beat. It looks as though Mars, lOst 91b, is a light of other days, although he was obviously in want of condition at Avondale, when the old fellow’s efforts to get the course were quite painful to witness. Killarney, lOst 71b, has not been harshly j treated, for he ran third to Slow Tom at • Wellington, and now meets his conqueror ' on exactly a stone better teams. Under certain conditions Princess of Thule, lOst ; 31b, would possess a great chance, but as they are not likely to exist, I must ' pass her. Hautapu, lOst, possesses the

qualification of speed, for he won a halfmile dash at Avondale, and is in addition a smart jumper. On the form at the Christmas meeting Spalpeen should beat him, for he did so on both occasions when the pair met on the same terms, as they are now asked to do. Probably Hautapu has improved somewhat since then, however, but the distance may be against him. Looking among the light weights those who might show up to advantage are Ranana 9st 101 b, Creusot 9st 101 b, Aka Aka 9st 51b, Hippowai 9st 41b, and Tahae, 9st 31b. lam inclined to think, however, that the dangerous division will consist of Spalpeen, Cannongate, Up-to-Date, Slow Tom, Killarney, and Hautapu The acceptances on Friday will tend to throw further light upon the question.