THE NATIONAL HANDICAPS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XIV, Issue 854, 19 July 1906, Page 5

THE NATIONAL HANDICAPS.

Promptly to time Mr. Henrys has issued his handicaps for the big events to be decided, at the coming winter meeting of the Canterbury Jockey Club. In the Grand National Steeplechase Kiatere is in pride of place with 12st opposite to his name, and Sol follows with but a pound less. It is a nice point as to which is the better at the weights, but if brought to the post in the same condition that he was at the A.R.C. Winter Meeting, most people would probably prefer the son of Soult. Slow Tom, with list 31b, has been given a chance, as has Haydn (lOst 131 b), but it is very doubtful if the old fellow will be sent down. The Swimmer (lOst 81b) is by no means to be despised, as he has but two pounds more than when he beat all but Sol in the Great Northern Steeplechase, and Mr. Morgan’s gelding he here meets on 81b better terms. Comfort has not shown to advantage lately, and might have had less than lOst 91b. Eurus is very highly thought of in the South, and with lOst 81b, the race is considered to be well within his compass. Over the flat Riccarton course Hautapu should show to advantage with lOst 71b, that is to say, if he can stay out the distance. Many, however, will prefer Irish, who certainly cannot cavill at lOst 61b, considering he has won three good jumping events in the last few weeks, and is apparently in as good form as when he came home ahead of the field in last year’s Northern Hurdles. Of the others Nadador, Rongoa, Moccasin, Baritone, and Pipi are best treated, but at this stage the three with the likeliest chances appear to be Irish, Eurus, and Swimmer. A long list of forty-one horses had to be handicapped in the Grand National Hurdles, and here Mr. Henrys has placed Hautapu and Exmoor on the same mark with list 91b, and it may be that both have their full share of weight, the Porirua horse especially so. Shrapnel reads better than either with list 21b judged on his Wellington form. Cavalry may be trusted to put up a good fight, while in some quarters the opinion is held that with Kremlin handicapped at lOst 121 b, the race is virtually all over, which fact has got to be proved, however. “Welbeck might effect a surprise, while Sol is by no means badly treated with lOst 91b, for it must not be forgotten the Soult gelding has won a number of races over the small sticks. Cuiragno and Black Reynard have both been given chances with lOst 61b. Of the others Hydrant, Ability, Waikato, Romany King and Prospector have as good winning prospects as any. The three from whom most danger threatens appear to be Kremlin, Shrapnel, and Cavalry.