CANTERBURY.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XV, Issue 885, 21 February 1907, Page 7

CANTERBURY.

CHRISTCHURCH, Feb. 20.

The “off” season is now ofi at Riccarton. With the conclusion of the C.J.C. Summer Meeting things at headquarters generally become quiet, but this year they appear to be much quieter than usual. A strong contingent of Riccarton trainers has left for Wingatui to assist at the Dunedin Meeting this week. Horses that have gone down are—Signalman, Golden Cairn, Glenculloch, De Witte, Cockleshell, Cross Battery, Aimee Soult, Tahu, Stepdancer, Bonny Glen, Gysobel, Jahangir, Buccleuch, Fire Iron, Amboise, Wild Cat, Harvest, Tessera, Ilarita, Sea King, Don Orsino, Lapland, Tremulous and Disastrous. Twenty-four horses from one province is indeed a big support to any club, and it will be hard luck if the visitors fail to capture a lion’s share of the stake money. Cross Battery’s name figures amongst the acceptances for the Dunedin Cup and Publican’s Handicap. I have an idea the mare will only go for the Cup. If this should turn out correct, I should not attempt to look any further for the winner. Golden Cairn reads well in the Publican’s Handicap, while Glenculloch should have an easy task in appropriating the Champagne Stakes.

The South Canterbury Jockey Club will give away £9lO in stakes at its Autumn Meeting on April 10 and 11. The Timaru Cup is now worth £l5O.

The Stepniak—Ambush mare Beresina, who failed to show any form in New Zealand, credited her owners with a good stake on the other side

in winning the Oakleigh Plate on Saturday.

Although the five Canterbury horses, Stepdancer, Eden, Seal Rock, Lapland, and Blythemaid are among tie lightly-weighted division in the Wanganui Cup, I do not think they will be found amongst the starters. Fancy Stepdancer only receiving 71b from a high-class performer like King Billy, and being within a pound or two of Ghoorka, Polyanthus and Bourrasque.

The Yaldhurst Stable looks like being strongly represented during the autumn. Munjeet, Isolt, Seal Rock, Eden, Count Witte, Goldbraid and Astolat are in regular work. The form shown by Cross Battery in the St. Alban’s Handicap on the second day of the Summer Meeting did not please the stewards. After hearing R. W. King’s version of what happened they decided to caution him as to his future riding. Three jumpers,—Eurus, John. Peel and Deerslayer—have joined the active brigade at Riccarton. Several offers were made for Aeolus after the son of Euroclydon won the Port Handicap, but his owner, A. Peters, did not feel disposed to do business. Aeolus has gone back, but providing he keeps sound should win again soon.