CANTERBURY.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVI, Issue 930, 2 January 1908, Page 7

CANTERBURY.

CHRISTCHURCH, December 30. The defeat of Bonny Glen and Armlet at Auckland, cost Christchurch backers a lot. of. money. . After. Bonny Glen’s fine form at the Cup Meeting, it was generally epected that he would be the hardest horse to beat in the Auckland Cup; but once again the wise ones are beaten and the colt had to be satisfied with 3rd p’ace. In the Northern Foal Stakes, Armlet was considered by her 'supporters, the best of good things but for the second time this season Mr Stead’s filly has had to lower her colours to the speedy Fleetfoot, who. has now won three classis events for her popular owner. Canterbury owners have not had a very good run of luck at holiday meetings. So far, Sir G. Clifford has done best, but none of the other local owners have held their own.

St. Joe and Leeside are both go ng over to Australia. The latter is in great fettle jusl now and should be hard to beat on the other side.

Inglenuk is enjoying a spell. Two members of the stable, Fireiron and Buccleuch, both ran at Ashhurst without success. Fireiron has not won a race for some time and appears to have gone right off.

Vardo has been doing well over on the West Coast, having won a good stake. Betting is still going on in Christchurch despite the fact that the Gaming Act is now in force. At every street corner small bookmakers may be found ready to take any small wager on current events. Cards are being issued as usual, and on race days small knots of people may be seen with cards in their hands analysing merits of the various horses engaged in various races. From a private source I learn that Boniform is going remarkably well. Boniform has not started since he won the Breeders’ Plate in Australia over twelve months ago.

Stratagem has been running much below her best form in the North Island. Even with her light impost she does not seem able to catch the judge’s eye. Royal Crown is now running at small country meetings, and was successful in capturing a small stake at Mt. Somers during the past week. The Rapaia Cup was won by Marrangarie, who beat the ex-Auckland gelding Crespinot by a short head, while Tom Tit was third.

Medallist has been running much below form in the North. At the Christchurch meeting a fortnight ago, the Officer gelding won the principal handicap on the second day. On his showing in that race it was fully expected that he would win a fair race at Manawatu, or Ashhurst. Hard going apparently is not to his. liking Munjeet is being kept in work and it is reported that she will be taken over to Australia for the big Autumn Meeting.