CANTERBURY

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVII, Issue 1001, 13 May 1909, Page 7

CANTERBURY

CHRISTCHURCH, May 11. Contender was schooled over the small hurdles the other morning, having G. E. Pine as a pilot. The Gold Reef gelding jumped safely enough, but more than once showed a tendency to run down his hurdles. He is very fit at present, and is just the sort of animal to make a success of hurdle racing. Snip and Orsino, with E. Scouller and W. Retter up, had a round or two over the hurdles after Contender had finished. Both gave a good display. Orsino is jumping really well for a beginner, and is being sorted out as a likely winner in the near future. Later in the week Orsino was given another spin over the hurdles, but this time he did not shape any too well. North Pole and Ito, who have been racing over on the West Coast during He past three months, arrived at Riccarton last week in charge of W. Donekan. Since their arrival the pair have done some sound work. Gwendolina is fast coming back to her best form, and is a likely starter at some of the North Island winter meetings. Grand Slam, who has proved a great disappointment since C. H. Gorton purchased him in November last, has again joined the active brigade. Stratagem, who has not raced since the Auckland Cup Meeting, is doinggood work, and I hear that she will be given another chance to win a N.Z. Cup. Lady Disdain lias not suffered much from her recent racing, and is still striding along in resolute style. She will be a starter at the Asn burton and Oamaru meetings. ’ Volodia and Serenade are both galloping well, and should be among the winning division shortly. Sweet Angelas, who went amiss just before the Wel’ington Summer Meeting, has put in an appearance at Riccarton. G. Hepburn has also a halfsister to St. Denis, by Peerage, in work. Eurus, Northern Star, and Leonardo went twice round over me steeplechase country last week. The firstnamed negotiated every fence in fine stym, and created a good impression. Northern Star also shaped well, but Leonardo only gave an indifferent, display.

Pa’lada has been responsible for some attractive jumping over hurdles during the week, but I do not think ho will .ever be a top-notcher.