THE GREAT NORTHERN DOUBLE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVII, Issue 1055, 26 May 1910, Page 6

THE GREAT NORTHERN DOUBLE.

TRACK DOINGS OF THE JUMPERS. With the Great Northern Steeplechase meeting only a week off, and visiting horses making their appearance almost every day, the track work at Ellerslie, particularly that of the jumpers, is most interesting, and a few notes on the same may prove welcome to those endeavouring to solve the big double, Hurdles and Steeplechase, THE HURDLERS. Ben Johnson has been schooled several times, always giving a good display. On the other hand, when sent fast on the flat, he does not appear to gallop with his usual dash. In company with Hoanga on Tuesday morning he appeared to have had quite enough at the end of a circuit on the sand in 2.5 3-5, and Hoanga was finishing the better of the pair. Shrapnel continues 'to' stride along freely in his work, but he is evidently much better on the track than he is with the colours up. Taking into consideration that Shrapnel hag not won

a race since he scored in the C.J.C. Grand National, . nearly three years ago, he appears to nave plenty of weight dn Friday’s ' race with 11.1 and no one would begrudge him a victory. Paritutu has arrived and is looking fairly well, and a few gallops should put him right. In being awarded 10-7, the son of Castor is very leniently treated, and if all goes well he may start favourite. Te Arai is looking well, but he does not appear to possess the pace of a season ago. Prophet is about the best conditioned horse at Ellerslie, and should the fall he suffered at Takapuna have no effect on him, will surely be hard to beat on Friday. Lady Patflcia is jumping well, but does not appear to be herself and her doings would not suggest her being a Great Northern winner. Dunborve is not jumping too kindly in his tasks over the battens. However, he is an out and out stayer and will probably be going on when many of his opponents are stopping. Wellcast is said to have a very dicky leg, and has not been doing much work. Commander is looking nice, and after his running at Takapuna should certainly be in greater demand than he will be on the day. From the way he finished on Saturday it looked as though the extra half mile at Ellesslie will be all in his favour. Maiora broke down at Takapuna and need not be considered. Hoanga is galloping well and may show up prominently before the meeting closes. Armagh is improving with every gallop and after his good showing at Takapuna will be one of the best backed horses in the race. Freevata cut a poor figure in the Maiden the first day at Takapuna and his chances at Ellerslie must be remote. Pukenui is not himself at present and may not be seen at his best as he is short of work. Tui Kitua can have no chance whatever, as he appears to be quite out of his class. Luscombe is another who may not be at his best, and one could not even pick him to run well. Rangihaeta is looking all right, but he has been a big disappointment since coming to Auckland, and a victory on his part would be a surprise, although he should run much better than he has for some time. Several of those engaged have yet to arrive, and their appearance on the scene of operations will be awaited eagerly by those who have supported any of the local horses.

THE STEEPLECHASERS. The top weight in the Great Northern, Kiatere, has got to come, but he has been over the Ellerslie country so often that his admirers only want to know if he is in tip-top fettle to take on the three and a-half mile journey. Sol is looking well and the little fellow should find no difficulty in getting round the course. Te Arai although galloping in good style does, not like the water jumps, and these invariably stop him when he undertakes the big fences. If Te Arai could be induced to negotiate the water jumps he certainly would have a lot of admirers. Loch Fyne is getting plenty of schooling over the big fences but his work has not been good enough to make one choose him to win the Great Northern. Capitol has given a finished display each time he has been asked to take on the big fences and last year’s winner promises to be hard to beat again.

Le Beau has not done too much and may be found short of work when he essays the steeplechase course. Red McGregor is well off on the score of condition and if he improves in his jumping may run prominently.

Pierre has broken down- and need not be considered.

Creusot is said to be getting through solid toil at Kohimarama and if this is so may be brought to Ellerslie and sent over the hill before Friday. First Barrel is very fit and being a proved fencer should receive attention.

Cavaliero gave a very attractive display on Tuesday and the old fellow can be relied upon to put up a good fight. He will probably beat all the local horses weighted under list. King Hippo i s giving satisfaction and bis win at Takapuna is sufficient proof of his condition.

Outside those engaged in the Great

Northern Steeplechase nothing is pleasing better than Kapakapa and this horse will surely play a strong card before the meeting is through.