GRAND NATIONAL WEIGHTS.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1162, 18 July 1912, Page 7

GRAND NATIONAL WEIGHTS.

Owing to the Wellington Racing Club’s meeting being in progress the appearance of the National weights created only passing interest. In the Grand National Hurdles Mr. Henrys starts with Continuance (12.7), and with this impost last year’s winner is set a stiff task. Black Northern (12.2) and Paisano (11.11) have received their full deserts and may be incapable of defeating some of the lightweights. The Rover, Koran and The Native each at 10.13 are a fast trio and must be entitled to consideration, while John (10.3), if at his best, reads as well as anything. Horses weighted under 10.0 to catch the eye are Bully (9.13), Windage (9.13), Silver Cluse (9.12), and Darby Paul (9.9). In the Steeplechase Te Arai heads the handicap with 12.7, but he will not be a runner and Continuance (12.3) is entitled to first consideration. He will want to be all that is claimed for him to win with the weight allotted him, but he is such a fine fencer that it would be unwise to write him out. Antractic is in his right place with 12.2. Hautere (11.9) is undoubtedly a good sort, but he has yet to beat a high-class field. His victory in the Great Northern was gained with consumate ease and it is a question how much weight would have stopped him at Ellerslie. Black Northern (11.3) has been given a chance and he would only require to negotiate the fences safely to be one of the first selections. Sir Lethe, Paritutu and Okaihau have each 11.2, and of the trio Paritutu may prove the best. Unless the Wellington meeting brings out a good lightweight it is more than likely that the winner of the big Riccarton event will come from those weighted over 11.0.