THE WANGANUI AND GREAT NORTHERN DOUBLES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1465, 23 May 1918, Page 10

THE WANGANUI AND GREAT NORTHERN DOUBLES.

The Wanganui Jockey Club’s winter meeting will be held on Thursday and Saturday of this week, being the first of the steeplechase gatherings to occupy the attention of turf patrons. Intense interest is centred in Thursday’s racing in view of the Century Hurdles and Wanganui Steeplechase coming up for decision on that day, and with the Auckland R.C.’s Great Northern meeting following less than a fortnight later the form at Wanganui will be very closely watched by enthusiasts. Acceptances for the first day of the Wanganui meeting were due on Monday night, when the response made by owners was of a satisfactory nature, and augurs well for an excellent afternoon’s sport. As regards the principal events, the Century Hurdles (2% miles) field was materially reduced, 14 of the 22 candidates who figured on the list being withdrawn. In the case of at least half a dozen of the defections it was generally known that they were not likely to take their places in the field, so that the reduction of the number by more than half has not created any surprise. The eight horses remaining in are all assured of solid support, Colorado and Sir Fisher being most fancied, while Styrax will not want for friends. With the exception of Golden Glade and Collector, the latter of whom claims an engagement in the Great Northern Steeplechase, all of the horses accepted for in the Century Hurdles are included in the acceptances for the Great Northern Hurdles miles), and whether they will make the final payments for the latter event on Friday night will probably depend on their showing on Thursday. Bon Reve, Fionnuala, Kauri King and Almo, which are missing from the acceptance list for the Century Hurdles, have been paid up for in the Great Northern Hurdles, for which event Bon Reve and Almo are among the well-fancied division. The non-acceptors for the Wanganui Steeplechase comprise Crib, Sleight of Hand, Sir Fisher, St. Elmn, Collector, Bon Reve, Styrax, Diavolo and Onipoto, of which number St. Elmn, Collector and Bon Reve are the only horses remaining in the Great Northern Steeplechase after the acceptances have been posted. Twelve candidates still stand their ground in the Wanganui Steeplechase, and with ’chasers of the calibre of Master Strowan, Braeburn, Gluepot, Coalition. Sandy Paul, Marton, Golden Glow and Nita still engaged in the big crosscountry event should undoubtedly provide a sterling contest- Of the Wanganui Steeplechase (three miles) field, Master Strowan, Gluepot, Coalition, Bore, Marton and Nita also claim engagements in the Great Northern Steeplechase miles).