CANTERBURY.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1480, 5 September 1918, Page 11

CANTERBURY.

Collector Enjoying Spell—Gamecock Also on Easy List —Glendower and Fiery Cross Both in Work—Chokebore Candidates for C.J.C. Derby Honours —Conditions for Next N.Z. Cup. CHRISTCHURCH, Monday. Riccarton trainers are again hurrying their charges along in view of the Amberley, Ashburton and Geraldine meetings, all of which take place this month. During R. O’Donnell’s absence in Sydney with Almoner and Kilmoon, the Yaldhurst horses in work, which comprise Melee and the two-year-olds Golden Crozier and Orange Bitters, will be looked after by W. Hobbs. Another of O’Donnell’s team in the two-year-old colt Surveyor, a very excitable juvenile, will go into M. Hobbs’ stable at Riccarton to have his education continued till his mentor returns.

Collector, who was purchased during Grand National week, was not included in Mr. G. L. Stead’s team for Sydney, as originally intended. In the meantime the ’chaser is having an easy time at his owner’s station, Brackenfield. After purchasing Gamecock, Mr. C. O. T. Rutherford decided to have him gelded, and the operation was successfully performed a few days ago. It is intended to give the son of San Francisco a lengthy spell before putting him into commission again. He will have as a companion in idleness Orange Pip, who was recently secured by Mr. Rutherford.

The Blenheim trainer W. J. Porter is now established permanently at Riccarton, and intends racing Good Hope at the forthcoming spring meetings both on the flat and over hurdles. Kimbolton seems to be taking io jumping very kindly, and should not be long in picking up a hurdle race. W. Hibberd is keeping Varnish, Tremena and Braid up to the collar, and the first-named is sure to race well at Amberley. Unfortunately he is always more or less sore. Glendower is improving rapidly and looks like capturing a good race at some of the early meetings. Christmas has just taken in hand Fiery Cross, whose preparation will not be hurried. Art is none the worse for his two hard races at the Grand National meeting, and should give a good account of himself in the Jumpers’ Flat Race at Amberley. The two Chokebore Derby candidates, Long Range and Lionskin, continue to get through very satisfactory tasks. Others from the same stable who are going on the right way are Adjutant, Brambletye, Onslaught and Sir Fanciful. 'R. Derrett has recommissioned Margerine, who has wintered well and at present carries a lot of condition. Oxenhope, who was recently purchased by Mr. W. B. Clarkson, will in future be trained by J. Bryce, the successful trotting mentor. The conditions for the next New Zealand Cup have just been announced, the only change from last year being in the matter of penalties. These have been revised so that the first penalty earned is one of 51b. for the winner of a race or races worth 25050v5., while winners of 350sovs. get 71b. extra and of 500sovs. 101 b. The alteration is one that is sure to find much favour with owners, as it will enable them to race their Cup horses at early spring meetings with lighter penalties for wins. LATER. Counterscarp Recommissioned—lnteresting Track Gallops—Disdainful’s Pleasing Effort. (Telegraph—Christchurch Correspondent) Cutts Bros, have recommissioned Counterscarp, who gave a good deal of promise in her early track efforts last season. J. McCombe is hurrying Bon Spec and Subterfuge along in view of the Ashburton and Geraldine meetings. Jingo was lame after his exertions at the Grand National meeting, but is now almost right again. He is to be put into work again this week with a view to competing at the spring meetings. Gamecock, who was emasculated, and Charley, who. underwent an operation for throat troubles, have both made excellent recoveries. A number of horses claiming early engagements were galloped at Riccarton on Saturday morning. Disdainful created a surprise by administering a decisive defeat to Adjutant over a mile. The filly -was in front all the way, and wound up Two lengths to the good. Art held Kimbolton quite safe all through a bout over a mile, the former’s effort being very pleasing. Long Range and Heathercote kept together all through a gallop over six furlongs, both finishing well. Bondage and Silver and Black seemed to be well matched over five furlongs. The latter, who has improved a good deal lately, will carry Mr. Barrett’s colours at the Amberley meeting. Vascular showed to much more advantage than Seville and Vascovia in getting over seven furlongs, while Onslaught was much too good for Wild Night in a smartly-run four furlongs. After galloping, Varnish was decidedly lame, and it is doubtful if he will be able to fulfil his engagements at the Amberley meeting. C. Emerson went north on Monday to fulfil riding engagements at the Marton meeting. He will return in time for the Amberley meeting, where, he will pilot Derby Day.