SPORTING NOTES.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 434, 3 November 1875, Page 2

SPORTING NOTES.

The weather lately has been very unfavourable for training operations, and this morning was no exception to this rule. The usual lots were out, and did some work, most of it being of an unimportant character. Guy Fawkes and Hercules did a good gallop, the latter being stripped and having blinkers on. The big bay horse went well enough this morning, but he has shown a great deal of temper lately, and there was a rare fight between him and his rider yesterday. He is a cranky-tempered brute at any time, but is possessed of a fair turn of foot. Guy had clothes on, and does not, to my mind, improve as much as he ought to do to win the money for which he has been backed. Throughout the piece I have always considered that he was favourably weighted in the C.J.C. Handicap, and that with ordinary good fortune he ought to be first or second. I shall not desert him now, though he does not please me particularly ; but he can dispose of his stable companions. Webb’s string did not do much work the rain driving them in, but Ranolf, who has taken to evil courses lately, was stripped, and, with only a hood and blinkers on, an attempt was made to induce him to start. Mr Lance, armed with a driving whip, persuaded him to move off when required, but he went all over the course, and as unkindly as an animal could go. If he comes to the post he will give the starter some trouble, and his backers will be on thorns when the flag falls. How a seven stone lad is to manage him I confess puzzles me. Kauri was out, but doing no work. Mr Bhand’s phesnuts did a gallop, and Blair Athol pulled up as lame as a tree, Mr Delamain’s four, under Sam Haynes’ command, paid the course a visit, and did some cantering. They all look well. Elfin King has grown and thickened; Templeton looks much as usual, and the two fillies are doing all that their owner requires. With such a moderate lot as those in this year’s Derby, Punga will be a hot favourite before starting. Some of Bob Ray’s did a moderate amount of work, Sonnamuia,'Baniel O’Rourke, Tattler, and Tadmor being on the course, Sonnambula’s legs do not look sightly, but she can go fast enough with them to win a short race or two this meeting. The rain having driven us into the stand, “Sinbad” joined the party, making affectionate enquiries as to the whereabouts of a certain flask he had heard of, and I am glad to say that his craving for a drop of something .“ short” was speedily allayed—the flask being produced for his especial benefit. The maiority of the spectators looked very miserable, as the driving rain put an entire stop to any work being done, and all of us left the course with a feeling that if we had been wise we should have stopped away. The rain, however, is much heeded) for the course proper was as hard as cement in certain parts. The entries for the different events are fair, but it is almost too early to try and spot winners, though Sonnambula should win the Railway Plate, My readers know my opinion of the C.J.C. Handicap. The Derby looks at the present time as if it was a moral for Pungawerewere, and with Templetop to try her, it appears impossible that the stable can have made a mistake. I cannot as yet touch upon the other ps eptg, I regret to hear of the resignations of Sir Cracroft Wilson as Judge, and Mr Hustler as Clerk of the Beales. Though not always agreeing with Sir Cracroft’s decisions, he has always been very decided in his opinions; and after all it is only the judge that can accurately teR the exact position of horses in a close finish. Mp Husfclpp has officiated so long as Clerk of the Scales, and his ability is so well known, that his successor may he excused if he is not quite up to his mark at first. Another familiar face, too, will be missed this year in the person of Mr Millett, who, as clerk of the course, was such a prominent figure at our race meetings. Ido not know who will act in the three situations which are left vacant, but I hear that Mr E. W. Stafford has been asked to take his place in the judge’s box, and that either Mr j. or 'R. H, 'Campbell will don the scarlet coat as clerk of the course. These appointments would give every satisfaction, Altogether, things are very quiet _in the betting market, the meeting promises well, and given fine weather, next week should be a busy one for the Christchurch sightseers and their country friends. " HERMIT,