The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1878-03-23 00:00:00

SPORTING NOTES.
(By our own Turf Correspondent.)

Next week will again see us fairly launched into the
legitimate racing season. Lincoln being always the scene
of action at the commencement, and from thence the
f illowers of the turf wend their way to Liverpool, cud
thus keep the ball rolling for the year 1878.
All Lincoln, the chief piece de resistence, will be the
Liucolnshire Handicap, distance 1 mile, and from the
way several of the candidates have been backed a very
spirited contest may be witnessed, as the field will be
composed of good speedy animals. There were origin-
stay 122 subscribers 34 of whom declared forfeit and
several have since paid; however, the field is sure to be
as strong this year as any of its former ones. At pre-
sent Touchet is the favourite, which post was assigned
him last year when he was only able to struggle home
fourth; but time his partizans say has greatly im-
proved him, and the way he is supported by the fol-
lowers of Dover's stable, he merit have answered all that
has being asked of him at uome and undoubtedly be
wid prove a thorn in the way of a many. Sidonia in
John Dawson's stable is miceiy weighted at 7st 4.b, and
prior to the Cambridgeshire last back-end, this sou of
King Tom was supported for a lot of money, but went
amise a few days to race. but the party did not " holler "
about it, but kept the secret almost to themselves and
have waited their opportunity which they say has now
arrived ; therefore if ail be true respecting his capa-
bilities at home lie will not be far off catching the
judge's eye next Wednesday. Tassel Bsl 21bs will be
Charley Blantou'a representative and this stable is in-
variably in great form for this event. The horse has
received a thorough preparation . and carries the confi-
dence of this powerful stable. Chevron as a two-year-
old showed excellent form and the way he won the
Womicote Stakes at Pepsom and other events, stamped
him as a first-class two-year-old—ia fact he lowered the
colours of Bruce, Piaisaut, Kitty Sprightly and several
other first-class animals, but last year he was all wrong
and he might again turn out a shifty customer. His
party are very fond of his chance coil if he does run
straight—on his two-year-old form he should win, but I
have doubts as to his ability to gallop the heavy mile at
this Wise of the year when the grouud will be in eel
fearful a condition. Kaleidoscope 5 years 7st 7lbs is
certainly well treated by the handicapper, and should he
turn Out R. Peck's trusted oue he might carry out this
event to Russley, roarer though he is proclaimed to be-
lt will be remembered that in 1876, this horse started
first favourite for the 2000 Guineas, when hid stable
companion Patriarch, whose starting price was 16 tie 1
won, Kaleidoscope running third, being only a head be-
hind that sterling horse halide Ctesar, but his sub-
sequent running never again reached that standard when
Ire waa said out of John Dawson's stable and entered
that of the Russiey trainer wno undoubtedly knew from
,lulius Casiar what the animal could do, therefore on
this line alone and white only 7st 81b for a five-year-old
of this claes (if reelly meant) he should prove this year's
victor. Le ,y Cross 8.,1 llb is really a useful animal
and Matt. Dawson wneu he means business it is bad to
stand against,- and if this highly tried four-year-old is
delivered ai the post with winning orders I shall not be
One to stand against him. '"wine the Plaiden has the
support of all connected with Melton and the North of
England. She is nicely weighted with 7st 81b for a
five-year-old, and as she not being either " sick or
sorry " this winter and is fairly trained—specially
for this race she will take a lot of beating. Blocs has
seven animals engaged, and from the support awarded
to the three-year-old Quicksilver, and the way she won
the Ditch Mite Handicap Nursery at Newmarket last
season carrying Bdl filb stamps her as a real good filly
and one that ean encompass the distance, still 6st 811 es
for a three-year-old at this time of the year is a lump of
weight,. and the way such animals as Sidonia and
Kaleidoscope are handicapped she has the worst of
the weights; however, Blass should know what this
speedy filly can do. Several other animals have been
supported, but I shall expect to see KALEIDOSCOPE
or ROSY CROSS furnish the winner.
Respecting the Liverpool Grand National (with a
start) I shall take the LIBERA.TOR.

LYE.
Mnnium Cournme.P OTIMINTIAL YaLiNDLI 8001/ITT