The Sun.
London, England, 1854-02-28 00:00:00

SPORTING NOTE:

SAYINGS AT STITLTFORD.
The information which I have gathered from 40
"Manchester men 7 respecting the Liverpool Steeples
chase is scircely sufficient to compensate me for the
trouble and fatigue of the long and tedious journey by
the night mail train. The betting fraternity here evi-
dently hold divided opinions respecting the two leading
favourites, Miss Mowbray and Bourton—the horse lax-
ing perhaps the largest number of supporters. MO
warmest partizans declare, and with a good show Of
reason too, that he is a stone better than when he was
defeated by Oscar at Warwick, and that he will " turn
the tables on his old opponents as sure as he is a horse."
The extra half-mile, however, will, I fancy, be the
greatest drawback from Bourton's success. Besides.
too, the character of the ground at Aintree has been
rendered unusually severe. I am informed—whether
credibly or not I am unable to determine—that
at the desire of the Miss Mowbray party, the land has
in parts been ploughed a fresh, and that an increased
"stiffishness" has been given to the different leaps.
Last night, Miss Mowbray and Oscar were at Bir-
mingham, en route to Aintree. Both are said to be in
the finest bloom of condition ; Oscar, in particular, is
greatly admired. To day, a growing disposition was
evinced to back him, and at 15 to .1 many investments
were made. This movement exercised a depressing
effect on Miss Mowbray, whose backers evidently
"doubted, yet doated," and appeared to let I dare not
wait upon I would. Indeed, respecting him and Misa
Mowbray much perplexity and uncertainty exists, and
some persons do not hesitate to declare that a double
game is being played with them.

Believing that the running will be regulated by fair
play, I do not feel inclined to alter my opinion reepec •
mg the superiority of Miss Mowbray's chance. Should,
-however anything occur to-prevent her success, Bourtou
may achieve the victory, Spring, Bedford, and Crabby
are the best of the outsiders, my opinion as to their ra-
sp ec tive chances-being in accordance with the order in
which I have set down their names.

It is somewhat difficult to indicate accurately the pro•
bable starters ; but, as Mr. Bucket would say, from in-
formation I have received, I am induced to believe
that the field will comprise the following horses :
Age at lb Age et lb
Peter Simple a 12 0 Spring 6 9 10
Bourton a 11 12 Napoleon 11. 5 9 10
Oscar a 11 12 Trout (including 10
Miss Mowbray all 9 lb. extra) a 910
Peter
Half-and-Half ... a 10 8 Cockcrow
Abd-el-Kader a 10 6 Labyrinth,
Bedford (h b) a 10 4 Forest Lad......... a 9 6
LaGazza Ladra a 10 0 Timothy a 9 0
Lady Arthur a 9 10 squire of Mallon a 9 4
Maurice Daley
Star of England... a 910 Burnt Sienna , a 812
The doubtful starters are printed in italics.
The sport at Stretford requires no particular com-
ment. It was seemingly got up to afford the Manchester
men an opportunity for enjoying a half holiday. The
first race was decided at about twenty minute. past
three, and the last not until nearly dusk.
Manchester, Monday Night.

A FRESH MAN.

ARRIVALS AT LIVERPOOL.

STEEPLECHASE.—Peter Simple, Bourton, Oscar, Mi'l
Mowbray, Peter, Half-and-Half, Bedford, La Gass*
Ladra, Maurice Daley, Cockcrow, Kiiquade, Laby
rinth, Comeaway, Crabbe, Burnt Sienna, Royalty,
Timothy, Faugh-a-Ballagh gelding, Spring,.and Trout.
Abd-el-Kader is scratched.
FOR OTHER RACES.—Alonzo, Juliet, Cripple, An•
dromache, SOngster, Yewtick; and Kilquade.