The Sun.
London, England, 1851-03-07 00:00:00

THE SUN,

SPORTING NOTES.
No. XVI.
AFALYSIS OF THE TWENTY-EIGHTH CUES

TER CUP HANDICAP.

" KING Jonx —Thou idle dreamer, wherefore say'st thou so ?
PETER—Foreknowing that the truth will fall out so."
King John, Act 4, Scene 2.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUY.

Sin,-A good day's sport came off at Coventry on
Tuesday, and, with the exception of Abd-el-Kader's
position in the steeplechase, much ae I expected it would.
The Flat race, as I announced in Note No. 15, was a
certainty for Heart of Oak (3 yrs, sst 41b), or Hazy (3
yrs, 4st 121 b), and so it was; for, after the four-year-old
Becton (7st 31b) had been indulged with the lead for a
mile, the promising son of Old England, and Lamp-
lighter's sturdy daughter, Phoshr, sailed to the front,
carried on the running to the end, and proved himself
in possession of a genuine heart of oak, by winning
etteily by two lengths. He will be heard of favour.
ably at Doncaster. Hazy was third; and the much-fan-
cied blestse and Modestina nowhere ! After I had
dotted down my remarks on the Craven Steeplechase
on Monday last, in consequence of certain
" moves " in the City and at the 'West-end, I was
forced to alter my views of the result. I had marked out
Rattrap as the horse, but finding that ho would not go,
I appended a postscript to my note, stating that " the
money" was on The Victim, and that he would prove
the winner; he won very cleverly by half a length, car-
rying lOst 121 h, beating Abd-el-Kader, list (second);
Sir Pet -r Laurie, llst 51b (third); and five others, in-
cluding that renowned source of " vanity and vexation of
spirit," Vain Hope, of whom it is asserted, that had not
subtle poison or something else placed the horse in
"queer-street," he could not have lost the Liverpool
Steeplechase; at least this is the sum and substance of
Mr. Buck's extraordinary pamphlet so freely circulated
at the " Corner" on Monday. Frisby landed The Gene-
ral (lost 61b) cleverly by half a length trout Mr. Oake's
Half-and-Half (10st 121 b); Seignor of Holderness (9st
81b) being third, and Venice a bad fourth and last.
Hall-and Half was backed even against the field, and
considered a certainty; but the pot boiled over, like the
Seignor of Holdernee's at Liverpool.
Seven and twenty ye ars have ealapsed since the Doge
of Venice 6 yrs, 9st 21b, won the first Tradesmen's
Plate, or, as it is more commonly called, the Chester
Cup, during which period the stake has risen from the
rank of an ordinary one to be the first handicap of the
day. The following table will show its position this
year, so far as regards the entries and ucceptances, as
compared with the last five years:-
1846, nominations 142, accceptances 92
1847 ft 176 „ 107
1848 !I 156 „ 106
1849 201 ft 107
1850 189 ~ 104
1851 192 83
Thus, although 1851 has, with one exception, the great-
est entry, it has a smaller acceptance, by nine, than
1846, and shows a falling off on the average of the last
four years of twenty-three, but, notwithstanding, the
amount of business done on it is quite equal, if not su-
perior, to any preceding year.
Since the establishment of the Chester Cup in 1824, it
has been won four times by aged horses, thrice by six
years old, eight times by five years old, eleven times by
four years old, and only once by a three-year old. Thus
it will be seen the chances are nearly tire to two in
favour of the winner being a four or five-year old, six
to four against a four-year old, five to two a five-year
old, nearly six to one an aged horse, eight to one a six
year-old, and twenty-six to one a three-year old. I
will now proceed to a consideration of the respective
chances of the animals engaged in the Chester Cup of
1851; beginning with Day's lot, as he tops the handicap
with Peep-o'-day Boy, aged, Bst 101 b, who, if reserved
for this event (query), will command attention; he holds
Glauca and Russborough safe enough, giving the latter
only 4lbs. I am inclined to think that the Brother to
Dough, 4 yrs, Est 101 b, will be the representative of
the Danebury stable; his couple of performances last
year were nothing wonderful truly, he having only ac-
complished the feat of running a fair third to Captain
Grant for the First-class Madrid Stakes, and second
at 7et llb to Blucher, 5 yrs, 9st 131 b, for the Queen's
Plate at the Curragh; in the former he beat
The Marchioness D'Eu, Pio Nono, Caprice, and
Brother to Johnny, in the latter Chatterbox
and five others; he is in first-rate trim, and
considerably improved on last year's form, I shall
number him among my select few. The Prior of Lefler-
cost, 4 yrs, Est 101 b, also in the same stable, has never
yet done anything particularly creditable, though it is
said he will do something remarkable in the course of
the spring-I am dubious on tile point. Dockeray has a
couple in the list, viz., Glauca, .5 yrs, Bst 81b, and Cla-
rissa, 5 yrs, 7st 31b, but neither, I imagine, likely to be
found in the fray. Murphy also has a couple, Russ-
borough, 4 yrs, Bst 61b, and Conveyor, 4 yrs, Est 61b;
both may be set down as hopeless. Fobert has Elthiron,
5 yrs, Bst 21b (not likely to start), and The Knight of
Avenel, 4 yrs, 7st 31b; the latter has been leniently
treated by the handicapper, and well supported in the
market a short time since, but rumours having got into
circulation highly detrimental to his chance, he was at
one time sent to the right about, fifties to one going
a-begging, but he has since to some extent re-
covered his former position, and may be quoted at 25 to 1;
the rumours were not altogether out, his pins
are not in the most unexceptionable condition, and
though at the weight (if well) must he a dangerous op-
ponent, I cannot recommend him as a good investment.
E. Parr has five under his care, including two celebri-
ties, Woolwich, 5 yrs, Bst, and The Black Doctor, 3 yrs.
sst 41b; the former is sure to run well, and the latter, if
he gets a good start, may attempt the Red Deer game of
1844, whether he can accomplish it depends a great deal
on the jockey; however, this much I will venture to as-
sert, that he will show his tail to the rest of the three-
years old division, not even excepting Nancy, 3 yrs, 4st
121 b, who is his superior at a short distance, but I should
much doubt her capability of beating him over a 2i
mile course. The Goodwood stable has accepted with
five-Bee blunter, 4 yrs, 7st 121 b (five or six pounds
too much), William the Conqueror, 4 yrs, 7st 71b (la-
bours under the same disadvantage as the Hunter), colt
by Gladiator out of Khorassan's dam, 4 yrs, Est 101 b
(not intended for this stake), Hesse Homburg, 3 yrs,
4st 101 b (will not start, I fancy), end Hurry Scurry,
3 yrs, 4st 41b, who, if started, would probably bolt
into the Dee. A. Taylor has only Vatican, 5 yrs,
ist 101 b, intended, I believe, for the Metropolitan.
Treen's lot consists of but two-Windisehgratz, 4 yrs
7st 101 b, who has about 1 Olb too much allotted to him;
and Rhesus, 5 yrs, 7st, whose merits Mr. Topbam has, in
my opinion, fairly estimated; Rhesus was out twice last
year; carrying 7st 21b in a mile and three-quarters spurt
at Chester, he ran a wretched last to Cockermouth, 5
yrs, ist 51b; Gulliver, 4 yrs, 6st 61b; and Diana, 4 yrs,
6st; at Warwick in a mile and a half turn, carrying 7st,
he ran home a bad fourth to Turnus, 4 yrs, 7st 21b
(first); Little Jack, 3 yrs, sst 101 b (second); Uriel, 4
yrs, ist 51b (third); and beat Docility, 4 yrs, sst 1 llb;
and Escape, 5 yrs, Est 61b. These are the marvellous
public performances of the first favourite for the Chester
Cup; but you must not judge by them, his last private
spin was a much superior affair, he then same off with
flying colours. I should not fancy investing much on
him, but would nevertheless hold hies harmless. The
great Melton stable is represented by Backbiter,
6 yrs, 7st 91b, who will be especially reserved
for this race; his weight is favourable, and his
public performances qnite up to the weight, further
deponent sayeth not. Tom Taylor has but one in the
melie, but that one is a a rattler; the five-year-old
daughter of Don John and Industry, Lady Evelyn, was
my first as it is likely to be my last fancy for the
"coop;" her ladyship's couple of appearances in public
last year showed a terrific falling-off from her three-
year-old achievements, but then she was not quite her-
self either time; in the first she was beaten half a
length by Osterley (who came to the post a perfect pic-
ture) fur the Port Stakes, and afterwards, carrying Bst
61b, was beaten off for the Grand Stand Handicap at
Epsom, won by Escape, 5 yrs, 7st llb; Jelly Fish, 4
yrs, Est 131 b (second); Herbert, 4 yrs, 7st llb (third);
and the following ran home in companyyrws,ith7sht
Note No. 1, of the
aDnodu
Ladyl, 5
Iy,rrsa,
nBst s
,751 b
y; rEs ag,l
te '7slbPlum,- n e
13th January last, I observed that she was " worth a
heavy investment at fifty, if for no other purpose than
hedging;" this has been made manifest by her
advance to 20 to 1 at the list houses, and
25 to 1 at " the Corner " and Manchester; she will
see half the price before the race is run,
and with Nat's cool head to direct her movements on the
Hoodee, She will be about the mark; and nothing would
give me greater pleasure than to see Lord Chesterfield's
red and purple colours once more in the ascendant. Percy's
only nag, the aged Vampyre, at 7st 71b, is in, compara-
tively, on better terms for the Metropolitan than this
stake, and as he goes for the former I should doubt his
running for the latter. Tom Dawson comes out with
Raby, 5 yrs, 7st 71b (who is said to be THE horse), Lang-
ton, 5 yrs, 7st 71b (who is, no doubt, intended for
something some time or other, but when no one knows),
the Italian, 4 yrs, 7st 51b (who has made as much noise
in the ring as the wise-man who represents the Ponti-
fical interests of Italy in England has in the Senate; but
I think, in both instances, to sink eventually into obli-
vion), the Cocktail, 5 yrs, 7st (going for the Northamp-
ton bout), Joe Sutherland, 5 yrs, 6st (wretched ani-
mal), and Tightwaist, 3 yrs, 4st 121 b, held safe
by Nancy and the Black Doctor. More about
this lot at some future period. Ford once
brought out a Cheater Cup winner, to wit, St. Lawrence,
but that he can do so this year I hold to be somewhat
of the impossible; he has Cyprus, 4 yrs, 7st 71b; Sauter-
le-Coupe, 5 yrs, 7st 51b; Dulcet, agedietstamlOolbngthe
; and
Flare-up, 4 yrs, sst 101 b. Blarney is lef
acceptances, and yet announced as a stallion. Ihe Mar-
quis of Waterford's Duc-an-Durrae, 6 yrs, 7st 51b, may
realize something better than a stirrup-cup draught, not
at all unlikely to get a cup of another description with a
golden draught,:at least so I'Anson thinks. Lumley has
Montague, 5 yrs, 7st 21b, and Garton!), 4 yrs,isegstoilnOglbto:
the former is much inquired after, ought to run well at
the weight, but I think his mastees4 theyrins,7)
field. 6
know whether Harrison's Seaman (4
be a second Pee-o'-day Boy or not; it is reported that
mischief is meant with him; he was backed yesterday at
as little as 30 to 1; his performances last year were
running second to Blucher, receiving 24it 31b, for a
Queen's Plate at the Curregh, and a second time being
second, this ingo to Harkover, receiving two stone;
at present I do not see anything attractive
in his chance, I may change my opinion, but I think
not. Stebbing sports seven acceptances, but at the pre-
sent writing I cannot say anything in favour of any but
Strap, who at Est 41b, and aged, might be found stump-
ing away in the front when least expected.
W.
I'Anson has Sir Philip, 4 yrs, sst 81b; and Haricot, 4 yrs,
Est 121 b; the latter has been backed for an immense
stake, in fact some of her party go so far as to say it's
all over, but I must differ from this very conclusive
opinion. I watched her running last year very closely,
and am of opinion that she will run forward, but not
prove the winner. ,bell's Life heroes Loecistone, 6 yrs,

LONDON,

6st 121 b, not likely to prove very attractive, I mean the
Loadstone, not " The Life." Damask's chance, if
meant, looks blooming at 6it 101 b; Mickleton also, at
6st 101 b, may run forward. Wallflower, 5 yrs, 6st, re-
minds me of the ghostly Best Bower of other days;
she may turn out as bad, I shall not anchor
my hopes on her. Wadlow has The Flying
Gout, not the distemper of that name, you'll
understand, but what may to nearly as troublesome to
the pocket as the gout is to the body, the quadruped
who rejoices in that cog., who at sst 121 b, and a five-year
old, it not got gouty pins, ought to run forward. The
remainder of the nominations I shall not comment upon
at present, but at once proceed to sum up and give my
verdict, which I've arrived at after mature deliberation and
consideration of the subject; it is, that the animals most
likely to be favoured by fortune are the following:—
Woolwich, Lady Evelyn, I)uc-an-Durras, Rhesus, Hari-
cot, Damask, Brother to Dough, the Knight of Avenel,
Strap, Wallflower, The Flying Gout, the Black Doctor,
and Nancy; irom these I should first throw over the last
six and Rhesus; and especially stand on the first three,
taking LADY EVELYN for choice, and as the probable
winner of the Chester Cup of 1851.
I am, Sir, yours, &c.,
THE SPIRIT OF THE TURF.
March 7, 1851.

SPORTING INTELLIGENCE.
TATTERSALL'S—YESTERDAY.
Tha betting yesterday was on too small a scale to call
for more than a return of the closing prices:—
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE STAKES.
9 to 1 agst Lord Stanley's Legerdemain, 5 yrs, 7st
101 b
12 to 1 agst Duke of Bedford's St. Rosalia, 5 yrs,
Bst 21b—taken
15 to 1 agst Mr. T. Parr's Clothworker, 5 yrs, 7st 81b
DONCASTER HANDICAP.
4 to 1 agst Mr. Jaques's Chautrey
4 to 1 agst Mr. John od)orne's Achyranthes
DONCASTER STEEPLECHASE.
4 to 1 ag,t Maria Day, aged, lOst 31b
6 to 1 agst Mulligan, aged, 9st 121 b—taken
4 to 1 ugat Abd-t,l•Kader, aged, 10 it
CHESTER CUP.
12 to 1 agst Mr. T, eon's Rhesus, 5 yrs, 7st—taken
25 to 1 :,gst Lord Eglinton's The Knight of Avenel,
4 yrs, 7st 3ib
30 to 1 agst Mr. Harrison's Seaman, 4 yrs, ist—t
40 to 1 apt Mr. T. Lister's Nancy, 3 yrs, 4st 121 b—t
40 to 1 agst Lord Enfield's Bee.hunter, 4 yrs, 7st 121 b
50 to 1 agst Lord Waterford's Duc-an-Durras, 6 yrs,
7st 51b—taken to 2001.
THE PORT STAKES (NEWMARKET.)
5 to 2 agst Lard Enfield's Beehunter—taken
TWO THOUSAND GUINEAS STAKES.
11 to 10 agst Mr. Howard's Grecia❑
5 to 1 agst Mr. A. Nichol's Newminster—taken
to 150/.