The Sun.
London, England, 1856-04-07 00:00:00

METROPOLITAN C.

The arrivals of foreign stock into London last waek were
slightly on the increase—the total supply amounting to
72 head. In the corresponding week i❑ 1855 we received
934 ;in 1851, 1,629 ; in 1853, 3,905 ; in 1852, 1,045 ; in
1851, 2,066 ; and in 1850, 1,004 head.

IMPORTS INTO LONDON LAST WNSI.

Sheep. Lambs. Calves. Pigs

SPORTING NOTES.

THE METROPOLITAN AND CITY AND

SUBURBAN.

The spirit and determination with which Cannobie is
supported for the Metropolitan Stakes would seemingly
indicate that the race is really "all over but shouting."
If private trials be trustworthy Cannobie is a wonder,
and his success may be regarded, as Tipsters would say,
as a certainty. Ile is also backed with considerable confi-
dence for the 121,r.)y, and his partisans trustingly believe ia
the ultimate profit of their investments. The horses which
he will encounter onThursday possess no racing repntation,
and the anticipated moderate quality of the field impart
additional hope and encouragement to his backers.
Still, although the " power of money " compels me to
place some faith in Cannobie's pretensions, yet my dis-
trust of dark horses compels me to "hint a doubt and
hesitate a dislike" respecting his alleged superiority.
Experience has proved that "mistakes " with private
trials are so frequent as to render them the rule and not
the exception ; r and Cannobie's party may, aster all,
have made an error of judgment. Such is the opi•
nion of certain shrewd judges; but perhaps the wish
is father to the thought. Middleton is warmly
fancied, and with good reason, for, as an experienced
jockey remarked to me, he does not require to be "half
a good 'on to win." Cannobie will have to give him
twenty-three pounds, a " dollop " of weight for one
three-year-old to another. Middleton's performance for
the "Feather Plate " at Newmarket hot season, and
bis recent running at Northampton, are sufficient proofs
of his staying qualities, and should he have a clever
light weight on Thursday, he will be a very dangerous
opponent to Cannobie. The Earl I cannot understand ;
I do not believe him to be a good horse, yet I am
compeled to acknowledge that he is handicafped
with sufficient leniency to render him a formidable
competitor. At Doncaster, 20 to 1 was offered against
him by a gentleman supposed to be deep in his owner's
secrets, yet that offer produced no effect on the price
current, for not a book-maker followed suit. The Earl's
running last year is certainly not calculated to create a
very favourable opinion of bis racing merit. Wink-
field may rue, and really, in so moderate a field, he will
have a chance of showing to better advantage than he
did at Northampton. One Act has been much talked
about, but it will be scarcely played out with success on
Thursday. Mr. Iluffam I have at present little partiality
for, and could I calculate upon a start, I should certainly
give the preference to Smack, whose running at Selig.
bury has induced me to entertain a favourable opinion
of his racing ability. I shall not at present extend my
remarks to the other animals likely to muster at the
post, but shall simply record my conviction that, if any
mistake has been made with reference to Cannobie, and
this supposition, I have cogent reasons for believing, is
not far from the mark, the race will result in favour of
either Middleton or The Earl.

The City and Suburban has proved a more interesting
and a more profitable betting race than its " big bro-
ther," the Metropolitan. The field, too, is likely to be
❑umerically stronger than that for the larger race.
Fisherman has deservedly received a large share of sup.
port, but he is now closely pressed in the betting by St.
Hubert, who is reported sound and well. St. Hubert
is heavily weighted, but if he be a good four•yr-old tite
handicapper has not over-estimated his ability. I fancy
that the race will be between him and Fisherman, and I
shall not be surprised to see the black jacket and orange
cap triumph over the puce jacket with white sleeves.
Should old Sir Rowland Trenohard be i' th' ♦ein he will
be a formidable outsider. The Hospitality likely to be
experienced on Epsom Downs I do not fancy.
On Wednesday I will extend my remarks, and discuss
fully the various items contained in the programme. I
shall also, at the same time, set before the reader the
latest movements in the Turf Market.

Many metropolitan sportsmen are this day " assisting"
at the steeplechase gathering at Birmingham. The
principal event will be decided before these remarks are
placed before the reader. The meeting at Croaton-park
will commence to-raorrow, and, as usual, it is likely to
be attended by " divers great and noble personages,':
the guests for the nonce of Lord Wilton. May Boy,
Challow Boy, and Shoreham are the most attractive
Dames amongst the entries for the Granby, and for th•
Cup Rodo-meli and Shoreham are my fancies. If John
Osborne's "flyer," Saunterer, does not put in an appear.
ance for the 5 Sove. Sweepstakes, I shall cap to Matilda
—shall cast in my net with Fisherman for the Belvoir
Castle Stakes, for which event his owner will doubtless
bring him out, for little fish are sweet.
The Chicken, who formerly belonged to William
Palmer, has been re-named by his present owner, "Mr.
Edwards," and is now called Vengeance I
Akira 7. A FRESH MAN,