The Sun.
London, England, 1860-03-26 00:00:00

THE NORTHAMPTONSHIRE MEETING.

The first numerous gathering of the sporting clans for
the season of 1860 will take place at Northampton to-
morrow. The attractions are sufficiently powerful even to
induce the members of the old school of turfites, who regard
with aversion racing in March, to divot themselves of
their prejudices, and to assist at a meeting at which so
much interesting and legitimate sport is provided for them.
The stamp of popularity has been long placed upon the
Northampton ' Races, and whilst the meeting continues
under the Marshall regime it is not likely to be effaced.
At Northampton business is conducted with so much order
and regularity, that persons who are most actively employed
there find quite a pleasure in their trouble.

That the plan which was suggested to extend the meet-
ing to three days has been abandoned, must afford no little
satisfaction to those persons who delight in the prosperity
of the fixture. To extend the programme to three days
would rather diminish than add to the success of the pro-
ceedings. Besideb, too, the adoption of this measure is no
longer required, owing to the establishment of the Grand
~
Military Steeplechases, which are likely to become
the most popular cross country events in the
kingdom. It has been announced that the races
will commence each day, ,punctually at one o'clock,
an arrangement necessary in order that the long
list of sport may be got through before dark. For the Stand
Plate there are twenty-five nominations, and about a dozen
starters may be expected. Lord Nelson is the top
weight, 9st., but his impost is not likely to crush him. Sir
Joseph Hawley, however, may trust his interest to Gallus.
Jenny Longlegs has already shown some form this season,
and will be near winning this event. To her and the best
of Sir Joseph Hawley's I shall leave the issue of the race.
The starters for the Northamptonshire Stakes are likely
to be numerous, and the betting at the post somewhat
brisk. The death of John Day has doubtless caused the
scratching of Ariadne, who had been somewhat freely
backed, and the miserable plight in which Philomel showed
at Warwick has also given speculators a little more money
to help their books. Forager holds the position of leading
favourite with much firmness, and a wide-spread belief is
entertained in the "goodness of the thing." He shall not,
however, forage for me. The Monk has been well sup-
ported, and his light weight ought to render him danger-
ous. Royal, Sovereign has so frequently disappointed me
that I cannot again place faith in him. The black jacket
and orange cap of " Mr Howard," that has been so long
absent from the turf, will, it is said, make its re-appearance
at Northampton, and will be borne by Claire. The colours
may make a triumphant return, for Claire has shown no
common form. Weatherbound is backed and great, hopes
are entertained of her. She is a nice, useful filly, but I
fancy scarcely class enough to win a race of so much im-
portance. Danae proved at Warwick that she can shy, and
with her 5 lbs. extra for winning there, she will have Est.
101bs. to carry for this event. Not a very great weight, it
must be confessed. I distrust the favourites, and must
therefore look to the outside division to furnish the winner,
and shall therefore give my faith to

DANAE and CLAIRE.
Since the above was written, I have ascertained that
Royal Sovereign has b3en made first favourite, and that
Forager has receded to 10 to 1. These changes, however,
do not affect the conclusion at which I have arrived. The
Whitlebury Stakes will produce an interesting race and will
bring out several two and three yrs old horses, of whom
great expectations are entertained. Infanta and Bye 'Ways
shall be my selections. As the acceptance are not yet de-
clared for the Nene Handicap I cannot offer an opinion on

If Paleface be brought out for the Racing Stakes 51bs
allowance ought to insure his success. The race for the
Spencer Plato will as usual be short and sweet. Should
Actaeon start his great turn of speed must render him dan-
gerous, and with him I shall couple Theodora.
_ _

- Either Fractious or Marmalade may win. the Delapre
Handicap. Big Ben is my choice for the Althorp Park
Stakes, which will bring out several two-year-olds of great
merit.

For the Cup I shall adhere to Nimrod.