The Sun.
London, England, 1859-03-28 00:00:00

SPORTING NOTES.

NORTHAMPTON.

The recent changes which have marked specula-
tion on the Northamptonshire Stakes have served
to excite to an almost unprecedented extent the
curiosity of the public, and to impart an additional
interest and importance to the race. The betting
has fluctuated so frequently that the reporters have
been not a little puzzled to compile their lists of
quotations, which have scarcely in
appeared print
when a new movement alters them and renders
them valueless. The last incident is the sudden
blazing up of Beacon, who has been supported by
his owner and friends with a spirit and determination
which are likely to advance him to the most pro.
minent position in the betting. That the horse
has improved under Manning's management was
manifested last year, but his Cesarewitch running
and his Cambridgeshire performance wouldindicate
that he prefers a short course. Still, the fact must
not be forgotten that he stayed as a two-year-old
over the severe Feather Plate course. Beacon has,
it is said, been neither sick ncr sorry since he came
into the possession of Sir J. Hawley, and that he
has recently been tried and not found wanting in
any of the qualities required of him. His owner is
too shrewd a turf tactician to make a mistake,
and he has now the proper cattle to test
the ability of his horses. These facts ren-
der me disinclined to deal slightingly with
Beacon, because I have the deepest respect for
the judgment of his owner in all racing matters.
Little Agnes is reported to be so good that I am
little inclined to believe the great things which she
is said to have accomplished. How many pounds
she is better than Archduchess her party of course
can tell even to the turning of a hair. Seriously,
however, John Osborne is a dangerous man to op-
pose, but his judgment is not infallible, and he
may, or his friends may, have over-estimated the
pretensions of Little Agnes. lam not one of her
admirers, but her success may compel me to regret
my prejudice.
For Newcastle I have a strong partiality—a
partiality which is founded on the merit which he
displayed as a two year old, and which
is warranted by the steady support which he re-
ceives in the turf market. The Isley touts and
the Isley division are loud in their praises of him
and bold in their confidence. The notion which
some people entertain respecting his inability to
stay is scouted as ridiculous ; and, indeed, his
backers seem to think the race as good as won. If
Shafto's chance was as formidable as it was sup-
posed to be, then surely Newcastle must be en-
titled to consideration. Mutineer seems to have
retired, and why he ever occupied a prominent
place in the betting I am at a loss to imagine.
Last season he did nothing, and nothing was ex-
pected of him by the partisans of Whitewall
House. The Newmarket air may however have
brought out latent qualities which no one had sus-
pected, and which I will not believe in until I see
them. Of the top weights I must adhere to Blue
Jacket, who only requires staying powers to render
him as dangerous as anything in the race. Through
Borderer and Tournament, his party ought to be
able to measure his chance to a nicety. The horse's
career has, however, been unfortunate, for, like
John Perrybinglele, he has several times been very
nearly doing a good thing, and has spoilt it. His
performance at Epsom, when a three-yr-old, is not
likely, however, to be soon forgotton. Pan is much
fancied by his own party; and, if my information
be trustworthy, they have good reasons for their
confidence.

Stapleton did a good thing once with Sunbeam,
and if his performance with the St. Leger victress
was indicative of his true form, he must be held in
high esteem for this race. I am not confident of
his ability, however, and shall expect him to run
well for about a mile and a half. Yellow Rose is
a slow mare and well suited to the course, but the
market movements would indicate that she is not
" wanted." Her impost, including the 51bs. extra,
is very lenient, and if she went to the post " with
good intentions" I should 15e induced to trust her.
The Bald-faced Stag would be better suited over a
shorter course. He is a good-looking horse, and
at an outside price he might
.not be unworthy a
small investment.

Elaborate remarks IMPthe chance of Gladiolus
would be superfluous; t e reader is as well ac-
quainted as I am with his pretensions. He has
come through his engagements this year with suc-
cess, and although to-morrow he will meet superior
company to that which he has yet encountered, yet
I do not think his owner is " asking him to do too
much." He has shown stoutness and improvement,
qualities which must recommend him to notice.
Bevis has supporters, but I am not among them.
Without entering into a further discussion, I shall
state•that the three animals most worthy of conside-
ration are, in my opinion, Newcastle, Beacon, and
Gladiolus. For a " situation " I should recommend
Pan.

Of course North Lincoln is the " pet of the
prophets" for the Whittlebury Stakes, and he will
also be the " lion" of the Racing Stakes, albeit Mr.
T. Parr will send his Derby colt into the arena to
try conclusions with him. The running of the
Newmarket and Wantage horses will be watched
with much interest, as it will influence the relative
positions of both Gaspard and Promised Land in
the Derby betting.
Queen Charlotte, Eltham Beauty, and Lady.
well seem as trustworthy as anything amongst
the nominations for the Stand Plate.

I shall not attempt to discuss at length the com-
parative chances for Earl Spencer's Plate, but shall
merely state my preference for ANCIENT BRITON,
ZITELLA, and TIGHT-FIT. To extend my remarks
to the ether events would, in the absence of trust-
worthy information, be superfluous.

A FRESH MAN.

ARRIVALS AT NORTHAMPTON.
Tame Dear, Layton, Whimsical, Beacon, Baldfaced Stag,
Special License, Yorkshire Grey, Blackthorn, Stapleton,
Newcastle, Shafto, Broadbrim, Gladiolus, Vivace, Gallus,
The Gem, Little Agnes, Paul Jones, Sir Hercules, Gin,
Madrid, Gaspard, Vivandiere f (2 yrs), Theodora, Aneurin,
Indifference, Tiara, Termagant colt, Madame Eglantine,
Triangle, and Minster.

NEWMARKET, SUNDAY.—The following have left here
for Northampton :—Newstead, North Lincoln, Scribbler,
Dejamira, Heresy f (2 yrs), King at Arms, Mutineer, July,
Yorkshire Miss, Beatrice, Artless, Schoolfellow, Courier,
Delusion, Rope Dancer, and Digby Grand.