The Sun.
London, England, 1868-01-25 00:00:00

SPIRIT OF THE SPORTING JOURNALS.

(From Bell's Life.)

Already the Grand National• Steeplechase has
roduced many favourites, backers being apparently
undismayed at the tremendous number of horses
the handicapper has endeavoured to place on an
equality ; and from the anxiety betrayed to specu-
late upon this—the only event really pushed by book-
makers during the " recess" —we may safely antici-
pate it will make a noise from now up to the time the
flag falls. Of course, many horses are wonderfully
well in, sure to win if they only keep on their legs
"the money" is on—and all that sort of
thing ; but those who plunge at all deeply on their
fancies before the declarations of forfeit are very
liable to burn their fingers. It can be little more
than a matter of chance at present what may even-
tually prove the representatives of the several strong
teams that have yet to be " tried ;" and we are
treading upon ground quite dangerous enough when
venturing to hint that the "parties" behind Astro-
labe and Mario, Shakspere, Port Royal, Tennyson,
Fan and Helen, King Arthur, Clansman, and Sur-
ney, should produce some strong favourites. It will
be quite time to think of analysing the handicap
when the acceptances are put together; for then
some idea might be formed what will go to Lincoln,
whilst some other "weights" will probably be issued.

(From the Sportsman.)
There is little stirring in the shape of racing
gossip. I hear, however, that the good people of
Chester are beginning to be alarmed at the decrease
in the entries for the Cup, and certain inveterate
grumblers have even gone so far as to find fault
with Mr. Topham's management, as though he were
to blame for the falling off. A dozen or fifteen
years ago the Chester Cup had the field almost en-
tirely to itself, and practically enjoyed a monopoly
of the spring betting, but in these latter days the
important handicaps at Lincoln, Northampton,
Newmarket Craven, and Epsom Spring Meeting
have put in their rival claims to public attention,
and the great Cestrian evert has naturally suffered
to some extent through the increased competition.

(From the Sporting Life.)

The reign of dullness has at length been broken
by the opportune publication of the Calendar con-
taining weights for the great Spring handicaps, to
which everybody interested in Turf affairs was look-
ing forward with such keen curiosity and anticipa-
tion. I must leave your readers to scrutinise the
weights carefully for themselves, and, until the pub-
lication of the acceptances, I am unable to offer any
minute analysis of the handicaps.

DIANCIIEbTER RACES.—Wo understand that the added
money for the three days at the above meeting will ex-
ceed 1,500 sous, and there will be seven races per diem.
The course is within two miles of the Manchester Ex-
change, and will be about a mile and a half round, with a
straight run in of 1,000 yards. This will be found au ex-
cellent course for youngsters, as it will be perfectly straight
and as the ground is good old sward the expense will be
light in forming tho course. Th 3 Copeland Stakes, for
two year olds, of 10 soya each, h ft, with 100 added, named
after the worthy alderman, who has been a most, liberal
supporter of the Manchester Races for more than twenty
years, closes on the first Tuesday in February. The three
cups, namely, the De Trafford, the Manchester Trades-
men's Cup, and the Salford Borough Cup, are to close after
Liverpool Spring ; the added money to the two former will
be 200 soya each, and to the latter 100 sous. A silver cup
will be presented to the trainer of the winner of tho Man-
chester Tradesmea's Cup, and a gold mounted whip to
the jockey who will be fortunate enough to pilot the
same. This is to commemorate the opening of the new