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GRAND NATIONAL HOPE 4 Eureka II. Jumps Into Prominence by Victory. f. Stephen Sanfprds Drifter Mates Miserable . Showing in Steeplechase at Gatwick SUvo Falls at Second Fence. 4 There was much interest in the National Trial Steeplechase at Gatwick, England, February 29, as the race had atracted several strong candidates for the Grand National to be run at Liverpool March 28. Stephen Sanfords Sergeant Murphy, winner of tho big Aintrec event last year, was among tho expected starters, but he was withdrawn at the last minute and Drifter was the only horse to carry the American owners colors. Drifter made a miserable showing, and tho strcngly fancied Silvo fell at the second obstacle. Lord Woolavingtons Eureka II., another candidate for the Grand National, went on to win impressively. The following account of the National Trial running was written by Vigilant for the London Sportsman : The wind having gone round to the west some rain fell yesterday, dispersing the snow which Lay on tho course at Gatwick, whither tho prospect of seeing- several Grand National horses attracted a big crowd. EUREKA II. IS FIT. Before the National Trial Steeplechase I had the pleasant task of inspecting the competitors in the paddock, Eureka II. was, curiously enough, the first to come under observation, and certainly Lord Woolavingtons gelding has never been in better heart, or do I think he can be made fitter, but Silvo, on the other hand, was a little light, though possibly not more so than he usually is when thoroughly keyed up. A glance at Super Man revealed the fact that he has put on a lot of weight, and though fitter, no doubt, than his appearance suggested, I fancy he can be made better by the Grand National day. Hawker was generally admired, but never seems to look really hard, and I liked better Chin Chin, which has never, in my opinion, been quite so well. Libretto, as usual, appeared split up, while Drifter, though well enough in himself, will never, I fear, make a race horse. Such was the furore for Silvo that his price was quickly reduced to 6 to 4, while of the others Hawker was best supported. PRIDE OF MANISTER FALLS. At flagfall Eureka II. jumped into the lead and the first fence proved fatal to Pride of Manister, while to his backer-; cbn-sternation Silvo came down at the next obstacle, and no excuse can be made for his lapse. Passing the stands Eureka II., fencing faultlessly, held command slightly in advance of Chin Chin also jumping well, Hawker, Harrismith and Libretto, with Drifter conspicuous in the rear. Along the backstretch Hawker became second, and as they approached the bend for home J. R. Anthony moved up on Supr Man. Halfway up tho straight Hawker showed signs of distress and Chin Chin, weakening between the last two fence?, tho only danger to Eureka II. was Super Man, and a serious danger too, for Mr. Bankier a gelding quickly drew up on even terms and came over the last fence slightly in front, but he seemed to slither on landings which took all the "go" out of him-, and so Eureita II. came again to win cleverly." The second can meet Eureka II. on slightly better terms at Aintree, apart from which I am confident that Super Man can be improved, whereas I doubt if Eureka II. can be made an ounce better. Super Man has all the qualifications required at Liverpool and is a live proposition indeed for the big event to be decided on March 28. Silvos downfall may mean little or nothing so far as his Liverpool prospects are concerned, but the rule that horses which win races before Christmas do not often win Grand Nationals will, I think, have another illustration in his case.
