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SPRIGS VICTORY FORECAST English Writer Anticipated Success of This Years Grand National Winner. The victory of Sprig in this years Grand National was not unexpected among close observers and keen students of the fascinating sport of steeplechasing in England, judging from the following excerpts in the Don-don Sporting Life of a few weeks prior to the big Aintree race : "I have a big liking for Sprig, and the more I see of this horse the more I feel convinced he will play a big part at Aintree. His four-mile gallop with Shaun Or on Tuesday was an impressive piece of work and he finished as though he could have covered another mile with ease. To my mind Tom Leader has never had Sprig so much to his liking and so thoroughly well as he is now. A few more gallops may have meant a good deal to Sprig last year, and taking that running as a guide, together with the fact that Sprig has never been in such good trim, his prospects appeal to me more than those of Jack Horner. "I am trying not to allow the Gatwick running to influence me. Jack Horner has to meet Sprig on 111 pounds worse terms at Aintree compared with twelve months ago. and it is a big disadvantage. Last years winner has looked and moved at home as a greatly improved horse, but so has Sprig, and the latter, although blundering, managed to run forth last year. "In 1925 Sprig was also fourth and on that occasion he was balked. An important fact to be remembered, too, is that his jockey, Ted Leader, is a more seasoned rider now, and experience counts for a tremendous lot over the Aintree course. This brilliant young jockey would, I am sure, readily admit that he has learned a lot during the last two years, and this knowledge and experience Sprig will have the benefit of a few weeks hence." A .
