2st October.
There was a large attendance at the rails this morning, and everyone seemed tHankful that at inst the rain had ceased and given trainers and owners a chance of a "look-in." It was a cold morning, and many overcoats, which I have seen at the rails before, were in evidence; in fact there was a general stamping up and down when not taking times, and often when doing so, I think I may say that the number of ponies galloped boat all records this year, even entry-day when practically all: were out, "many being trotted. The distances done were longer, and an improvement, marked in every way, was to be noticed in the majority of ponies. The general gossip in the Club and at thoralls was of the St. Leger winner, the Champions, ete., but I am convinced, especially after this' morning's work, that all this talk is premature, that in fact there are too many animals "going strong" at present to allow of any reliable forecast being made. I know there are ponies, but, Mr. Editor, I would prefer to s00 alittle more work done yet, as changes seem to be made pretty often.
One thing that struck, the majority of the "clockers" atthe rails seemed to be the performance of Czardas, who was sent along for " mile and half with W. M. up, in 3.63, the last quarter being covered in 324. "The pony really: went 13 miles, but only galloped the last 1}, amd, as the time shows, did it remarkably wall. Czardas seems to be in splendid condition and must be watched. He has, however, some good ponies in Cotswold, Happy Days, Lavender, and the Quebec stable candidate to compete against in the St. Leger.
T was glad to see Ard Patrick with Mr. Johnstone in the saddle again doing mile and a quarter, but am afraid he will need all the time between now and the races to recover his form, if he does then. As an admirer of this pony since he first was raced, I sincerely hope he will add to the number of ponies whom to look upon as likely champions this meeting, and may he surprise some of the "old birds" again! Cotswold went out with Nithsdale, but in my opinion, he has never been and never will be the pony his stable companion Ard Patrick has been. Somehow a long suit the pony named he finishes in awkward sty! he covered a mile and three-quarters in 4.19%, the last quarter being 37—slow enough for anything.
The fastest quarter of the day was by Golden Eagle—31; after a mile in 2.423. j This performance was a surprise to me, and all the others with watches at the Jails seemed to be awakened from the usual monotonous Will you ching?" so and so, to "By Jove that's a good one," and "Who would have thought it of him?"
Lam sorry to note that Zambesi is not improving and that he is as good as a scratched pony this meeting.. Coronet Rose is doing well and may give an anxious moment or two to his fellow-competitors. His time for the 1} to-day was 3.08, with a last quarter of 343. Argante is coming on strongly and his mile and three quarters occupied 4.223, Inst quarter 333.
Of the other ponies, Lander wont out with Janos and did a mile and s quarter in 2.56}, but he seems to be quite an everyday pony and has not given rise to any of the compliments one heard before the Spring Meeting. La France Rose seems to be ever with us, and keeps going at the rate of a mile and a quarter in 3.053. Ardlui took five seconds longer todo the same distance with Honeysuckle, while Marechal Neil Rose carried mafoo. the Challenge Cup distance in 3.06, last quarter 34. Nearly all the ponies, carried weight—a fact Iam glad to note.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.