The Sun.
London, England, 1854-05-01 00:00:00

SPORTING NOTES.

THE "FIRST SPRING" AND A JUMP AT
CONCLUSIONS.

Things are dull enough here. From an early hour
this morning rain has fallen in drenching showers, con-
fining people to their houses and horses to their stables.
The touts have therefore been baulked of their custo-
mary Sunday sights, for not an animal of importance
has made its appearance to-day on the exercise ground.
The Two Thousand is of course the ruling topic of con-
versation. Opinions are divided between Boiardo and
Ruby, but they seem to be gradually strengthening in
favour of the latter. Ruby possesses numerous ad-
mirers, who do not attempt to conceal their sanguine
expectations of his success. Ido not, however, share
in these expectations, for I believe that they are doomed
to disappointment. My judgment may be at fault, but
although I do not entirely discredit the widely-circulated
rumours of Ruby's racing merit, I am compelled to ex-
press my confidence in Boiardo's ability to achieve suc-
cess. This conclusion is founded on an impartial calcu-
lation of the chances. Alembic was backed somewhat
spiritedly on Saturday. He is here looking as
well as the moat hopeful " fielder" could desire,
but he changes his legs too often whilst galloping to
please every one. If the promise which his first per-
formances gave be fulfilled, Alembic will not figure in-
gloriously in the encounter. I have, however, on the
present occasion, little partiality for " outside chances."
On paper the race seems to be reduced to a match be-
tween Boiardo and Ruby. The former, as I have already
said, will, I anticipate, be the winner.
In addition to the Two Thousand, eight minor events
are set down for decision on Tuesday. Of these one is a
match and five are at present enclosed. To the 300 Sovs.
Sweepstakes there are five nominations, including the
names of Cobnut and Filbert. Both these horses were,
it will be remembered, the property of Lord Exeter,
who, however, sold the former last autumn. Lord
Exeter, I believe, still retains the right of scratching
Cobnut for his engagements and it is probable that he
will exercise that right in this instance, as the starting
of Cobnut would interfere materially with Filbert's suc-
cess, Fact may destroy my fancy for Spinaway for the
Coffee-room Stakes. Umbriel will find it somewhat
difficult to concede 81bs to Miss Sarah in the Match
over the Last Mile and a Half of T.M.M.

Wednesday's list contains no item of decided import-
ance. My " fancies" for the stakes already closed may
be briefly expressed. Margaretta and The Trapper will
perhaps win their respective engagements over the D.M.,
and Applause may prove worthy of his name by carrying
off the 50 Sovs. Sweepstakes, A.F. Of the three matches,
one only is likely to be run off. Pensioner is dead, and
can't run ; West Australian is not here, and won't run.
Sortie is much liked—in fact, she excites more admi-
ration than her stable companion, Meteora. Virago will
find them formidable opponents for the One Thousand ;
and, indeed, the circumstances connected with her run-
ning for the Flying Dutchman's Handicap induce me to
regard her defeat as somewhat probable. I shall reserve
further remarks ou this and the other events until
Wednesday.
Mr. Holmes, a gentleman well known among sporting
men, died very suddenly on Saturday. He was much
respected, and his death has caused sincere regret. Many
heavy bets about Autocrat for the Derby are now void.
A FRESH MAN.
Newmarket, April 30th.

BURNING OF A MELBOURNE TRADER.—Another se-
rious loss was posted at Lloyd's on Saturday afternoon,
viz,, the burning of the Irene, Captain Watson, while
on a voyage from London to Melbourne. It appears
that when 31 days out she was discovered to be on fire ;
all attempts failed to suppress it, and she is reported to
have been totally destroyed. Her crew and passengers
are understood to have been preserved.
EXTENSIVE ROBBERY TO THE AMOUNT OF 3,0001.—
Information has been received at the various metropo-
litan and City police stations that the extensive premises
of Messrs. Charles Brook and Son, of Meltham Mills,
near Huddersfield, were feloniously broken into, when a
large iron fixture safe was blown open with. gunpowder,
and Bank of England notes, Bradford and Co. 51. notes,
with gold, silver, and sundry bills of exchange, amount-
ing to 3,0001., were stolen.
INTRODUCTION OF HYDRAULIC POWER /N ST.
KATHARINE'S DOCKS.—Workmen are now engaged in
laying down pipes along the whole range of quays in
St. Katherine's Docks, for the purpose of applying
hydraulic power to the numerous cranes in the ware-
houses, &c. A new engine house has been erected on
the east side of the entrance bridge in Lower East
Smithfield.