The Sun.
London, England, 1853-07-25 00:00:00

SPORTING NOTES

GUESSES ABOUT GOODWOOD.

On Saturday I briefly directed attention to the
Goodwood Stakes, and intimated the probability of
many important changes in the betting. My expec-
tations have been realised, for within the last four-
and-twenty hours the " incidence of speculation" has
been marked and significant. The determined demon-
stration in favour of Joe Miller was perhaps the most
important " movement ;" it caused his rapid advance in
the setting, and the rage to get on is increasing. Should
he be the first favourite before the start, I shall not
be surprised. His known racing ability entitles him to
the position which he has attained, but his chance must
be calculated in accordance with his last year's achieve-
ments ; his inglorious displays this season must not, for
obvious reasons, be allowed to influence an estimate of
his capabilities. His party, when, in earnest, are "dan-
gerous ;" they have established a somewhat questionable
reputation as shrewd turf-tacticians, and these circum-
stances cause their proceedings to be narrowly watched,
and sometimes suspiciously examined. That Joe Miller
is intended now, admit'', however, of little question, and
in consideration of the power of money and the horse's
incontestible merits, I am compelled to place great con-
fidence in the formidableness of his chance. Hobby
Horse and Vindex will perhaps be his most dangerous
antagonists. The support, however, which Joe Miller
has recently received in the turf market has somewhat
discouraged the partisans of Hobby Horse, and has
somewhat lessened the sanguine hopes which they
entertained of his success. Still, I expect to see
him obtain a very forward, if not the foremost, po-
sition in the race. Vindex's uncertain temper renders
it hazardous to place strong faith in his racing powers.
That he is a horse of a superior stamp is unquestion-
able, but his good qualities are somewhat counteracted
by one thumping bad one—a currish, ill-tempered dis-
position. Should he, however, run " kind," he will, in
my opinion, keep Kingston " safe." This conclusion is
deduced from his performance with Kingston at New-
castle, where he beat him easily, and is not affected bythe
plausible arguments which are set up to extenuate King-
ston's defeat. Kingston was perhaps somewhat " stale '
after his race on the preceding day, and his making the
running was perhaps injudicious, but the manner in
which Vindex "galloped over him" was unmistakable.
That the Kingston party have a good "line" by which
to estimate their horses' chance is certain. It is fur-
nished by Talfourd's running with Hobby Horse at York,
and Kingston's encounter with Goorkah at Newcastle.

On Saturday, Father Thames sprang prominently into
notice, but his chance, when compared with that of Joe
Miller's, appears somewhat insignificant. Goorkah has
disappeared from the list of quotations, and although
a probable starter, I do not expect to see him
occupy, by " long chalks," as the Yankees say, so
forward a position as he obtained for the Nor-
thumberland Plate. To discuss separately the chances
of the remaining " lot" would be useless. Mus-
covite has, I am informed, been "put through the mill"
with Joe Miller, and is likely to be reserved for the
" Cup." Retail, Harioot, and Ireland's Eye are entitled
to consideration. The first mentioned from his favour-
able weight, the second from her recent performance,
and the last because he is in the Danebury stable.
Teddington was declared not to start on Saturday.
It may be remembered that a fortnight back I en-
deavoured, and I think successfully, to prove the hope-
lessness of his ohanee. His weight was crushing, and I
am not surprised that he is scratched: The declaration,
however, might have been made earlier.
Having watched the tendency of speculation, and
examined carefully the relative merits of the various
competitors, I have selected the three undermentioned
animals against the field :
JOE MILLER, HOBBY HORSE, AND VINDEX.
The judge's decision may be in accordance with the
order in which I have set down their names ; and in
making this assertion, I disclaim all pretensions to the
spirit of prophecy or the gift of second sight. HARICOT
I shall keep on the "safe side," and Retail I shall re-
serve as a cockboat.

Pelion is in immense force for the Goodwood Cup.
Ominous reports are in circulation respecting Rataplan.
My present " fancy" is in favour of Pelion and Jouvence.
Ambrose must not, however, be neglected. Before the
day of running I shall refer further to this event.

The races appointed for to-morrow require only brief
discussion. The 300 Sovs. Sweepstakes will be carried
off by Ilex.
Thirty-nine "youngsters" are nominated for the Ham
Stakes, including many dark horses of whom report
speaks highly. From the public performers I select
Boer and Sortie, and from the "dark division" Paxton
and Baalbec.

The Gratwicke Stakes is on paper a seeming certainty
for Sittingbourne. Pharos may obtain second honours.
Brigladoro and Bay Celia will make an interesting
encounter for the Lavant Stakes. The Matches are not
of sufficient importance to require observation.
July 25. A FRESH MAN.
_ . . _

P.S.—Doubts exist as to Dervish's starting for the
North and South Biennial Stakes ; Vindex is said to be
coughing, and a slight disposition is manifested to back
Goorkah for the stakes. Should the report respecting
Vindex be correct, I shall select Haricot in his place.