The Sun.
London, England, 1857-05-18 00:00:00

SPO

:TES,

EPSOM AND BATH.

The doings amongst the Derby horses have of late
been not a little perplexing. First, Saunterer was re-
introduced into the betting with a seeming determina-
tion on the part of his supporters to maintain him in a
prominent position until the very hour of the race, and
when he had almost superseded Skirmisher as first fa-
vourite a reaction set in, and, indeed, at my present
writing the fall of Saunterer appears likely to be as sud.
den and decisive as his rise. In the meantime no telling
demonstration has been made in favour of Magnifyer,
and despite the outlays which have recently been
made on Sprig of Shillelagh, I shall be some-
what surprised if the Tupgill and Ashgill stables
do nct amalgamate their interest, and let Wat-
dermarske be their most trusted representative. Strath-
eaver has not attained that position in the betting to
which be seems to be fairly entitled by his Dee Stakes'
performance, and as for his stable companion; the once
formidable Blink Bonny, she appears to be gone, never
to return. When Bird-in-the-Hand went through London
last week, a rush was made to get on him, and the
horse was backed eagerly by those who hold John Scott
"dangerous" with whatever animal he might choo=e to
send to Epsom. I have, however, no faith i❑ " the Bird."
Lady Ha wthcrn is reported quite sound, and she and the
other " cripple" nyder Zee, if they go to the post unaf•
fi cted by the hard ground, will be found very formidable
customers. The Danebury people unhesitatingly pin
their faith to Anton, and seem to ignore the fact that
be only beat Loyola by a head. A very pretty quarrel
has, I believe, been occasioned by Sydney's exhibition
for the Two Thousand, and Charlton has in consequence
been compelled to send in his cap and Jacket. The
Baron has expressed his determination of having the
affair searchingly investigated.

I should not like to state how many pounds Arsenal
is reported to be better than Drumour. He has been
heavily backed, within the last few days, to the great
prejudice of M.D., and many people believe that Mr.
Howard has at length come to the turning i❑ his long
lane of ill-luck. Adams, who once seemed likely to
rise into great favour, has been driven out of his
"teens," and sent to the 20 to 1 division. Skirmisher
holds his position with great firmness, and the public
confidence in the " spots" is not likely to be easily
shaken. During the nest two days at Bath, however,
some important movements may be expected.
The list of sport prepared under the direction of the
committee is most attractive, and the promise which it
presents will he fully realised. The first item on paper
is the Biennial Stakes for three-yr-olds, which has
thirty-seven nominations, including the names of Lam-
bourn, Aspasia, and Drumour. The last.mentioned was
so injured in the race for the Chester Cup, that his
starting is somewhat doubtful—should he, however, go
to the post " all right" I shall have no hesitation in let-
ting him do battle for me.

Wentworth, Jesuit, Riseber, and Dulcamara are the
only animals which have yet figured in the betting on
the Somersetshire Stakes. The remarks made above
respecting Drumour apply also to Dulcamara, with
one exception, viz., that the support which he has re-
ceived is calculated to remove all doubts relative to his
starting. Favourably as Wentworth is weighted, lam
not inclined to trust him, and cannot regard his race
with Manganese at Newmarket over the D.I. as proof
of his staying powers, for the mare was as thin as a rail
and scarcely capable of raising a gallop. Taking the
Cheater running as the most trustworthy guide, I am
induced to assign the foiemost places to