The Sun.
London, England, 1868-05-27 00:00:00

SPORTING INTELLIGENCE.

EPSOM RACES.-TUESDAY.

Nothing could well commence more auspiciously than
that gala week during which so many of us keep holiday
on Epsom Downs. The recent train had penetrated the
hard ground, freshened the herbage, and laid the dust.
The latter, by the way, is, perhaps, a somewhat rash as-
sertion, which we may have to retract to-morrow, but for
the present let it stand on record. There was that perfect
combination of weather—a warm sun and a cooling,breeze
—and, above and beyond all, there was just racing enough
to interest and amuse, but not to fatigue.
The attendance was about an average one for the first
day, which generally comprises the business element alone-
Shortly before the racing began the following rather
curiously-worded notice was posted on the board :—" Sir
Joseph Hawley declares to win with Rosicrucian or
Green Sleeve, in preference to Blue Gown." As Sir
Joseph has always declared Rosicrucian his best horse,
or rather better than Blue Gown, this was done
probably to assert hie own judgment over that
of the public, who have persistently stuck to the
latter horse, and have within the last few clays brought
him into the position of second favourite. But his reign
was not at an end, and his deposition did not improve his
stable companion's positionoas 100 to 6 could have been
obtained about Rosicrucian immediately after the declara-
tion. The Craven Stakes looked a certainty on paper for
Grimston, but, with the usual fortune attending Baron
Rothschild's horses when he does not back them, King
Alfred won very cleverly by half a length. Rarely have
better-looking youngsters been seen in the paddock or at
the post than the 19 who sported silk for the Woodcoto.
Three or four could have been " sp)tted" by a tyro as
looking race-horses all over—Wellington, Brother to
Athena ; Belladrum, by Stockwell—Catherine Hayes ; a
son of Tim Whiffler and Hermione ; Thirlostano, by
Young Melbourne; and the Crucifixion filly. To further
Sift the lot, perhaps Wellington and Belladrum bore off
the palm for good looks, and the latter wan so cleverly
that we are warranted in believing Mr. Merry's recent ill-
luck is going to have a turn. The little Crucifixion filly
was favourite, and ran very gamely, but only got third. She
did not seem to act well downhill. The Rous Stakes was an-
other turn-up for the fielders, as Landscape was not in it,
and the three top weights finished one, two, three. Leonie
squandered her field in the Heathcote, and the Reserved
Lawn Stakes fell to Whitby.
The Derby speculation was marked by the continued
firmness of the Dauebury mare, the knocking-out of Spe-
culum, who went to the outer darkness of 30 to 1, the
stationary position of Blue Gown, despite the declaration
above-mentioned, and the little favour shown to Rosicru-
cian. With the great event so near, with the last utter-
ances of all the prophets recorded, and the public mind
made up that Lady Elizabeth must win, we wait in patience
for the morrow. It certainly does look as if the way was
clear before her, and we should say it was the greatest of
" morals," did wo not remember that this time last year we
thought the same of Vauban, and to what point of the
racing compass we turned could not perceive anything to
beat him. What outsider is to drop from the clouds to-
morrow, to-morrow must show. Neither of Sir Jos. Haw-
ley's trio is now regarded with much favour ; Paul Jones
is shaky; and Suffolk, despite King Alfred's success, has
receded a little. It really looks as if Danebury and Ford-
ham were this year to be recouped for their many disap-
pointments.
The Craven Stakes of 10 sovs each, with 100 sovs added ;
weight for ago; winners extra; with maiden allow-
ances, The last mile and a quarter of the new Derby
. course. Four subs.
Baron Rothschild's b a King. Alfred, by King Tom, i
3 1
yrs, 7st 21b (Teake)
Mr Rryor'a b c tirinutp, 3 yrs, 76t 714 lissipo:l•Guey) 2