Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-02-16
THE WINTER BOOKS.
They Will Open on the Big Spring
Handicaps in Few Days.
SOME HEAVY BETTING EXPECTED.
Local Baseball Players Begin Active Train
ing at the Ball Grounds.
MEETING OF NATIONAL WHEELMEN
ESPECIAL TELEGRAM TO THE prspATcE.,

ESPECIAL TELEGRAM TO THE DIsPATcH.I
NEW YORK, Feb. 15.-Several ante-post
books on the Brooklyn and Suburban will
be open before this week is ended, and
Judging from present indications there will
be more interest centered in the two big
handicaps this year than there has ever
been before. The acceptances will be de-
clared on the 2oth isn't, and then specula-
tiop will start in earnest. All the leading
turf authorities here think the Brooklyn
handicap good one for speculation, and a
very large amount of money will be invested
on it long before the day of the race arrives.
Owners of various horses all think well of
their chances, and as far as known all the
horses entered for the events have wintered
well so far. But there is not much de-
finite information about any OF the candi-
dates
The Great Longstreet
Longstreet, the top weight in both handi-
caps, is no exception to those who have
been so greatly benefited by the repose
vouchsafed during the winter Everyone
who affects to be posted in track affairs even
to the smallest detail-for the most insig-
nifcant stable hand is always thoroughly
versed in everything relating to everybody
else-declares that he is handsomer,
healthier, grander than ever This was al
ways SO, and though Longstreet may be all
that the would-he-in-the-know people say,
yet one has heard the same tale 80 often,
year after year, about big public performers
that it has become chestnut That
Longstreet will be found among the ''con-
-, ,1ap,
lance whatsoever is to be placed in "track"
assertions His position in the Suburban
is dubious, and authorities are of the
opinion that the pen will be put through
his name for this event.
Fit and well on Brooklyn day, he will be
a distinct favorite if he sees the post-the
majority, with one accord, plumping for
him as one of the greatest horses of all
times How many "great horses of all
times" there have been at the beginning of
the season, and how many have made their
admirers look utterly ridiculous before it
was half over.
There is little chance of Tenny's coming
to the post, as his legs are IN very bad
condition. He is in very crippled state.
Another Good Horse.
Another of those who "never looked so
well' is Kingston. And certainly the little
piece of determination and pluck does look
as fresh as a 2-year-old-he is eight. His
legs are as clean and as hard as steel, and as
we left his box he squealed and neighed
like foal losing its mother. One thing is
certain-his owner would rather win the
Brooklyn with him than any of the other
horses he ever owned. From this it may be
gathered that he will be given every op-
portunity that clever handling can con-
ceiye
A few days ago Eon arrived from Major
Hancock's stock farm. He is likely to be
among the acceptors on Saturday, but it is
expected that his stable companion Port
he, Portchester, is said to have improved
wonderfully since last season. Judge Nor
row and Strathmeath have both pleased
Green Morris. The all scarlet lot-Pick-
nicker, Terrifer, Russell, Reckon, Ambu-
lance,and L'1Itriguante-present a formida-
Bile group. Every individual knows how to
use his or her part, and as the selected" Is
certain to have undergone the most through
preparation, the Messrs. Morris are almost
sure to be there or thereab bouts. To make a
preference is hazardous, but the merry dance
Russell led his field in the Brooklyn last
He is now n year older; he "comes" early,
is very quick on his legs and if the track
should be heavy it is probable there is moth
Ing that will be found to live with him. On
paper, theoretically and every other combi
nation in considering a horse's chance point
to him as the most dangerous of the under
1s0 pound division, for that he is q high class
horse there can be no denying. Many lean
to Terrifer, who certainly gave all evidence
OF being an ''early bird" last year. but it is a
question both fit and well whether he could
ever live with the speedy Russell.