The sun., 1897-05-17
TROPHY FOR THE BELMONT STAKES.

There was a disposition on the part of some to
call the poor one, but it should not be for
gotten that while the top soil of the track was
dry 1t was wet and rotten underneath and some
seconds slower than usual. So that all in all 1t
wasn't a bad race. The last mile OF the handi-
cap on the same day won by Lake Shore was run
in over a second slower time. Then, too, Resu-
lator, a fair kind OF a colt. was beaten badly.
while Bannock was out Of the hunt the moment
racing began over tho upper turn.
Octagon is designed for speed. and it Is alto
Rether probable that time will show that he will
favor that end OF the game. He is leggy, but
has the speedy conformation. and is a tremen-
dous strider with perfect action. 1t was treat
to see him come away in the last hundred yards
of the Withers Stakes. Mr.. Belmont always
maintained that Octagon was q colt Of wonder
full speed and made no secret of the fact year
ago that this colt was the equal IL not the su-
perior Of Don de Orc. He only raced twice as
a twoyearold. failing to get into a win
ming position, although, as has been noted,
he did finish second to Ornament for
one division of the Double Event. 1t was
tho same day that Henry of Navarro won the
Suburban Handicap, and Octagon's race
came first there was the promise Of a rare kill
ing over the combination. But Octagon went
down, and many who fanced Navarro lot the
Suburban candidate alone, and were very much
chagrined when he landed first by half length
ut the wire.
Therefore tho Belmont of 1897 promises quite
as much interest as that of 1896 Handspring
and Hastings were the gladiators last year, the
former winning the Withers by short head and
Hastings cleverly turning the tables in the
longer event. In the Belmont 1t is altogether
likely that Octagon and Ogden will have stable
companions to help them along in the matter of
pacing. Don de Oro is eligible. and so is Scot
tish Chieftain both Of which were withdrawn at
the eleventh hour yesterday. Regulator. Horo-
scope, Arbuckle, Challenger. The Friar, Elkns,
and 1t must be admitted that there is formidable
material among the lot named.
Tuesday next, when the Laureate Stakes for
two-year-olds at five furlongs and the Knicker-
run. In the former. to which John Sanford Of
Amsterdam adds $1,000 In plate, most OF the
p1o sorses are roar@ G the Jus Jayens s
winner. Handball. Laudeman, Frohman, Kito-
iSGG Repsa Ths sn TSR Ma
Ian. and ,,Glorian. Varus, should reverse
the Juvenile .bs running I as he was coming
this year. having more size and bone than most
booker, while small, should furnish good sport
yearolds, over the Withers mile, has some good
material engaged; Octagon. through not win
catches fiye:pound penalty for winning So, 900
In 1897. but that should not stop him. The best
a G
Buddha, Rhodesia, Swamp Angel Xmas, Rens-
selaer, billali. and EIkins. Had Buddha not
make trouble. but this good son Of The Bard
will scarcely &c to the post for some time yet
old t1Ilies. over the Withers mile; the Claremont
High-weiSht Handicap at siS and a half fur
longs, and the International Steepiechase Han
diCaD. about three miles, Will enRrOSS public
tention; The Ladies, Stakes viii bring out
Winged Foot, Casseopia, and the 'y Preferred m
Of the Thompson string, La Sagcsse or Fircside,
This should make a good race, as Divide and
public this year. Winged Foot was good enough
tn 1896 to beat all OF the best colts. at time.
as s
day, but Trainer Hughes may let US sec First
others in the stake book. Peconic should take =
heap Of beating IN the internationa lon unless be T.
form he must Be regarded as . smasher at cross.
country work; i must not be forgotten. how.
tha a spor Ees ths qng %
will not have things all his own way, as Duke OF
also be sent to try out the son of
vo on HidS whsn the great
down before Bannockburn, the colt BY Hayden
EdTaEds s; 0pt % Bette BIaIse Owned BY I'm
Of this years Futurlty as HIS already, and then
the colt is engaged. NJ. +. Dwyer had an option
on Bannockburn, but 1t is understood that ho
gave II up some time ago. the colt failing TO
come up TO the requirements made In tho
deal. McGuigan has had a sGance or two
with the trotting authorities, and got the
warm end OF the stick In the Small Hopes
affair. but he seems able TO pick out a good
thoroughbred now and then. and Bannockburn
appears TO be one of them. Hayden Edwards
the sire OF Bannockburn, was by Prince Charlie
out OF Mamie Bay by Glenelg. and at the time
OF his death, a year and half ago. was the prop
erty OF John Il. Mcdonald of this city. Mr.. Nc
Donald had an abiding faith in Hayden Edwards
AZ sire and the fact that he was "a great stock
horse is now apparent TO all.
All England Is at the feet of Galte More, and
the spectators are falling over each other to get
their money on the Irish colt to win the Derby.
The way he smothered Volasquez and our own
Berzak set Augur and tho balance of the Eng
lish critics TO eulogizing and he is by many
hailed as one OF the greatest three year -Olds
ever seen. sporting Life says that Mr.. Cub
bins has refused an ofer OF Sl25.0OO for tho
great thrce-year;old. BY the way, Berzuk was
only beaten head and a nose by the sec
and he Is reported as finishing stronger
By Charley Wood. won away off. ,Augur
Velasqqezs SoloTs for the position in the Derby
Galtee More ls BY Kendall. and together with
enc OF hedreat Irish quartet which are sweeping