The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-03-03
WINTER BETTING ONCE WASPOPULAR Still Done, But Not Like in
 Olden Days |GROTESQUE PRICES
American Colt Flanders Favorably Mentioned-Lord Berby's Swyn- ford About Recovered-king
 May Witness Race
By RICHARD DAHLGREy

There is still some business being done in the future books, but it is nothing like the volume of the good old days. The book makers themselves are to blame for this They have cut down the odds until only man with the greatest courage or with very little sense cares to gamble on the races to come so far ahead
 It seems incredible. for example, that anyone suffered to go at large would ac- cept such a preposterous price as 10 to about a horse for the Grand National Steepleehase before even the entries were made. If the animal were found to be favoraby handicapped when the weights were published 10 to 1 would be no great catch under the circumstances. The Linz colnshire Handicap was open to packers at 20 to 1 on the field, and here again there was certainly no temptation to spec ulate before the weights were out The fact is that this event is now strictly post betting race, and the early transac- tions represent merely the fiddllng fan cies of the herd. It'was certain that such horses as Mahsud, Grammont and William Rex would figure prominently in the list, but nobody with grain of common sense would have ventured a penny on either of these animals for any race whatever, unless its number was up and the market indicated that 1t was fancied by the stable. Not one of these horses was even entered at I.ipcoln.
 The Derby prices are grotesque. Surely it would be necessary to go to a lunatfc asylum to find anyone ready to back Aiglon at to 1. The proper price of the Kingsclere colt, according to his pubic form would be 20 to 1 at the very least It would be utter fatuity to back Aiglon for the Derby at any price until it has been ascertained that he can stay the course for it is highly probable that when he comes to be tried this colt will dis cover himself to be of no use beyond six furlongs Coriander is another much recommended outsider. but 1t is doubtful whether this colt will get through se- we're course of training, and the Epson gradients would not be likely to suit him.
 The American colt, Flanders, is also favorably mentioned, but we shall see how he gets on in the Newmarket Bien- nial in which race he will probably make his debut as a 3-year-old
 The Derby prospect is likely to remain cloudy and uncertain this year until alter the race for the Newmarket stakes, when it should be possible to estimate the U accuracy. If any one must bet on the
 a, during the next month or so, by far f.sa st business would be to back Mon trat with a start. If Mir. Wander 1Ilts colt ls sent to Epson it may be as- samsd with confidence that he is in his
 s. fora an hat he is really fancled It Hs niiits asftaia lat the 2-year-old form af afertf.ass 5f was peter than that of ans pf tas Hnslisn caits
 t seems t9 ae ihsi 8e'ieisle was really t.e best vear-9la neffor If last sea- son .n this aona3ry. Her aeff = Poker ris at Newmarket shen g ounds, was really ssegdersai s9rHi aering how highly AIr g. Jeefs nllg bad yeen tried. and the distance WHs sig ferlongs. At Derby, several weeks aariieg. Aiope had no chance with 1feHeisie, aHs Baron Springer's Ally proved Aass be very smart indeed. In the san. e Belleisle cantered away from Hall Cra s. who was regarded as one of the best 2-year-olds of the season.
 Lord Derby's Swynford, who. whilst at exercise at Newmarket last September, had the misfortune to smash his near fore fetlock, has made almost complete re- covery and was able to leave the vetcrf- nary establishment and walk over to the Earl of Derby's stud farm. The horses recovery is triumph of veterinary skill, for so bad was the injury that at first there was considerable doubt as to wheth- CT it would be possible to save him even for stud purposes.
 Swynford is a brown colt, 5 years old, oy John O'Gaunt- Canterbury Pilgrim, and was bred by the late Lord Derby. The horse will always be remembered for his battles with his great rival Lemberg. Tine pair met on six occasions, each being sue cessful three times. though over a dis tance of ground Swynford was undoubt- edy the better animal. During his turf career Swynford won s127,540 in stakes. including the St. Leger, Liverpool Cup, Eclipse Stakes, Princess of Wales Stakes and Hardwicke Stakes twice).
 There is a possibility of the King wit messing the race for the Grand National. which will be run at Aintree on March 29 So soon after his return from the royal progress through India his majesty naturally has not yet had time fin which to mature his plans so far as two months ahead. but 1t may be taken for granted that a visit to this years anniversary of the historic steeplechase is in contempa- tion In the event of the visit taking place his majesty would be the guest Of the Earl and Countess of Derby a t Knows ley HaIl where the late King Edward was entertained in July, 1909. when he visited Lancashire for the purpose of pre- senting coors to the west and cast Lan- cashre territorials and of opening the Manchester Royal infirmary.
 There has been much speculation as to the manner in which the French fighters have picked up ''le boxe." MT. Peggy Bettinson. perhaps England's greatest au- thority on boxing. suggests that the an swer may be found in the close relations between fencing and boxing. There is delightful old French sporting book, now out of print, in which every thrust and parry might equally apply to ,corra- spending lead and guard in boxing, on which game 1t gives most excellent ad- vice. The French boys certainly. possess one essential quality for sucoess--that of earnestness. They are in deadly earnest; success is still fresh to them, and it keeps them very keen Their hearts are right in the game adopted of their country.
 By the way, George Carpenter. Is matched to fight Marcel Moreau on Marcn 27. Carpenter mas left Paris for Nice there to do his training for his contest with Jim Sullivan at Monte Carlo.
 Memories of a romantic race for the American Cup are recalled by the recent arrival in the Soient for breaking up of the famous old cutter Galatea, which was built Tn Glasgow in 1885 for the late Lieut. w. Hem, R. N, who. accompanied by his wife. sailed the yacht from Plymouth to America the following year and raced for the American Cup. The voyage lasted from June 90 to August l, and the Galatea was badly beaten by the Mayfiower. Lieutenant Hem usually sailed the yacht.