The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-05-08
CHAPTER XII

CHAPTER XII
 Two days later, when the Lone Tree Stable with its one horse rolled through the arched gateway of Churchill Downs, a crowd of re- porters and photographers was on hand to greet Sherry.
 "safe trip, Miss Bondr The colt okay?" They crowded around her car, asking question after question. we've been waiting Tor you. You're the only girl to have an entry in the Derby this year. Who Will ride--?"
 "pleasel" Sherry begged as they directed her to the stable assigned to her. Pepper Boy must be un- loaded. Let's get him into his stall, first"
 The trailer was backed up to Q platform, the colt carefully led out, then down an incline to the ground.
 Now. Miss Bond-stand beside him, pleasel"
 They snapped her in a half-dozen poses, with and without Pepper Boy. Uncle Willie and Ted --even Sam-were not forgotten.
 Net day Sherry saw herself and Pepper Boy staring out from the front pages, as she ate breakfast in the furnished cottage she had rented for the Derby season.
 When she went to the stable, Sam was rubbing down the colt. He be in fine shape, Miss sherry" he said. An Miss Sherry see that little black boy"-he nodded to q youngster standing near-"that be Elijah Jones. knowed his pappy. I done got him for our exercise boy, and he's gonna take Pepper Boy out on the track now-get the kinks out of his legs
 sherry beckoned to the boy, "Elijah, think you can hold this colt. He's rarin' to go,"
 'yes, ma'am, I sho can"
 "Then take hiin out---walk him half . miie--jog a mile-and after that, c light breeze-two furlongs."
 Hiijah Jones found himself sit. ting on dynamite. The colt fought for his head the minute he set foot on the track. But the boy clung like . burr, anticipating Pepper Boys every move. once Pepper Boy broke and 1t took all the lads strength to pull the colt back into a jog.
 For c mile, Elijah held him. Then they went into a light Jog, under tight rein. Two furlongs went like Q breeze.
 Elijah came back, grinning all over. "You got Derby colt here, Miss Sherry" he exulted.
 Sam was cooling Pepper Boy out when Willie Bond ana Ted drove up. They had been over to the sec- rctary's ofilce, getting entry sheets, and had seen Pepper Boys work out. My wordl" Willie Bond ex- claimed admiringly, "The colts in fine fettle. Now, Sherry" he turned to the girl, opened a condition book: Heres the very race for Pepper Representation perfect for him be e grand workout for the Derby ---and we'll pick up $700 or $500. Read 1.-the race Is day after to- morrow"
 Sherry read tho conditions:
 Purse, $500. For three-year.olds which have started not more than twice since January, and which have not won. i20 pounds. one mile and 70 yards. ,,,, Bond: "rhink he can do Q mile so soon?"
 "He better-the Derby at e mile and a quarter will be only eight days of. It's an ideal workout for the big race. Colts getting on edge"
 She nodded. "Then enter him to- morrow. And you'd better look up
 Sfook behind youl" Willie Bond interrupted Here's Madden"
 'sThought better come down" the Jockey said as Sherry turned, "and handle the colt in prep race" He spoke as If It were a set- tied fact he was to ride Pepper Boy an the Derby.
 "The very boyl" Willie Bond said quickly. "We're starting him Fri- day, Madden. You handle him gmartiy, bring him in first, and well, the Derby will be run satur- day week"
 q getchai Got to go and check an--see you later. And I'll work hin out tomorrow--Just to see If he's got his speed"
 'sThereS the boy to ride him in the Derby" Willie Bond was exult. Ing, when another figure came around the near end Of the stable: c ianky figure in scuffed riding boots, faded brooches, Q torn sweat CT, and an otit-of-shepe felt hat which sat back jauntily upon his fair head.
 "shep orantl Sherry greeted him joyously. 50 you did get here ali right"
 The gentleman rider grinned | broadly. I'm on my own--chucked the Bonnie Lad Stable" he added | quickly. I'm going to buy . colt c good one. I want to train and | ride my own horses. Then I'll buy c breeding farm-but look here, sherry-you going to start Pepper | Boy in that Derby prep race Fri- day7'
 Her face sobered. "Yes, shep."
 T want to ride him."
 ."gorry," Willie Bond put in quickly, before Sherry could speak. 80 sorry | ---we've just engaged Madden"