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GOSSIP OF THE TURF. The twelve principal, racers that will carry the colors of J. B. Lewman, the Louisville turfman, are all in fine fettle at Churchill Downs. Mary Lavana, tho pride of the barn, has grown several inches and filled out proportionately. This filly will be a prime factor in the running of all western Oaks if she retains her form of last spring. A chestnut colt by Fidelio Lips, a bay colt by Fidelio-El-calde, and a chestnut colt by Fidelio Clara Fields, are the best of the Lewman two-yoar-olds. Ther are in nearly all the principal events for their ago to be decided in the west this spring. This stable will go up the line from Louisville, racing atLa-tonia and then Chicago. Mr. Lewman expects to ship east after the Washington Park meeting. The veteran trainer, "Buck" Franklin, has been at Louisville several weeks, but Woodford and Bnck-ners string, which he will handle again this year, just put in an appearance at the Downs last week. Captain Franklin says that it was like losing an old friend to part with Pink Coat, which for tho first time in four years will fail to be the mainstay of the stable. The old American Derby and Wheeler Handicap winner was almost a useless racing tool last season, and it was decided to retire him before he broke down completely. Captain Franklin has great faith in the progeny Tof The Commoner, and is imbued with the idea that this son of Hanover is destined to become Americas leading sire. In tha Woodford and Buckner stable are a pair of youngsters by The Commoner of more than mere promise. Both are all to be desired so far as appearances are concerned, and each has shown several fast quarters. One is a filly, the other a colt, both larga chestnuts. The dam of tho filly is Alice Brand, thuB making tho youngster a half-sister to Pink Coat. Elizabeth H. is the dam of the colt, tha latter being a full brother to Frod Cooks unlucky filly, Bessie Spahr.
