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BELL READY FOR MATCH. L. V. Bell says that if E. E. Smathers means business a match race between Her-mis and McChesney can be arranged. The other day Mr. Smathers, who is in San Francisco, said that he would be willing to race McChesney against Hermis for a blue ribbon. In reply Mr. Bell said: "I know Mr. Smathers well and we will soon get together for a talk on the question of a match. Turfmen here do not want to underrate McChesney. He is a wonderful horse, and I do not know whether Hermis can beat him or not. I never saw a more brilliant stretch runner tjian McChesney, although he is a trifle sluggish in getting away from the post. "It is a mistake to think that McChesney cannot be gotten fit for some great races this summer because of his long winter campaign. He is a big, powerful animal, which needs plenty of work. Even though Hermis has rested all winter, he will not have an advantage over McChesney because of this fact. Hermis has been entered by me for all the big handicaps, but I do not know just now for what races he will be pointed. When I have seen Mr. Smathers we may be able to reach some definite conclusions as to a match."
