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DERBY PERPLEXITIES. Yesterdays American Derby developments were comparatively meagre and uninteresting. There were few preparatory moves and Harlems Derby Trial Special, of the day before, was the feature of all efforts to analyze the situation. The dissimilarity of opinions expressed about that race would bewilder any ordinary patron of the turf. There were so many contradictory* views expressed that one would be almost forced into the belief that nearly every observer of the event was differently impressed by the running of it, particularly of the finish. While the Harlem Trial was arranged to establish an intelligent line of comparison of the merits of prominent Derby candidates, including the favorite, it had quite an opposite effect. As was said in the paddock at Harlem yesterday, it produced so much uncertainty and such a diversity of opinions respecting the quality of the horses which started, that every owner of a Derby eligible worth thirty dollars is figuring about starting Saturday. And to make the situation more perplexing there are indications "of ralnT" together with predictions of showers by the weather Bureau. Prospects of a heavy or slow track inspire prophetic utterances respecting what Claude, Flocarline, Gregor K., and Judge Himes will do if favored by muddy going. It is also a matter of common declaration that Savable, the heavily backed favorite, will have no chance on a moist track. Prevailing and prospective conditions make it probable that a big field will be carded for the great three-year-old event, and that scratches before sealing time will be numerous. Derby work yesterday was limited to a trial by Fore and Aft, gallops by Flocarline and Claude, at "Washington Park, and the starting of Au Revoir in the fourth race at Harlem. The track at "Washington Park was somewhat lumpy on the inside, where Fore and Aft worked. He traversed the Derby route in 2:361 and finished strong. ■Claude was not permitted to extend himself at any part of a mile and a half, which he completed in 2:43|. The first mile was timed in 1:46|. Flocarline galloped two miles at about a two minute gait. Au Revoir, with 102* pounds up, did an execeptionally fine performance in a contest of a mile and seventy yards. He was beaten a length by Monarka, the latter running the distance in 1:42§ and making a new record for all courses, the l»est previous mark 1:421 being jointly held by John Bright and Floronso. Notwithstanding the pace he finished strongly, gamely answering a vigorous drive by Johnny Reiff. Ed Corrigan says: "I am liable *to start , three of my candidates. It wont take a fortune to do it and it need be no surprise if all go to the post." At Hawthorne, "Wednesday, McGowan and Ravel n. were given their final work, which consisted of a mile and repeat for each. Maxey Blumenthal got his work in the Derby Trial Special, at Harlem, the same day. »John F. Schorr said yesterday his colt ■Gold Bell might be considered a sure starter and that Otis would have the mount. After having seen McChesney race, no reasonable person can question the fact that "he is a thoroughbred of superior quality, perhaps the best now in training. He Is -worth every dollar of 0,000 his present owner paid for him and is entitled to the admiration and support of every patron of the western turf. These propositions were emphasized yesterday by his performance in the Austin Stakes at Harlem. It was a selling event of a mile and a sixteenth, in which he carried 127 pounds, including a penalty of five pounds for being entered not to be sold. The field which opposed him numbered fourteen, among them several speedy animals favored by light imposts. Getting away none too well, he took an outside course and went wide around the first turn, Dominick, who was in the saddle, thus avoiding trouble of any kind. He was sixth passing the stand when the odd eighth had been run, but was farther back when he turned into the backstretch. He gradually improved his position before reaching the upper turn, half away around, which he began moving like a locomotive. As lie straightened into the final quarter he was a close third, easily striding and* having the race plainly at his mercy. On -sufferance, Sam Fullen kept him company to the starting point. Then Sam Fullen, unable to stand the pressure, began swerving and the big chesnut went on and won with considerable "in reserve by" two lengths in 1:45?. Pat Di_ ine timed McChesney individually from the stand back in 1:3S§. It was a great performance, accomplished with astonishing ease. After the race there was considerable complaint about so good a horse having been started in a selling race, even if "not to be sold." It was remarked that he got in lighter than he would have been able to get in a handicap. "When fault was found with the conditions of the race, within the hearing of Pat Dunne, he expressed a dissenting opinion, saying: "The conditions are all right. It wont happen again in ten years that another horse will be able to give away that weight and win. They can keep that race on the program, just as it is." T. J. Gallagher.
