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READY FOR THE RUNNING. As has been predicted for the last three days the list of probable starters in the American Derby today is very large. Twenty-three eligibles are named on the card, for this afternoon, but it is quite likely that six; ; Continued on page six. Vr * READY FOR THE RUNNING. Continued from first page. or eight -will be scratched. The condition of the track will have an important bearing on the numerical strength of the field which will go to the post. If it be heavy candidates that are not considered mud horses will be in their stalls while the race is being run, while such others as have demonstrated ability to negotiate any kind of going will be conspicuous figures in the contest and also in betting ring transactions. While the backers of the favorite, Savable, are hoping for a dry course, supporters of Claude, Gold Bell, ■Gregor K. and Judge Himes are invoking the elements for either slippery or deep footing. Flocarlines backers are indifferent respecting the conditions for the big event, for they believe the filly will perform well on either wet or dry racing ground. Aside from the partisans or backers of mud horses, nearly everybody who will visit "Washington Park today will wish for a track that will favor a truly run race, giving no advantage to one division of contestants nor diminishing or ruining the chances of others. The rainfall last night was an intermittent drizzle which could not have seriously affected the track at "Washington Park. In fact, if no more moisture descends this morning the course will be benefited, for yesterday morning it was exceedingly dry and in need of a thorough sprinkling. Should the forecast of clearing and warm weather today be correct there will be a perfect track for the decision of the Derby. It is not unlikely that the colors of John A. Drake will be carried by Savable alone. High Chancellor has not shown Derby quality and is not mentioned by those identified with the stable when they drop remarks about the Derby. Savable is apparently the stables dependence and is deemed good enough to win without assistance. The serious injury sustained by Johnny Reiff at Harlem yesterday, may change the, plans of Ed Corrigan, who had arranged to start three horses. When the races were over yesterday he had not decided what he would do. It is believed he will send two to-tfro post and his colors will be worn by Henry and Winkfield. Pat Dunne says Early is not likely to start and that information is ground for the belief that the colored jockey will be astride of one of the Corrigan starters. Dunne says: "One of the Hawthorne horses must bring back that Derby, or the •other horses in training there wont do well." JlI. J. Daly was pleased when the rain TDegan to fall yesterday evening, but intimated that Claude would not be outclassed on a dry track. "Claude," said he, "is ready and not bothering about anything. He can ?stand a good beating one day and be ready ttp run again the next day, which is more ithan any of the others he will have to meet, can do." George C. Bennett announced yesterday that Au Revoirs starting would depend on ceded that if fast work is worthy of consideration his preliminary performance entitles him to respect and indicates that he may be returned the winner of the big race. Dick Welles does not appear to have been prepared for the Derby. Trainers who have watched him at exercise say he has not been given requisite work. Rome Respess is likely to send out his other two candidates, Bernays and Collonade, both of which are unquestionably fit. Fred Cooks representative. Linguist, with Dominick up, will positively carry the St. Louis turfmans colors and money. His race against Savable in the Harlem Special established him as an interesting factor in Derby calculations. And Charley Ellison, who stands to win 8,000 in the winter books on Judge Himes, believes no other candidate has a better chance. Having been a close contender against Savabfe and Linguist last Wednesday, his performance this afternoon will be one of absorbing interest. In the event of a heavy track, he may be the post favorite. Monsieur Beaucaire, in appearance a" circus horse," is considerable of a race nag. He ran second to Claude in the St. Louis Derby, showed ability to go the route at a the track. He will certainly start if the track be dry. Who will ride him was not determined yesterday. Fore and Aft is a sure ; starter in any eyent. Will McDaniel imparted that information yesterday afternoon. The Picket will also go, regardless of track conditions. His phenomenal trial at Harlem, .when he went the Derby distance in . 2:33 or a shade better, the best work ever done by any three-year old, has aroused prolific discussion of bis chances. It is con strong pace and gained a lot of admirers, who assert that he has more than an outside chance today. T. J. Gallagher.
