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CALIFORNIA DERBY PROSPECTS. It now seems probable that the California Derby vyill Ik? contested by better class three-year-olds than have ever started for It, although some very good hmses notably, Traverser, Corslni, Sombrero and Claude have earrled oIT Its honors. Just now Dr. Gardner is the .sensational feature of California racing and a right good colt he seems to be. He is a Derby eligible and is backed up by two winning stalde comrades In Nealon and Frank Filthier. Last year Sir Wilfred was, in all respects, die best two-year-old In California. He has appeared in public but once since becoming a three-year-old. He then won In convincing fashion at five furlongs in fasf time. That racefdemonstrated that he has not lost any of his speed, but he has yet to show what he can do in the way of staying over something like the Derby- route. If he does that satisfactorily when put tq the test his meeting with Dr. Gardner will be awaited with impatient interest. Willi both sent to the post In good form it is almost a certainty that they will divide favoritism as first and second choices. But there are other good three-year-olds in the California Derby. In Nagazam and Confederate W. I!. Jennings has two engaged of high credentials. T. H. Stevens Ramus is In and there are many who think tills colt will show to great advantage over the Derby distance and that ills best form has not as yet been disclosed. Add to these "Lucky" Baldwins Rey del Mundo, the very fast colt Chantilly, Retropaw, Ebel Thatcher, W. II. Carey, Mastergon, Mandator, St. Francis, F. W. Barr, Father Catcliem, Sir Edward, Loyal Front and last, but not least In promise, that sterling good colt Good Luck and It Is not hard to perceive thnt the California Derby of 100; will probably lie vested with an extraordinary .measure of importance. The race Is set for decision February 22.
