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CLOSE FINISH IN LAST RACE AT CRESCENT. Soma Spectators Disagree with Judges in the Placing Only Two Successful Favorites. New Orleans, La., February 12. The finish in the last race at Crescent Park tills afternoon was so close that many of the spectators disagreed with tlie placing ef judges, which was Merry Pioneer, Nine and Marvin Neal. This was undoubtedly the correct order of the finish, though the margins were scant enough to permit of doubt on the part of those who were not on a line with the mark as were the judges. Only two favorites won. St. Valentine carrying top weight scored a lucky victory in the feature race, the mile and a sixteenth handicap. Cigar-lighter was seemingly the best, but handicapped by his taid rider, was all over the track, causing him to lose much ground. He failed to finish in the money, but Is in good form at present and lightly weighted, will be a tough customer for the best of them here to handle. The following owners aud their number of horses departed yesterday for Hot Springs: H. T. Batcheler, witli 12; L. Marion, 5; II. G. Bedell, 3; M. Shields, 3; H. It. Baker, 0. G. P. Brazier, trainer for Charles Kllison, returned today from a Hying trip to Memphis, where the Kllison two-year-olds are quartered. He sai.l that shipping preparations were being made for live cars of horses to Oaklawn. G. B. Hill today announced his intention of disposing of the seven horses be hay been campaigning here. They will be sold iu the paddock Saturday next. .
