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OWENS TO RIDE JOHN M. P. IN CHAMPION. "Mr. Cotton" Is Not Expected "to Have a Starter Goldfleur Is Out Agent Will Run. New York, October 3. lu the event that "Mr. Cotton" has no starter in the Champion Steeplechase, which is to 1m; run over the three and one-half miles course at Belmont Park October 20, Jimmy Owens will have the mount on John M. P. Though Stone handled John M. P. perfectly in his races at Sheepshead Bay, trainer Claxon has been much out of sorts with the recently licensed gentleman rider since he lost his seat at the Liverpool in the race in which the English horse was beaten by Balzac. Hence the arrangement with Owens. It is considered practically certain, that Gwyu Tompkins will not saddle anything from "Mr. Cottons" establishment for this important race. Phil May did not ship well and has been of no account since his arrival in America. Delcanta, the best fencer in the barn-, the horse with which "Mr. Cotton" won the Harbor Hill Cup Steeplechase last year, has not been going well lately. Jimmy Lane is not considered good enough to pick up a burden of ICS pounds and successfully travel so long a route. Courtland H. Smith has announced that Goldtleur will not be a starter In the Champion. This horn; has been practically out of training since he struck himself in the Saratoga Steeplechase, in which he finished second to Herculoid. He is to have a winters rest in Virginia and it is the belief of his owner that he will come to hand in good shape next season. , Trainer Hogan says Agent will surely carry the colors of Bartlett McLennan in the big race. Fin-negau will ride this four-year-old son of George Kessler. Agent will get his trial in the Brooks Cup which is to be run eight days before the Champion. Alfar, Grandpa, Coligny and Hylas are also eligible.
