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JOHN M. P. FALLS IN WORK AT BELMONT. Was Expected that He Would Fancy the Stiff Course Harp Player and Alfar Jump Well. Xew York, October 9. Contrary to expectations, John M. P. has no particular fancy for the steeplechase course at Belmont Park. While schooling last Saturday he bit every hedge and fell at the last fence. The jumps at Belmont Park are constructed more after the manner of those on the English courses than any in this country, consequently It was presumed that John M. P. would get over them better than he did those at Sheeps-head Bay. It may be that his schooling over the lower jumps has affected him. It is the belief of his people that he will make a better showing next time. Harp Player, the three-year-old half sister to Hercnloid, has shown better over the Belmont Park course than any of the horses yet schooled there. Harp Player is a dandy looking bay filly. She has a free, swinging stride through the field, and when she comes to a fence takes it without the slightest apparent hesitation, going over cleanly and gracefully, not too high nor too low, but just at the proper height to escape hitting. It Is hardly probable that Harp Player -will start In the Harbor Hill, although she is entered. The reason for this is that Colonel Bob Neville thinks too much of her to race In this somewhat harrowing contest for young horses and prefers to save her for the Champion next year. "I think it was the Harbor Hill that staled Hercnloid," said Colonel Neville. "I firmly believe that if it hadnt been for that he would have developed into the greatest jumper this country has ever seen. Harp Player is like him in many respects, and I dont see the necessity for spoiling her prospects." Colonel Xevllle will probably start Mr. McCann in the Harbor Hill. This husky black gelding, by Contract Lady Wooster, has shown graUfynjr, speed and .ability , to jump, ;and he. should prove a strong- contender lnffiebig ihfee"ryeaTr-61d" race. Among the other horses which have come to grief in exercising over the stiff course are Mr. Cottons St. Kevin and Thomas Hitchcock, Jr.s Vendor. In spite of Jhe falls they may perform well in the Harbor Hill. Vendor is Mr. Hitchcocks hope in the race. Locked Out, from the same stable, may start, but their owner looks for Vendor to make the best showing. The Bonnie- Brook Stables Alfar always schools almost perfectly, but It must be admitted that his racing has not been up to his work. Any one who saw him .Saturday at Belmont, however,, would select him as a favorite in the Champion. Jinimie Johnsons three-year-old Realm, was. given a satisfactory tryout. He is a game youngster, and In his two races at Brighton ran and jumped well. Johnson thinks he will win the Harbor Hill, but -it must be confessed that one of Johnsons most noticeable characteristics one, however, that is to be strongly commended is that he always thinks he will win.
