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THE GREAT TRIUMPH OF FRIAR MARCUS. The Middle Park Plate of this year, won October 1G by King Georges crack two-year-old colt, Friar Marcus, usually nets between 3,000 and 4,000, but on this occasion was of the augumented net value of 5,575. Cicero, the sire of Friar Marcus, won the Middle Park Plate in 1904 and took the Eitsom Derby of 1905, a precedent his distinguished sou may be quite able to equal. In defeating Red-fern he vanquished at even weighths one that had previously been deemed the best colt of the year, thereby rightly gaining that reputation for himself. Of the race Augur" said in Sporting Life of the next day: "That the triumph was made the occasion for spontaneous and hearty cheering goes without saving, supporters of the favorite Redfern Tjeiug as enthusiastic as the rest. Friar Marcus had proved himself a downright good cojt prior to yesterday; but whether he was gifted with stamina had still to be proved, though it was said that those closelv concerned had had no doubts on that score. The son of Cicero has now demonstrated that he possesses staying power as well as speed. Redfern had already won a couple of six-furlong races, but the kings colt was altogether too good for his Manton rival, and won decisively. Friar Marcus is undoubtedly the best animal his majesty has owned, and it is gratifying from all points of view that King George has a colt right worthy o bearing the royal livery. "The race was generally considered to be a match between .the two cracks, and of these, the Champagne Stakes winner commanded the greater following, developing into au even money chance while Friar Marcus was quoted at 2 to 1 against. The only other competitor noted was gunfire, though fairly substantial odds could always be obtained by those disposed to take their chance with Mr. J. B. Joels colt. Suufire gave his friends a good run for their money, and at the bushes he was leading.. At this point the two favorites joined issue, and a little later they had passed the Wantage representative. Finally Friar Marcus and Redfern were both called upon for their best, and an exceptionally fine finish was provided the excited onlookers. Herbert Jones and Clark were both seen at their best, while their respective mounts put forth a supreme effort. When it was seen that the kings colt was going strongly the cheering commenced a trifle too prematurely some thought. However, the result justified the enthusiasm. Friar .Marcus, by a display of doggedness auguring well for the future, getting the better of the finest tussle of the week. The "Friar" Is not engaged in the Dewhnrst Plate but can take part in the Criterion Stakes a fortnight hence. Already folk are beginning to conjure up visions of a royal victory on Epsom Downs next summer; and should this materialize, which is anything but a remote contingency, it is safe to say that the scenes of 1S9G. 1900, nnd 1909, when Persimmon, Diamond Jubilee, and MInoru respectively triumphed, will again have to be chronicled."
