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IRIAR MARCUS A MODEL RACE HORSE. London Sportsmans "The Special Commissioner" is justly vested with the special, reputation , of being one of the best judges of the qualities Of a race horse in hngland, a circumstance that glvca value and interest to what he had to say, after Friar Marcus had won the Middle Park Platcj a part of his comment being: "No doubt can any longer exist about Friar Marcus being the best colt of the year, for it would-- bo erroneous to gauge his superiority by the margin; of his victory, as there is more room fur improvement than in any of his opponents. In Redfern he met a colt that has twice proved at least equal to Let Fly for speed, and he moved with such dash and freedom on his way to the post that he muvt certainly have been at his best. It came somewhat as a surprise, therefore, to most people to tee the great superiority of speed displayed by Friar Marcus to the bushes, to which landmark he was pulling so hard that Jones had to adopt almost an upright position, and catch the full pressure of the wind. Coming down the hill he was; able to ease him, and tlicii setting him going up: the incline for home, the colt drew past and won like a good one. .Most people thought -he blew more than the others after the race, but Redfern, Manx- man. and Sunlire were wound right up to the, toi hole, and cannot be improved as Marsh can improve Friar Marcus. He was right in his view that he had him just ripe enough to win, and he has something to work on for next year. Though not a big one, lie is of the size which lias been most successful in the classic races of recent years, and there is no big one like the unfortunate, Corcyra or Kennymore to come out against him; next year. Moreover, lie has been growing a lot lately, which fact Marsh had to take Into account.; and it is almost certain tliat he will be bigger than bis sire. Cicero, and many other Derby winners. "There Is no more perfect model of a race horse in existence at tlie present day, and 1 should not think that the present generation ever saw one. I saw some of the critics and many good judges looking long for a fault without finding one. His shoulders, back, quarters, and legs are perfect, and he is a model of symmetry, quality and power. Of his opimiients. Redfern is lucking in size and power, but is a good mover, and I should not be surprised if Suutire proved a better three-year-old than Redfern or Manxman, as he was running on at tlie finish after being beaten all round for speed: but he will have to grow and thicken during the interval. That Silver Tag is the best tilly is quite beyond dispute, and she had improved inarvelously in appearance since her race in the First October, week. Nothing could be so appropriate as for Friar Marcus to win the Derby next year, which, bar accident, lie will do. and Silver Tag the Oaks. Poiii-mern. no doubt, is a good one, aiid he may be tlie chief danger." .
