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TWO CANDIDATES FOR CLASSIC HONORS. It may well be that high distinction awaits at least two of the public performers, viz., Fifinella and Atheling. The former is a lovely chestnnt filly, half sister to Silver Tag, by Polymelus. and it is nothing against her that her debut was delayed until July. That she had been highly tried may be assumed from the fact that odds of 5 to 2 were laid on her for the Fulborne Stakes, and confidence was justified by the hollow style in which she strolled away from Marconi and others, not one of which could extend her. At her next appearance she essayed the big task of giving ten pounds to Telephone Girl in the Bibury Club Stakes and failed by a head, but I am by no means sure that she would not have reversed the placings had they met again under similar conditions. Be that as !t may, it was a good performance, for Mr. Joels filly, in spite of her wind infirmity, goes a tremendous pace, and later won the New Nursery, beating Salandra and many more. Fifinella has some fine engagements next year, including the One Thousand Guineas and Oaks, but, strange to say, was not nominated for the St. Leger. Atheling was also bred by his owner, and is heavily engaged next year, including all the "classics." He is a well-grown and exceptionally good-looking bay colt, of rare quality, by Desmond — Wood Daisy, and won the two races in which he took part last season. A sprain kept him in the background early in the year and when he came out he fell a victim to the summer coughinir epidemic which attacked most of the two-year-olds in the Whatcomhe stable, being again thrown back. Both these troubles were successfully overcome and left no ill effects, his turn , at length coming with the Hopeful Stakes at the First October meeting. He made his debut in pretty good company, but although receiving six pounds, was not such a good favorite as AH Bey. which he beat by a neck, carrying himself throughout like an old hand, and that there was no fluke about it was shown when, a month later, he squeezed home a bead in front of Canyon, which was giving him one pound in the Dewhurst Plate. The Stanley House filly may have been a little unlucky, but it was a smart and racinglike exhibition on the part of the winner, in whi -h plenty of improvement can be effected during the winter recess, and assuredly he may be marked as one of the most promising colts for next years campaign. — "Vigilant" in London Sportsman.
