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DERBY GOSSIP IN GOTHAM NORTH STAR III. A SLIGHT FAVORITE FOR BIG KENTUCKY RACE. Some Dissension Developing Over Racing Dates in the East Likely to Be Dissipated Without Difficulty — Interest in Bengies. By Ed Cole. New York. February 21. — There is almost as much interest in the Kentucky Derby on Hroadway and in the hotels as there is in Kentucky. Last year a large aggregation of racing folk went to Louisville to s-c the Derby. Judging from the conversation in sporting circles, there will be a much larger delegation this year, owing to the fact that several eastern owned liorses are candidates. Uready some little speculation has been recorded. horse against horse. North Star III. appears to have the call on favoritism, but there are thaae who lean in other directions, especially so since on» of the English critics believes that Mr. Macombers importation will turn out a marvelous sprinter and little else. Those who have seen North Star III. are much impressed with his looks and favor him on that account. There is some little dissension concerning tho prospective racing dates for the east. One of the associations believes itself entitled to a longer meet ing than the tentative schedule indicates. It seems to be a difference of only one or two days, cons quently a trivial obstruction that will easily be overcome when the stewards get together. According to hearsay, the first barrier will be raised at Jamaica, anil the schedule will lie run. so far as the soring is concerned, about the same as it did last year, wtih the probable exception that the season will b gin a way or two earlier. The Maryland meetings may lose a day or two on that account: in fact. Manager Kd Hurke of H-ivre de Crtcc hardly expects more than twelve or thirteen days. New York Racing Should Be Fostered. In speaking of Havre de Grace, Mr. Hurke says that no purses will be less than those of last year, which were , to esaapty with the wish of the horsemen, and that the average contribution to purses and stakes will be at least $." .000 each day. Mr. Hurke is a great believer in diplomacy and friendship in the racing ranks and declares himself plainly in favor of all associations aiding New York State as much ns possible, knowing that it is the hub of the racing wheel and is carrying on business these days at a disadvantage. "Without racing in New York." Mr. Hurke says, "racing would not have the standing it has. I think everyone should strain a point to encourage the sport in this state, from tlie promoters down. Horsemen in particular should arrange their plans to give this state tin-best on the market, though the purses might be a trifle smaller. The money now donated is all the local associations can afford to give under the present conditions. I am perfectly willing to le *wh-scrvient to the Jockey Club, because I know that that institution is doing all it can to further racing interests and the thoroughbred. Were it not for racing in New York nnd the patronage it gets, then-would be a small market for horses. Consequently it is diplomacy to look in this direction at all times with a friendly view. No one should be antagonistic. Much Interest in Bengies Suit. Much interest is felt in racing circles here eon-■ei ling the outcome of tin suit brought by the Hen-gies Racing Association of Maryland against the Maryland Racing Commission, whereby the former body wants an explanation in court why it cannot be granted the same privileges as other Maryland institutions of tlie kind. A similar ease was tried in this state sum- yeas ego. when recognition was refused to James Batter, Who owns the lhnpirc Citv track. The eoart* decided in Mr. Rutlers favor. This i- a precedent that the Hengies Association will no doubt point to iti argument. Whether the Heugies Association has the foundation that Mr. Batler ahtyed whoa he fought the issue here is a matter that will b- determined wl en the data is put In fire tin- court, but it hiimiil it ha complied witli every requisite to equal privileges. Should the new association get a verdict in its favor, it will mean another track in Maryland in dose proximity to Halt inure. Friends of Mattie Oorhctt will lie pleased to lean that he has entirely recovered from a recent illness which ran a close finish with pneumonia. As Mr. Corbet! says. "I beat .t by about an eyelash, and 1 : m lot anxious to have another battle with it." Mr. Coi-bett and a party made up from tin- eltibliou-e members intend taking a trip to French Lick in the Bear ft mrc. to remain there until the opening of the Louisville meeting
