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FOLLOW THE CONSENSUS OF OPINION Is Thomas C. McDowells Motto in Buying Horses Offered in a Sales Ring. By Ed Cole. Saratoga, N. Y., August 4. While the sale of the Madden and Parmer yearlings was going on this morning Maj. T. C. McDowell intimated he was a decided "consensus" man. "I like the consensus of opinion in everything." said the Major. "I always back the consensus of opinion of the tipsters, when I havent an opinion of my own and when an auctioneer declares that a colt is the best of the band in a sales ring. I always wait and see what the bidders think. The auctioneer, perhaps, is concerned, but if the bidders dont respond in goodly numbers, there always is a doubt in my mind whether the opinion of the owner is correct. I have seen a yearling led into the ring without comment by the auctioneer and the bidding would come from every corner of the earth, while at other times a colt with plenty of recommendation creates little rivalry among the bidders. Yon can bet in a case like that, the colt that had a host of bidders is the best. Follow the consensus of opinion is my motto in buying horses in a sales ring." Mr. McCarter Potter, the well-known New Jersey breeder, has five yearlings, three by Knight of the Thistle and two by Popinjay, a Flambeau horse, which he will race next year. They will be trained by Kim Patterson. "Popinjay is a Flambeau horse that was wished on me," said Mr. Potter. "His owner died and he asked me to give the horse a good home on my farm. He grew into such a promising horse, that I have tried him in the stud and the result has been more than satisfactory, so far as looks are concerned and if they dont race well then I have missed by guess." Harry Breivogel One of Latest Arrivals. Harry Breivogel is one of the latest arrivals here. He motored up from New York with "Jap" Muma. Mr. Breivogel will stay a few days working in the interests of Laurel, where some rich stakes will be divided among the horsemen during the month of October. Jack Sanders, a well-known sportsman and racing enthusiast, motored from Detroit with his family for a week or two at the Springs. He intends to journey to New York for a few days, then to Atlantic City before making his return trip to Detroit. Quite a number of celebrities were visitors today. Senator Stillwell was on hand early to. watch the yearling sales, as was "Packey" McCabe, who has much to do with the Democratic organization of the state. They were guests of the association, and Eugene Woods was their chief adviser in matters of speculation. Matty Corbett passed through the village early this morning with his family. They were on their way to the Thousand Islands, as the Saratoga atmosphere does not agree with Mr. Corbett. Mr. Harry Buck, who for years published the Racing Calendar, was at the track today for the first time this year. He has been a victim of rheumatism and reports improvement. Troxler returned to the saddle today after recovering from his fall at Empire City. Mrs. August Belmont was one of the most interested horse enthusiasts at the sale.
