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COLT PURCHASE HELD IN HIGH REGARD NEW YORK, N. Y., January 13. There is a probability that an almost unmentioned three-vear-old will be a factor in some of the big shikes to be decided this year. The liorse alluded to is Purchase, for which Sum Hildreth paid in the neighborhood of 2,000 at the sale of the Brighton Stable disjersal last autumn. That his former trainer. George Odom, believed Purchase to be a good horse was evidenced by his offer to buy him from Hildreth at a considerable advance. Hildreth declined, also having confidence in his selection at the Brighton xsale. After becoming the property of Mr. Hildreth he won but one purse of little value, but there were other features in view to be decided at the Maryland tracks, and for these his new-owner pointed him. It was not to be, however, for the colt gave evidence of a curb at an inopportune moment, which put him out of commission for tiie remainder of the year. That Purchase is expected to turn out a much better horse than he has shown is the opinion of his owner, also of Dave Leary, who is in close touch witli the Hildreth stable. "I firmly believe Purchase will be a decided factor in some of tin-stakes this year." said Mr. Leary recently. "He is cut out for a really good horse, and not only has sneed but acts as if lie will go a long route, which is a necessary accomplishment these days. Sam was confident he would have won at least one of the Pimlico big stakes hud he not displaved u curb. But all that comes under the head of racing luck. His long rest may have a desirable effect on his future. One never can tell about such things, the element of chance entering too much into the question. But if Purchase does not turn out to be a high-class horse, then Mr. Hildreth will be much disappointed. He was erratic as a two-year-old, but there Is every sign of his becoming settled down and uniform in his actions. He may not develop into a better colt than Billv Kelly, Eternal or War Pennant, but he lias a good chance to beat all the others."
