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ILCHESTER DISAPPOINTS FANS Mystic Sign Hangs on Gamely to Win Cincinnati Feature. Well-Backed Favorite Finishes Fast but Fails by Short Margin Track Remains Slow. CINCINNATI. Ohio, Oct. 28 Overconfi-dence on the part of the veteran Johnny Long almost cost Matt Jordans Mystic Sign j victory in the fourth race, which was one of the best races offered before a small crowd that braved inclement weather at River Downs this afternoon. After enjoying a comfortable lead from soon after the start to the final furlong. Mystic Sign was placed under steadying restraint, and Ilchestcr, a strongly-backed choice, drove down on the outside to bo a head back of him at the end. Third honors went to Zebulo, which tired after chasing the winner for more than a half mile. Peter Pumpkin, the second choice, saved fourth from Pipson, Indian Head and Matapeake, which made up the small field of seven. With the coldest weather of the meeting prevailing, only the regulars were on hand and the program was given over to performers from the claiming ranks. Favorites met defeat in steady fashion and Ilchesters downfall was the most disappointing of the opening four events. The track, unable to dry out after a heavy frost this morning, was classified as slow. Mystic Sign was the first in motion, with Zebulo closest in pursuit and Ilchester showing the way to the others. Zebulo gave way after racing a half mile, and Roberts, who had Ilchester under good urging from the start, drove him into second place. During 1 the last stages Ilchester shortened the win-I ners advantage and was some four lengths from Zebulo, which lasted to head Peter : Pumpkin for minor honors. Pipson raced I wide throughout, and Indian Head failed to improve his position under strong urging. SURPRISE WINNER. Jess Spencer, Lexington owner, furnished a surprise winner of the first race when Slant Eye, a maiden four-year-old son of Ariel Count Down, was much the best of Our Prince, a "fielder," the well-supported Grattan and nine others at the end of six furlongs. Mack Garner rushed the winner Into a good lead during the opening quarter and, merely toying with his opponents, he reached the finish three and one-half lengths before Our Prince, which was always best of the others. Grattan held on well after reaching third place and, with the exception of Glove and Rolanda, the others were never factors. Field players came into their own in the second race, also at six furlongs, when Phyllis R. carried Mrs. E. E. Watsons colors to a driving victory. Tappanaugh was second and Lady Scout third. Spectrum again disappointed when she raced far back throughout. Bobby Montgomery hustled the winner to the front and, after racing five-sixteenths, attained a clear advantage. Although tiring in the final stages, Phyllis R. had enough left to be half a length before Tappanaugh at the end. While Tappanaugh was always in closest pursuit of the winner. Lady Scout came from far back to be much the best of the tiring and fractious Betty Rejoice for minor honors. NOMA F. EASILY. Noma F., which showed little In her last two races, furnished another surprise when she was an easy winner of the third, for which the venerable War Saint was the favorite. Brown Ray was second and Blag-den third. Willie Farrell hustled the daughter of Marvin May into a good lead during the first quarter and she held sway from there on, leading Ray Brown by two lengths at the end. After following in closest pursuit of the winner to the final furlong. Blagden tired and was some five lengths in the wake of Brown Ray and only a neck before Gamaliel at the close. War Saint appeared to dislike the track and showed nothing to justify his support.
