e rain was not fulfilled,
nary an umbrella did I see raised during the course of the afternoon. Many
there were who availed themselves of the privilege of watching the race
from the infield, though the grandstand was not filled to that overflowing
that has marked the decision of former Derbies. This was true because of
the fact that the whole grandstand was reserved, an extra charge being
demanded for admission. Surely this is a mistake, ugh! What next? What
would have happened it is hard to say had Jupiter Pluvious again gone to
work. The going itself was more than fair. The Churchill Downs course
never becomes holdings as does Lexington; proof of this is the winner's
more than good time, made when competing for the Derby.

Now then for the Derby. The gelding Be Frank is first on view, presenting
a well trained appearance. Vindex, though out on the course for a warming
up canter, did not pass the stands. His manners are even yet not by any
means perfect, whinnying and nickering when returning to the paddock, a
magnificent specimen of a thorough bred, perhaps a trifle long of back,
carrying abundant condition, too, but in every way a gentleman to look at.
Along came the Canadian pair Billy and Barton, by odds the best ordered
horses in the race, Kelly especially looked fit to run for the proverbial
king's ransom, his whippet like contour convincing evidence that Trainer
Bedwell has lost nothing of his skill, and Barton, too, though built on
somewhat more generous lines, had the look of one trained to the minute.
Indeed, it is comforting to know that there are yet to be found those who
can prepare a horse for a ten furlongs race. Eternal and Sailor also are
shown, the favorite more bulky than ever, Sailor put up on more rangy
lines. Little Regalo was the last to come out, evidently on the best of
terms with herself, evincing an interest in the spectators and playing
with her pony companion on her return. St. Bernard, Frogtown and Under
Fire I did not see, the paddock was altogether impossible. The absolutely
fit condition of the Ross pair was the subject of much favorable comment,
the magnificence of Vindex, the lack of scope of Eternal, the well being
of Regalo, all of us had something to say, but there goes the bugle.
Starter Dade did not keep us waiting long, and from the outset the Ross
chestnut, Sir Barton, was at the head of affairs, followed, as they pass
the stand, by Eternal, Vindex and Billy Kelly. On they sweep