The Derby was booked a moral for Kimball. While it was a great
disappointment to his backers to see him lower his colors to Fonso, he
lost no credit in the race, for in our judgment it is by odds the best
Derby ever run since its inauguration, when everything is taken into
consideration. The colts carried _five pounds more_ this year than
heretofore, and the track was certainly a second slower than we have seen
it any previous year, Fonso covering himself with honor, and must bring
his sire prominently to the front. Fonso cut out his own work, did all the
running, held the lead from start to finish, and won like a first-class
racehorse. The last mile was run in 1:44-1/4, and the last half in 51-1/4
seconds, showing it to be a splendid race. Such a performance as that of
Kimball would have won five out of six Derbies.
With little or no delay the five went away to a good start, Fonso in the
lead, lapped by Kimball, Boulevard third, Bancroft fourth, Quito fifth.
Fonso cut out the work at a good pace, and led Kimball by a length at the
three-quarters, which he held at the stand, Boulevard half a length from
him, third, Quito fourth, Bancroft fifth. Going round the upper turn Fonso
increased his lead and passing the quarter was two lengths in front of
Kimball second, Boulevard third, Quito fourth, Bancroft fifth, about a
length each separating the last four named. Nearing the half mile Kimball
drew up to Fonso, when the latter received a cut of the whip and darted
away again, Bancroft taking third place, Boulevard fourth, Quito fifth. It
was a beautiful race round the lower turn. Entering the stretch Kimball
was at Fonso's quarters, the race being reduced to a match between the
two. Fairly in the home stretch both were whipping, Fonso answering gamely
to the three or four licks he received, came away and won a splendid race
a little over a length, Kimball second, two lengths in front of Bancroft
third, he a length in front of Boulevard fourth, and Quito four lengths
from him finished fifth. Half mile 53-1/4, three-quarters 1:19-3/4, mile
1:46-1/4, race 2:37-1/2. The mile from the stand back to the stand was run
in 1:44-1/4, and the last half mile in 51-1/4 seconds.