Every year the interest in the Kentucky Derby increases, and the desire to
win also increases with breeders and owners, until it is looked upon as a
mark of merit for the colt who is fortunate enough to bear off the Blue
Ribbon of the Turf. More interest clusters in and about this race than any
other of the year in America, and we have heard a number of prominent
breeders and turfmen say that they would rather win the Kentucky Derby
than any two events upon the American turf.
Bob Miles was slightly the favorite at the start, closely pressed by
Buchanan and Audrain, and although the quality of the nine competitors was
a little below the average that have run for the race, it seemed to lend
an increased interest to the result. The horses were keenly criticised on
their appearance and condition and little knots could be seen gathered
together consulting as to who would win. Audrain who got bumped about did
not run up to his form and his race for the Blue Ribbon Stakes at
Lexington, in the mud, seemed to have taken away his speed. The Admiral
behaved badly, trying to bolt in the first quarter, and did run out at the
head of the home stretch. Buchanan won quite easily, and how much he had
in hand we are unable to say. Bob Miles seemed to labor from the start,
and the running proved what we have said all the spring--that the Derby
colts of this spring, taken as a class, are far inferior to any previous
year.
Nine went to the post and they were started out of the chute. After two or
three breaks away the lot went off to a pretty start, Bob Miles in the
lead, Powhattan III. second, Audrain third, followed by The Admiral,
Loftin, Bob Cook, Exploit, Buchanan and Boreas. Entering the main track
The Admiral was in the lead and tried to bolt, Bob Miles second, lapped by
Loftin, the remainder of the lot bunched and in close order. Passing the
stand The Admiral was two lengths in front of Loftin second, a length
ahead of Powhattan third, followed in close order by Bob Miles, Exploit,
Audrain, Bob Cook, Buchanan and Boreas. There was no change at the quarter
except Bob Miles had dropped back to seventh place. Passing half they
began to take closer order, The Admiral still leading about a length,
Loftin second, Bob Miles, who got the whip on the back stretch, third, Bob
Cook fourth, the rest bunched. Before reaching the three-quarters Loftin
took the lead, The Admiral behaving badly and dropping back, Buchanan and
Bob Miles lapped second and third, Audrain fourth. Entering the stretch
Buchanan took the lead and showed signs of an inclination to run out, but
Murphy soon straightened him and he came away and won quite easily by a
length and a half, Loftin second three parts of a length in front of
Audrain third, Bob Miles fourth, followed by Bob Cook, Boreas, The
Admiral, Exploit and Powhattan III. in the order named. First half 52-1/2,
first mile 1:47, race 2:40-1/4.