292 RACEALONG 



When the inter-city matinee was held, Baker won 

 his engagement. Joshua Brooks, the President of 

 the Eastern States Exposition, remarked ''Roberts 

 was awarded a cup over me that I would have given 

 almost anything to have had the pleasure of placing 

 on the mantle of my home." 



A soon as the matinees were disposed of, Richard- 

 son started to get Baker in condition for a trip to the 

 races. Those who had seen him in the amateur 

 events and were inclined to risk a few dollars on the 

 result of a horse race decided to keep an eye on him. 

 In other words, they planned to be present with a 

 few tickets in their pocket marked Baker against 

 the field no matter what was in it or when the event 

 was raced. 



Baker's first engagement was at Montreal. A 

 number of New England horses were entered to start 

 at the same meeting, John Reay of Boston having 

 Gold Bingen in the race with him. The strike breaker 

 James Farley also had his stable at Montreal, one of 

 his candidates being Billy Miller. This horse was 

 also named to start against Baker. 



When the starters were posted in the betting ring, 

 one named Professor Sphinx appeared at the bottom 

 and Baker at the top. Before Frank Muzzey began 

 selling, his clerk rubbed off Baker. As he did the 

 New Englanders took it for granted that the horse 

 was being held over for another race later in the 

 week. 



Farley was of the opinion that Billy Miller could 

 win. He backed him freely, while each of his friends 



