82 FLAT-RACING EXPLAINED. 



many owners — and trainers, too — who, in tlie 

 course of conversation, would have at their fingers' 

 ends a most graphic Ivuowledge of every detail 

 affording a "line" to the compilation of a handicap. 

 I have known them, besides, to be able off-hand to 

 trace out in a most masterly manner from mem- 

 ory voluminous running results, coupled with 

 voluminous particulars, relating to handicaps and 

 their supposed peculiarities, but, strangely enough, 

 unable to offer an opinion, by way of explanation or 

 otherwise, on any point outside what the weights, 

 as these were assigned, may or may not have done. 



I must say in the face of this, I join with the 

 many in thinking that the best interests of our 

 great national pastime demand a far wider and 

 broader field of inquiry, into the merits of the thor- 

 oughbred, than is furnished for delectation by the 

 work of the handicapper. 



In the chapters on "Horses" I have referred to 

 the characteristics and peculiarities of horses, 

 coupled with their running capabilities on the level, 

 and on gradients, as also on ground subject to 

 climatic changes. 



Though my statements are founded on actual ex- 

 perience and very attentive observation, it will be 

 understood I do not arrogate to myself the acquisi- 



