TIME. 115 



post that otherwise would Dot be iu the first half 

 dozen, even if they got so near! 



As every racing man knows, the secret of racing 

 deiDeuds to a large extent on his know^ledge and 

 judgment of relative form. Whatever opinion he 

 may entertain of a horse's particular merit, it cm 

 be of little use to him if, having l>rought iiilo the 

 reckoning the fact that there are no two courses 

 exactly alike, he is unable to adapt it to the circum- 

 stances that arise, wherever it may be. 



As, with very few exceptions, horses differ iu 

 speed on every course they run, when not over tlie 

 same ground, so the result in all races must neces- 

 sarily be attended wifh uncertainty. The idea of 

 successful prognostication, except now and again 

 by an off chance, really makes it a matter for de- 

 rision by those taking the trouble to work cut the 

 subject for themselves. This, of course, refers more 

 especially to the "old time'' methods of racing, or 

 such as we have been only too long familiar with. 



Since, however, the American system of "track 

 riding" has been introduced on our grass courses, 

 racing generally has not only improved hj the races 

 being run at a higher rate of speed, but by the 

 adoption of those aids to scientific attainment I 

 have made it the business of this work to bring to 

 the notice of my readers, we may hope in the near 



