340 The American Thoroughbred 



to back their favorite heavily. Longfellow and 

 Mr. Harper had visited the East during the year 



1 87 1, and although he made much reputation as 

 a o^ood horse, he met defeat at the hands of 

 Helmbold, at Saratoga, on a heavy track, over the 

 longest course known to the turf in modern times. 

 This was very mortifying to Mr. Harper and his 

 Southern friends, so that next year, when the 

 respective admirers of the two horses began to 

 discuss their relative merits, and arguments 

 waxed warmer with each successive meeting, 

 Mr. Harper decided to again make the circuit of 

 the East and test the strength of the great 

 favorite. 



In the meantime Harry Bassett entered upon 

 his third campaign. At Jerome Park, June 8, 



1872, he defeated Lyttleton for the Westchester 

 Cup, two miles and a quarter, in 4.18J; no others 

 started. Lyttleton was the stable companion of 

 Longfellow, and in point of merit was understood 

 to be only a shade inferior to his celebrated 

 associate. He was sent out in this contest, there- 

 fore, as was understood at the time, to take the 

 measure of Harry Bassett. Same place, June 13, 

 he distanced Matella, in the first heat of two 

 miles, in 3.39J. Up to this time Harry Bassett 



