354 The American Thoroughbred 



stantly a rousing cheer broke the stiHness that 

 prevailed, and the excitement of the day was 

 inaugurated. He looked well, and it was quite 

 evident to the experienced eye that George Treat 

 had given him the "grand preparation." He 

 looked like anything but a race-horse and was 

 possessed of as sensational a history as any horse 

 in America. As he galloped off in his warming-up 

 exercise. True Blue came into view, led by his 

 trainer, the crafty Tim Robbins, and the gallant 

 little representative of the Lexington line also 

 received a warm reception. His coat was glossy 

 and his eye was bright, but he had a nervous, 

 restless appearance. He looked every inch the 

 race-horse, and his party was full of confidence. 

 In the meantime there was the wildest excitement 

 in the neighborhood of the betting stand, where 

 everybody seemed to be striving to become 

 financially interested in the result of the great 

 struggle about to take place. Thad Stevens was 

 in such great demand that he speedily became 

 the favorite over the field, the figures in the last 

 pool sold being as follows: Thad Stevens, $340; 

 True Blue, $155; Joe Daniels, $75; and Mamie 

 Hall, ^6. True Blue was backed mainly by his 

 own party, many of the betting division having 



