ENGLISH DERBY PROSPECTS

If the two-year-old form of the season just fanisked be any guide for next year, then Lord Astor must hold a great chance of winning the Derby, writes- "Robin Goodfellow" in the "Daily Mail":" In the Two-Year-Old Handicap, Saucy Sue is reckoned to be best of the juveniles. She is rated 41b (sex considered) superior to the stable-companion Picaroon. Third on the list appears Diomedes, a colt unfortunately not entered for, any classic race, but a youngster popularly esteemed as a regular flyer. The ordinary Free Handicap was one of the few races withdrawn, from the late Cambridgeshire Meeting in 'the programme curtailed owing to the General Election. But at the invitation of the Stewards of the Jockey Club Mr. Dawkins has framed this handicap of the two-year-olds for the information of the public. It should be intensely interesting to Turfites.

.__ Critics may differ'with the official estimate as to the , differences relatively of the three young' thoroughbreds just mentioned. None, indeed, but Alec Tayior can say with any pretence to accuracy whether "Sue" is better than Picaroon. At any rate, the Manton stable may be congratulated on sheltering the reputed cracks of the season. . ■ ' Lord As tor has had strange luck in thrice running second for the great Epsom race (Tamar, Craig-an-Erao, Buchan), and on another occasion in a substitute Derby at Newmarket (Blink). Let us hope, therefore, that with Saucy Sue his elusive fortunes will'be changed next. year. .

Zionist is appraised as nearly a stone inferior to "Sue," and 61b below Diomedes, so it is obvious the handicapper has been directly influenced by the recent race at Hurst Park. If the form shown there be the true measure of the merit of Zionist—a questionable point— the Aga Khan's colt will have to make considerable improvement with increasing age to overhaul his rivals in the quest for Derby honours.