'You have never ridden in a race before,' said Madsley, 'so you don't know what it's like. All I can say is that, if you win, you are a bit of a wonder.'
'I hope I am,' said the lad, smiling, and Ben Madsley could not help laughing at him.
A jockey named Jackson was riding The Captain, and carried the black jacket of Abe Dalton.
Jackson had not a very good reputation, and on more than one occasion there was suspicion of foul riding connected with some of his work.
Abe Dalton had promised him a good round sum if he won, and had told him he must lose no chances, and if there were any risks to take them.
'Remember I want to win,' said Dalton. 'Never mind the other beggars; if you can jostle one or two of them out of it, so much the better.'
'I am not a nervous chap,' said Jackson, 'and I can take a risk as well as any man, you know that.'
'I have seen you do some fairly sharp bits of work,' said Dalton; 'but you have, so far, been lucky enough to steer clear of trouble.'
Jim Dennis had saddled Neptune, and seen everything right, and, leaving the horse in charge of one of his hands, he went to have a quiet chat with his son before the race.
'There's no need for me to tell you much,' said Jim. 'You have ridden him in his work, and if you ride as well in the race I feel pretty sure of your winning. Don't let them crowd you on to the rails or block you at the finish. You had better lose ground by going on the outside than take any risk of being shut in. Keep an eye on Madsley, he's a good rider, and Distant Shore is a good horse. Steer clear of Jackson and The Captain, because he is not very particular what he does, so long as he thinks it will help him to win. Above all, keep cool, and ride with your head as well as your hands. You have a good horse under you and can make the most of him.'