'I think so,' said Willie. 'I shall try my very best.'
There was not much time for conversation, as the signal was given for the horses to go to the post.
Amidst a chorus of good wishes Willie was lifted into the saddle, and Grey Bird walked quietly down the paddock.
Defiance, the favourite, had been mobbed by the people, and his trainer was glad the ordeal was over.
The roar of the ring could be heard and the hoarse shouting of the odds. There had been several ups and downs in the market, and Grey Bird again touched twenty to one, so many men, after looking him over, deciding to 'save' on him.
Jim Dennis met Chris Shaw as he walked towards the stand. Shaw had backed Target to win him a good stake and was sanguine of success.
'What chance has Grey Bird?' he said to Jim.
'I advise you to have a trifle on at the odds; but of course you have backed your own horse.'
'Yes, and he'll run well. I think I will have a score on yours. Are you going for a big stake?'
'Big for me. I have an object in view.'