Jack was irritated at the tone, and the man's impudence, or he would probably have given him a different reply. As it was he said—
"He has a very good chance."
"Worth backing?" asked Abe.
"Please yourself," said Jack, as he walked away, inwardly hoping Abe Moss would lose his money, or fail to back Lucky Boy if he won.
There were eight runners, and of this lot Random was a very hot favourite at evens, and as Smith had put up seven pounds extra to ride him the race was booked a good thing for him.
Random was a very useful horse, and more than once, when he had beaten Black Boy, Joel Kenley thought the latter could have won.
He took Jack aside before the saddling bell rang, and said—
"Watch Random closely, stick to him all the way. I do not think you can beat him, but I want to find out what Lucky Boy can do with him."
"Is there any other horse in the race to fear?" asked Jack.
"Only The Spot, and perhaps Tell Tale."