Mentone, a Melbourne trained horse, is favourite, and the opinion was that he had been leniently treated, in fact, was the pick of the handicap. A strong contingent of visitors from the Victorian capital had come over to back him, and were confident of success.
Escort, Tramp, Hiram, and the Dancer, were all more or less fancied.
Captain Seagrave had no difficulty in obtaining a hundred to five about Black Boy, a wager he was more than satisfied with.
"If it pans out as well as that race you rode in at Lewes it will be grand," he said. "I wish Sam Slack had come with me."
"Is Sam in the 'Falcon' with you?" asked Jack.
"Yes, and so is Mac and most of the other boys. They'll be glad to see you again."
The horses were now moving out on to the track, and Job caught sight of the colours on Black Boy.
"He's running in Sir Lester's colours," said Job, in some surprise.
"And it is the same jacket I wore when I won on Topsy Turvy," said Jack. "Sir Lester gave it me."
"Then I'm hanged if I don't have another bit on," said Job, and this time he only secured a hundred to seven.