To pick winners, in print he each week pledged his word;

Gents who love "the blue ribbon," and sport the blue veil,

Became quite confidential with Ripeforajail.

Ripeforajail to distinction is come,

He's no longer a tout, but he owns a flash home;

A fig for The Davis and 'cute Harry Hill!

They might lay the long odds, he lays longer odds still,

A baize board and counter, and weeds very stale,

Are the sole stock in trade of bold Ripeforajail.

The Cockburn was steel, and the Bethel was stone,