tang from the great Sioux reservation. He was ridden by an Indian boy and said to be the fastest horse owned by the Sioux nation. He had some of the mustang characteristics although he showed breeding as well.
Next to the white favorite of the Sioux came King California, called King Cal, a large gray running horse from the great stock farm at Palo Alto. He was tall and rangy with little excess fat and he looked like a great runner. Next to him was the Antelope, a tall roan, the pride of the Black Feet Indians. He also was ridden by an Indian boy. The last in line was Rainbow, a splendid chestnut gelding of English origin perhaps descended from a bard, from a horse ranch in southeastern Montana. Rainbow, King Cal and Arizona Knight had all taken prizes in running races and were rated as three of the best horses in the west.
Larry had received hasty instructions from his uncle before taking his place in the race.
"Now remember, boy," Uncle Henry had said, "that this two-mile race is a regular marathon for horses, A half-mile horse like the Jack Rabbit is of no earthly use. Even a good mile and one-eighth running horse couldn't stand the racket. This race would kill some of the best mile and one-quarter running horses. It is the last long mile that counts. Don't forget that, but save your horse during the first mile. You just try to keep him fresh. Let the rest of them spurt and you trail.
