3.The Adventure of Silver Blaze
Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson travel by train to Dartmoor to investigate the mysterious disappearance of the prized racehorse Silver Blaze and the tragic murder of his trainer, John Straker. During the journey, Holmes shares the established facts and reviews the case with Watson, noting that the horse's favourite status makes its absence highly lucrative for rival betting interests. Upon arriving at Tavistock, they are met by Colonel Ross, the owner of the horse, and Inspector Gregory, who is leading the local police investigation.
Inspector Gregory outlines the strong circumstantial case against the prime suspect, Fitzroy Simpson, a gentleman bookmaker who was seen near the stables the night before the crime, was found with a motive involving heavy bets against the favourite, and left his cravat in the dead trainer's hand. Holmes questions several aspects of this police theory, noting the lack of direct evidence linking Simpson to the stables or a hiding place for the animal.
The investigators proceed to the dead trainer's villa, where Inspector Gregory displays the personal items recovered from Straker's pockets, including a delicate surgical knife and a costly millinery bill addressed to an alias. After briefly speaking with Mrs Straker, the party walks out to the hollow on the moor where the murder occurred. Holmes carefully examines the trampled mud at the scene using a matting board and quickly discovers a significant clue.
