A "Horse Race" in which you always win under impossible conditions.
The aces represent horses and the performer and three spectators run an exciting race, moving their horses on the “course” as indicated by a fourth spectator dealing the cards. The performer always wins and the effect can be repeated as many times as desired, with the same result every time.
An ordinary pack of cards
No sleight of hand
The spectators shuffle the cards before the race is run
Spectators freely select their own “horses” the performer taking the one that is left
No switching – no special cards – no skill required
A real gem!
Excerpt from the introduction:
Here is a close-quarter card trick that has everything that one could desire. There is audience participation—the spectators take part in the race. There is mystery—for it seems impossible that the performer should win every time, even though the cards are shuffled and dealt by the spectators themselves. There is entertainment in the very nature of the routine, and there is excitement as the race runs its course, culminating with the laugh at the finish as the performer wins and collects the cash.
The method is simplicity itself, yet clever and subtle, and the performer has practically nothing to do so that he can devote his whole attention to the presentation and commentary on the race. I know you will like and use this effect; that is why I am publishing it.
 
This is a first edition from 1952