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FIRST FOUR NOSES APART. THE MINKS WINS CLARK HANDICAP IN A SENSATIONAL FINISH. Great Pirate Scores His Sixth Victory-* Sauls Sudden Improvement — Phil Finch . Is Beaten — Holle Wins Two. LaahwiBe, Ky.. May 11.— The Minks, owned by D. N. Prewitt. of Danville, won the Clark Handicap, named for Colonel M. Lewis Clark, the first president of the LaatOTllle Jockey Club, at. Churchill Downs this afternoon. It was one of the most sensational finishes since the inauguration of the race. The lust four— The Minks, Braucas, Harry Scott and John L. Inglis — were only noses apart and striving theft hardest for the ,820 that went to the winner. Nearing the finish it appeared as if any one of the four would win, but Nieol, riding with his greatest skill, managed to get The Minks up ii» the closing stride. Braucas was probably best, but in the early stages he trailed a distant last, on the stretch turn he began moving up on the othera with giant strides on the outside, but .when going fastest, he was forced to be taken back and go to the inside on account of Harry Scotts swerving. This mishap was enough to cause his defeat. John L. Inglis performed impressively under his heavy impost and had he been kept close up through the backstretch, would have won. While rounding the stretch turn Harry Scott seemed a certain winner, but near the end his rider, becoming over-anxious, made the mistake of going to the whip which I auscd the horse to swerve. Todays card was the best offering in years and the race going public appreciated it by turning out in large numbers, the attendance breaking all previous records for a Saturday. In addition to the stake, a handicap steeplechase over the short course and a two year old race at four and a half furlongs which brought out a good field, held out much Interest. In the latter W xxllane. Robert Tuckers good filly and a winner at Jamaica, met Great Pirate and Parisian Model, two of the cracks of the winter meetings at Hot Springs and New Orleans. The weight of her owners mouey installed Woodlane favorite. Great Pirate ran into a long lead soon after the start and never left the issue in doubt, winning well in hand. After being prominent for a good way, Woodlane dropped back and allowed Ancient and Parisian Model to take second aud third places. Saul showed sudden improvement in the steeplechase. He led the others for the entire trip, winning as his rider pleased. He was backed into favoritism and his connections profited considerably by his victory. Naran and Lights Outjiad a hard tussle lor second money, which Naran took in the closing strides. Jockey Gaylor on Harlequin, was unseated at the second jump when the bridle became loosened. The only winners of the afternoon to lienefit the public were Saul and Polly Prim. The biggest upset in a speculative way came In the fthlrd race when Phil Finch, at a prohibitive price, failed to finish better than third to Cablegram and The Abbot. Phil Finch met with interference soon after the start. J. I". Strode and M. Roasberg will ship to Toronto next Wednesday. Jacquin, which was carded for the third race, had to be excused on account of lameness. If no more rain falls, the track will be good, if not fast, Monday afternoon and with Merry Blue, Lady P.ahlur. Hester Zorra: Boserrian, Funiculaire, Haber: Moqiiette. Colonel Brady, Bill Herron; Full of Fun. Magic, Pete Vinegar: Hannibal Bey, Barns-dale, Posing: Docile. Request and Redwood 1 1., among the speedy horses entered, the racing should prove highly interesting. J- L- Dempsey.
