view raw text
GLORIOUS OPENING AT SPA SARATOGA SUMMER MEETING BEGINS UNDER EXCEEDINGLY AUSPICIOUS CONDITIONS. i 1 James R. Keene Wins Surprising Victory in Hanui- ; cap Feature with Affliction Waldo Continues Victorious Career by Taking Hash Stakes. Sar.-itng.-t, X. Y.. Attsiist 2. Saratogas season of racing was inaugurated at its lieautiful rate course today under splendidly encouraging conditions. While the attendance did not equal some memorable opening days of the golden Whitney regime, it was doulile that of last year, according to an official statement issued hy the association. The card was one of the most varied and attractive possible, and. with the attendant ideal weather and track conditions, developed sport of the most fascinating kind. The Saratoga Handicap, at a mile and a quarter, was the important feature programmed, with the Flash Stakes and a steeplechase as conspicuous sidelights. After the withdrawal of Sir John Johnson and lierkeley. the field for the big raee consisted of Olamahaki. llouquet. Malthie, Allliction, Lady Hertford, Petticoat and Kings Daughter, the last named being aiided at the eleventh hour. Olamhnla ran in the name and colors of the Mont-pelier Stable, J. !. Greeners crack colt having been acquired by It. T. Wilson. Jr.. for 5,000 ami a coriiiigent interest in the stake lie was about to raee for in one of the quickest sales on record. The deal was consummated while the horse was being led to the paddock gate and the parade was stopped long enough to enable iockey Nieol to change the Greener colors for the old gold jacket, black chevrons and "cap of the Montpelier Stable. Had Olambalas new owner been able to effect a change of jockeys the result of the race would have been different than it was. The opinion was general and positive that Olamhala could have won with a capable tide. The added starter was backed into immediate favoritism, while Olamhala steadily receded in the betting. With this conspicuous exception every horse, including the winner, was accorded plenty of backing. .McDowells mare dominated the running atf-arlto tluLend ami, it was Quly in thisJas -strjde. thiil Allliction headed her. The tinish was Intensely exciting, tilt Keene filly creeping up slowly but surclv On the inside. James Howe, the trainer of Allliction, never before betrayed such outward indications of interest in the outcome of a race as he dirt iliion this occasion and surprised everyone within hearing by yelling his exultation with great vigor. The winner worked her way through some -tight places and finally figuratively slipped through a knot hole to achieve her triumph. On the other hand. Olamhala was alternately pulling up and running on the heels of his opponents. When clear railing presented itself on the hackstretch he closed :i big gap prematurely ami finally zigzagged through the homestretch tinder an inadequate whipping liu-isK Waldo again emphasized his superlative class in the Flash Slakes by virtually running rings around his eight opponents. Fauntleroy and Amelia .leaks fulfilled expectations by running second and third respectively. Much interest centered in the splendid locking Herkimer, which ran prominently for more than half a mile, during which he was boring out continually. General Sanford had remarked before the race that the tliuctanimda Autiesville youngster was a good onie but lacked sufficient preparation. The Sanford establishment started another colt in the last race, named Karon Dieskau, which has all the earmarks of a coming turf star. A genuine crack -was uncovered in the winner. Barleythorpe. Thi-youngster belongs to II. AL Ziegler. who declared that no one knew just bow fast he could run. The limit of his speed had never been tested, anil yet no horse of his age hereabouts had equaled the time made bv him in private trials. Several sensational offers for Karlevthorpe were turned down by Mr. Ziegler after the race, hilt the probability is that he will change hands within twenty-four hours. The steeplechase wis a chapter of accidents. Malacca figured in a bad spill and jockey Sobell was so seriously injured that he was removed to the Saratoga hospital in an unconscious condition. Late reports are to the effect that, he will recover. His right shoulder was badly crushed. The time for the running of the first race was delayed fifteen minutes. J. H. McCormlek. the American trainer, now in Germany, writes that lie has recovered from his recent illness and that the horses he trains for Karon Oppeiiheini have won several important stakes this season. There is no truth whatever in the published reports that letting would 3ie permitted in the Saratoga field enclosure. It is absolutely prohibited there. Jockey Glass resumed riding today after a long rest. Davenport, the find of the Canadian circuit, hart a couple of mounts during the afternoon. Live Wire cantered a mile today over Horse Haven track in 1:47. This was extra good work ami furnished an indication that he is again at his best. . . Sweeps brilliant three-quarters in 1:1.!. accomplished on Saturday, has aroused much interest, as Indicating n complete return to his champion form of the spring. Maskette worked yesterday as follows for the Alabama Stakes: jr., 49, 1:14H, 1:402. 1:51. She was only cantering throughout the mile and an eighth trial and trainer Uowe was signaling her rider to stop in the stretch. Ilildreths great pair. King James and Fitz Herbert, breezed a half-mile together in 4! seconds. Grasmere. J. It. Keenes Hopeful Stakes candidate, galloped a half-mile in 49J, under a pull. Other work-outs included: Fort Johnson An easy mile in 1:445. Greenvale Three-eighths in :!."$. Apache Mile in 1:41s, easily and impressively. Dreamer Three-quarters in 1:115. Pins and Needles Mile and an eighth in 1:58. pulling up. Killiard Kali Three-eighths in 35. Inele worked a wonderful half-mile on Sunday morning as follows: 223. :!43, 471, and came out of the severe test entirely sound. Ocean Kouiid had her final trial on Sunday for the Spinaway. Her fractionals were: 2:!!. 4Ss, 1:02, 1:15. She was all out, tiring badly in the last furlong, and pulled up decidedly sore.
