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GOVERNOR GRAY RUNS FIST KENTUCKY DERBY CANDIDATE REDUCES LEXINGTON RECORD -FOR MILE AND EIGHTH. Goos Distance in 1:511 in Taking Measure of Meridian, Another Derby Eligible, in Blue Grass Stakes and His Derby Stock Rises. Lexington, Ky., May 10. R. N. Smiths Governor Gray came into greater favor today for tho Kentucky Derby by an- impressive victory over R. F. Carmans Meridian, another of the prospective contenders in the great Louisville fixture. Governor Grays victory came in the Bluegrass Stakes,, the feature of todays card at the Kentucky Assocatiqn track, and adjudged the real Derby preliminary. Its gross value was ,800, of which the winner received ,850 net. In a betting way Meridian was held in tho greatest esteem, but Governor Gray ilid not-lack for supporters and the local contingent, aided by the many nearby visitors, kept the Meridian backers pressed to hold their choice In the post .oS honor. Any Port and Jabot were never seriously considered speculatively, nor did they figure to any considerable extent in tho running after the first half mile. Ideal conditions prevailed in. the matter of weather and track and the small band that started in the race furnished a setting for a true test. Meridian was quickest at the start, with Governor Gray and tho others away closely grouped. Rounding the first turn Meridian got the better of Archibald and sprinted into a lead of six lengths. At tills point it appeared as if the Carman horse would spread-eagle his opponents, but Archibald managed in the next furlong to get him under restraint and pulled back to a couple of lengths lead. This margin he maintained until the stretch turn was reached. Here Molcsworth, who had kept Governor Gray well in hand, made a play for the lead and the son of Garry Herrmann and Salama. responding In game fashion, rapidly wore down Meridian. At the last sixteenth post ho was on even terms with him. Here Meridian began tiring, while Archibald worked on him with the whip in a vain effort to get another spurt out of him. It wasnt in him, however, and Governor Gray shot past the finishing post first by a half length in 1:51. the fastest time ever hung up for a mile and an eighth over this track, the first mile having been run In 1:3SJ. Any Port was third eight lengths behind Meridian and ten lengths in advance of Jalwt. This son of Ornament now seemingly has no chance for the Derby and probably will not go to tho- post. - While Meridians showing was disappointing to his staunchest admirers, they found solace in tho thought that lie raced today as if a trilie short and should improve iu His next start. Governor Gray, however, in the estimation of shrewd horsemen, holds him safe. It is now the general cx-pectation here that he will land the big stake at Loulsvillo Saturday. There was loud and prolonged cheering at the finish, again when the time was announced and again when Governor Gray returned to tho judges stand and the lloral wreath was put about his neck. The geldings performance was at once proclaimed wonderful and it stamps him as possessing all of the good qualities that the veteran, dipt. Jim William,, his nominator, has claimed for him since lie broke him as a yearling over the local track. It is all the more wonderful when, from the time standpoint. It is taken into account that the track record of 1:521 that he lowered today had stood for sixteen years. It was made by Byron McCIellands Ha I ma. in the memorable race against William Wallaces The Com moner, for the Phoenix Hotel Stakes on May 2, 1S95. That was one of the greatest races ever seen over this track. Elmer Raileys Galon dOr was the third and only other horse in it, but ho was never a contender and was beaten off further than Jabot was today. It was hammer and tongs between Ilalma and Tho Commoner from start to finish, Perkins on Ilalma and Clayton on The Commoner, both riding as if for their lives. Halmas margin at the finish was a head, and following this race lie went to Louisville Tour days later and won the Kentucky Derby, carrying 122 pounds, or five pounds more than he had against Tho Commoner, whose weight that day was 122. Todays race makes Governor Grays Derby chances seem roseate. The third race, a handicap at three-quarters of a mile, also held interest for the big attendance because of Chapultcpecs meeting witli three shifty sprinters that were thought at the weights to have a chance to hold their own with the rejuvenated L-raek. Chapultepee made his opposition appear cheap and won with ridiculous ease after being under hard restraint for the first half. Golden Egg landed second place and Sebago was third, with AI Muller trailing distantly and running poorly. King of Yolo was somewhat of a good thing in the opener and made good after a sharp drive to wear down Ethelda. The main upset of the afternoon came with tho running of the fifth race, in which Henderson tt Ilogans Marzo managed to get up in the last stride to beat Lady Hughes a head. The winner received but scant, support, and mainly from long-shot backers. They were rewarded, for the ttllv brought 5S.10 for an investment of . EfTcndi, making his lirst start in W. Woodfords colors, proved much the best of those starting in the closing race and led from barrier rise to finish, with AVing Ting the runncrup. Henderson and Ilogan made it a double, Alamitos having captured tho first of the two-year-old races carded. This one was favorite and won eominaudingly over Sauce and Alpine. Jockey J. Moore, who had tho mount on Aimee Early, was severely Injured when his mount was run into and he was heavily tltrown. Shipments for tomorrow to Louisville will include the strings of J. AV. McClelland. Max Hirseii, AV. J. Your.g and P. Dunne. A special train will be provided on Friday next to convey most of the racew and the remainder will be transported ou Saturday morning. Governor Gray and Meridian wMH IwUi be transferred to Louisville tomorrow morning to rest until Derby day. Todays visitors included John Galvin, vice-mayor of .Cincinnati and AV. B. Haldman of Louisville. Jockey A. Thomas was again suspended by tho starter, this time for all, including his contract employer, J. N. dinulen. Jockey J. Moore was taken to a local hospital after his injury and was reported tonight to bo resting comfortably, though still in a semi-conscious condition. His most serious injuries consist of si fractured collar bone and several bruises about the head. Capt. Jim AAMlliams was much disturbed last night when he learned that Koscw Troxler hud been suspended -by starter Cassidy and that he could not ride Governor Gray today. hi his warmth of temper he declared that he would not start tho gelding if Troxler would not be permitted to take the mount, but he cooled out this morning and put up Moles-worth. After tho race he declared himself as more than pleased witli the ride he received and said that Molcsworth would have the. mount in the Derby. Captain Williams further said that it is his intention to go to England next year with Governor Gray and that the two races over there he would like to win arc the Lincolnshire and the Cityrahd Suburban Handicaps. V .
