view raw text
ALL OYER AT EMPIRE CITY BEST ATTENDANCE OF THE MEETING MARKS THE CLOSING AFTERNOON. Boots Wins the Mount Vernon Handicap with Ease and Reamer Runs Unplaced Straight Forwards Sprightful Stakes. New York, July 29. The largest crowd of the present meeting visited the Empire City track to enjoy the last of the racing that will be provided around New York until the close of the Saratoga season. The Mount Vernon Handicap, at one mile, was the feature, and it brought out a high class field with Roamer the outstanding choice. In addition to the Mount Vernon Handicap, the Sprightful Stakes, for two-year-olds, was also down for decision, and it brought out some youngsters of promise. Star Gift, quoted at odds-on. went down to defeat in the opener before Little Nearer, the second choice, which easily raced past the favorite after turning for home and won with speed in reserve. The Mount Vernon Handicap brought a great field together, with Roamer top weight at 130 pounds. The task proved too great for him, however, and Oscar Lewisohns Boots was returned the winner. He Will made the early pace and at the half mile ground Spur made a threatening move by slipping through along the rail and racing head and liead with He Will to the stretch turn. Roamer then made his move after being forced rather wide at the head of the stretch and for a moment appeared dangerous. Boots had been racing in fourth place on the inside and it could be seen that he was going to be a factor. Hoffman had saved all the ground possible with him and 011 the stretch turn he responded to urging and was soon in a contending position. After a mild drive lie took the lead and won by a safe margin. He Will held on long enough to save second place from Spur and Itoamer was fourth. Boots worked out a mile and a quarter and may be shipped to run in the Dominion Handicap at Fort Erie. The time of the race was good, as the track was not exactly at its best. The time, 1:39, indicated a creditable performance. Itoamer had no evident mishap. He Will outran him decisively and when he was called upon in the final quarter he failed to close up much ground. It. T. Wilsons Straight Forward accounted for the Sprightful Stakes in easy fashion. McTag-gart rushed him into the lead early, and rode him hard in the first eighth. Ed Roche was nearest in pursuit, but could never get on equal terms with the leader. In turning for home King Bag-got moved up quickly next to the rail, but fell back when Hearing the finish. At the end Straight Forward was four lengths in advance of Ed Roche and going easily. Ballad was third. It cost the Wilson Stable ,000 to retain the colt, however, as II. Fink advanced him from ,500 to ,500. He was protected and, as the stake was worth only ,000 to the winner, it was a losing transaction. It was the greatest run-up of thi! present racing season. After Little Nearer won the first race J. W. Hedrick advanced him from ,000 to ,700 and trainer Whalen protected the horse. E. L. Jones bid up First Degree, winner of the fifth race from 00 to 1916.sh00, but he was bought in. Racegoers will begin departing for Saratoga tonight mid by Monday the Spa is expected to he overflowing with visitors attracted by the racing. , The Sheepshead Bay Hunt Club has made application to the State Racing Commission for recognition and dates to hold a three-days meeting on the old Sheepshead Bay course September 12. 14 and 10. The club is incorporated by II. S. Harkness, A. T. Hard. W. B. Sawyers, A. E. Thompson and G. P. Dillenback.
