view raw text
CUP RACES GREAT FINISH i Seven Heads Apart at the End of Lexingtons New Race. : Extreme Outsider, Piedra, the Quite Unexpected Victor Cotton Blossom Still Unbeaten. LEXINGTON, Ky., September 17. The Canadian-owned and French-bred 1iedra, carrying the colors of R. J. and J. M. Mackenzie, accounted for the Lexington Cup Handicap, the first of a trio of long-distances races to be decided over the Kentucky Jockey Club tracks this autumn. Todays race, had a net value of ,100 to the winner, the second money going to George J. Longs Wickford and 00 that the third horse received went to Vulcanite. Raider, by finishing fourth, saved his stake. The finish was one of the best ever witnessed in a long race, the entire field of ten starters being grouped at the end. The victors success was in the nature of a lucky one. for with even racing luck at least three horses Raider. Prospector and Vulcanite would have headed him at the end. Raider was particularly a sufferer, due largely to the blunder of his rider, who allowed the horse to be repeatedly forced out of a contending position, and the loss of ground he suffered on the stretch turn brought about his undoing. Tlie early running was made by T. C. McDowells Precious, which showed a fine order of speed for a mile and a quarter, witli Dark Hill and Piedra close attendants. Raider was in a forward position at this point, and his rider had the choice of positions, but when the general closing up ensued he lost his vantage point and was fo.rced to come wide. In the last quarter Precious tried and Piedra, holding on in game stylo, battled it out with--Wickford. " "Vulcanite succeeded in overcoming the interference he suffered from and charged down on the leaders in valiant fashion. Raider and Prospector also managed to free themselves and came with great strides in the stretch. The finish, however, found Piedra a neck to the good while, heads separated most of the others. Drastics showing was a poor one, for he was never dangerous. In addition to the rich stakes a handsome silver pitcher and goblets went to the winning owner. R. J. Mackenzie witnessed bis horses victory and received the plate in the judges stand. The time of the race, 2:32... established a new track record. The former mark. 2:34, was made by Tom Bowling on May 11. 3874. Todays attendance was by far the best of the meeting. The running of the cup race, coupled with an excellent offering that promised keen, sport, was responsible for the big outpouring. 3LAZES MEETS WITH BAD LUCK. The meeting of Cotton Blossom and Blazes, both eligibles to the rich Breeders Futurity, to be run Saturday, held nearly as much interest as the stake race and the pair of youngsters furnished a duel that will long be remembered by those who witnessed tlie race. Cotton Blossom ultimately proved the winner, but it is doubtful if she will repeat the trick in their Saturday meeting, for Blazes had none of the best luck in the race, suffering at the start by a tardy beginning and lie also was bothered by his failure to get through in the first quarter. Cotton Blossom, on the other hand, with her high order of speed, moved into the lead at once, arid shaking off her early challengers, Friz and Angon, Iiid enough in reserve near the end to outstay the threatening challenge made by Blazes. The latter, when he mil fully settle in his stride, eame like a streak and was going fast and gamely at the end. James W. McClellands Hereafter made a runaway of the third race and won over some good youngsters. It was the first purse of the meeting for the McClelland colors. The final race found Chick Barkley galloping home in advance of Bun-crana, with Alhena landing in third place. The winner was an outsider grouped in the field. On their respective showing this afternoon it ap pears that the" Parr representatives hold the Luke McLuke filly safe in the big Saturday fixture. Backers of favorites experienced a disastrous afternoon, for most of those they held in highest es-teen failed in steady t style. They began by making George J. Longs Ocean Sweep an overwhelming choice, but the best she could do was to land in second place, Kiku leading her from the start. Nobleman was the offender in the second race. He brought up iif second pine;,- with Words o Wisdom, tlie winner. W. L. Lewis, who owns Kiku, made it a double for the afternoon by Crystal Days victory iu the fourth, Wadsworths Last being the favorite in this and lauding in second place. General manager Matt J. Winn came over from Latonia to witness .the running of the Cup race. He was accompanied by Harvey Myers. Charles Rowe was among the visitors. He stated that Miss Jemima had gone slightly amiss after reaching Belmont Park and was not at. her best for her start in the Futurity. She will go into winter retirement. All the horses in Rowes string are at present at Latonia.
