view raw text
LATONIAS 0,000 RACE t i Interest in Latonia Championship Increases as Day Approaches. r : 1 More Formidable of Prospective Starters Owned by East-i era Turfmen. i . i LATONIA, Ky., October 3. Willi tlie rapid approach of tho day set for the inaugural running of the 0,000 Latonia Championship Stakes, the richest event to be decided this year on any American course, public interest in the valuable race is reaching a high pitch, and speculation regarding the probable outi-ome is keener than that shown over any big race decided at Latonia in years. The prevailing opinion among racing folk hereabouts is that the easterners hold by. far the stronger hand and that the afternoon of Saturday. October 11. will witness the triumph of one of the candidates that lias been racing on the eastern courses. Present indications would tend to confirm this opinion. The easterners not only appear to possess the more formidable of tho prospective starters, but they also will have a larger representation in the composition of .the field that will battle for its chief honors. Now but a week prior to tho running of the race the probable field has narrowed down to nineteen starters. Of this number eleven arc .the property of eastern horsemen. Among these are listed some of the crack three-year-olds that have been making turf history during the summer and autumn meetings, and according to all reports they are all in the best of condition. It is only reasonable to suppose all that are in first-class racing trim will be shipped here. The list of probable starters from the east includes Mad Hatter and Lord Brighton, the property of S. C. Ilildreth; the Brookside Stables King Plaudit. W. R. Coos Natural Bridge; War. Spirit,, which will niniu. the interest of-W. V. J TliravesY having been tralisf erred to that owner by Kmil Ilerz; R. E. WatUins Ticklish. J. K. L. Boss War Pennant, E. C. Clements Kapld Dav, P. A. Clarks Polka Dot. It. L. Gerrys Balustrade, and J. G. Oxnards The Young Cavalier. The Kontucklans will be represented by .7. S. Hawkins Stockwell, Geo. J. Longs Constantino, W. F. Poisons Vulcanite, A. L. Rogers Texas Special, Otto Rogers John O., R. A. Masons Linden. J. Hal Woodfords Sway and H. Oots Fluzey. There may be several more western owners who will start their eligibles in the stake in the hope of the unforeseen happening. Among the easterners Mad Hatter and King riaudit are regarded as the most formidable, while War Pennant and Natural Bridge are not without their admirers. All of this quartet in their races have displayed an ability to race successfully over a long distance, and it is believed they all are capable of staying the Latonia Championship route of a mile and three-quarters. Tho recent winning races of Mad Hatter and King Plaudit have impressed the Kentuckians favorably, and if these horses start they will be accorded strong support on the afternoon of the race. FEW KENTUCKY REPRESENTATIVES. Of the eligibles of western ownership John O.. Stockwell and Sway are considered the most promising of the possible starters from the Blue Crass State, and if the westerners hope to carry off the rich prize they will evidently have to rely upon one of this trio to turn the trick for them. Stock-well has only recently come into prominence through the excellent form he has shown this autumn. Sway, which is probably tho only filly that will represent Kentucky, has also been racing well, although she has been beaten on several occasions. John ., a son of Sir John Johnson and Countess Wanda, was regarded as the peer of the western candidates until he met defeat a short time ago after he had woii two good races, one at one mile and an eighth and the other at one mile and a sixteenth. This colt did not come to hand until the present season, lie having started but once previously, this being late during the Latonia spring meeting. However, lie has shown that he can traverse a considerable distance of ground, and in spite of his last losing race he will probably be the westerners mainstay in the big race. Of the eastern contingent Rapid Day has already been given a race at the local track, and while he did not win the trainer of Rapid Water and Sweet Day is confident that the colt is possessed of sufficient speed and stamina to entitle him to the lienor of competing witii the other cracks. Trainers of other eastern prospective starters are completing the preparation of their charges on the eastern tracks, but they will have them here in ample time to get them familiar with the track before sending them to the post in the big race. The original entries closed March 1, 1017, with the record number of 471 nominations. One hundred and twelve were declared January 1, 3018, and 202 declared January 1 of the present year, leaving 157 eligibles. Figuring on seven starters first money will be worth approximately 0,000.
