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MUDDY TRACK AT SARATOGA I r t Heavy Rain Spoils the Going and Affects the Attendance. - i - rn Boniface Defeats Naturalist in the Delaware Handicap Minata Wins the Jumping Race. BY J. I. BEMPSEY. SARATOGA, N. Y., August 10. J. K. L.- Ross Boniface and 3. E. Wideners Naturalist, botli superb mud racers, engaged in an interesting duel over a course that was entirely to their liking, the track having been subjected to a severe .drenching by hard rains. The pair met in the Delaware Handicap at one mile, inning a net value of ,800. As a result of the changed track conditions only three went to the pest, Royce Rools being the other one. But as far as being a real factor was concerned, ne might just as well not have been in the race. Naturalist, though conceding Boniface six ponnds, was given preference, and his hackers were jubilant when he took command in tho rise of the barrier and showed the way to the others. Boniface, however, kept in close pursuit, and at the half-mile point drew almost level with the leader, but Naturalist again drew out, and when approaching the streteh turn seemed to have the race won. Boniface was not to be denied arid he again challenged in stubborn style and slowly but suiely were Naturalist down to ultimately win drawing away. The hard- rain, which caino down with intensify, began at a time when the racegoers were making ready to journey to the couise and it resulted in many staying at home, causing the poorest attendance of the meeting. There was a cessation of downpour after the second race, but the air continued sultry, with every prospect of more rain. The heavy track was responsible for numerous scratches from the different races, but interesting sport was the order In most instances. The steeplechase fell to the favorite, Minata. carrying Mrs. F. Ambrose Clarks colors, with Midas II. second and Syrdarya third. Surf, the early leader, came to grief after he had completed the first round of the field, but McCleary, his rider, escaped injury. Western owned horses again figured during tlie afternoon and they hgan auspiciously witli the victory of Repeater, in tlie initial -dash, which he won after a hard drive from Great Gull and Frank Waters. The bitter was the favorite, but Repeater led from the start. WESTERN-OWNED ABLAZE A WINNER. Ablaze, another western owned one, took a band of platers into camp in tlie second race, after having shown tlie way for- the entire three-quarters. Tlie going was favorable to her, and. showing the most speed, she never left the resnlt in doubt, winning in a canter from Liberty Girl and Hetty J. Ablaze was in to be sold for 1,500, but was bid up to ,205 and bought in by her owner. Tlie superior mud running Oriole, carrying Jefferson Livingstons colors, made a show o tlie good colts that tried conclusions in tlie. final race and won by n good margin from SedgefieJd. with Last Rose heading the others. Tlie high-priced Hildur attempted to race witli Oriole and at one point led by a small margin, but after going three-eighths retired fast. Pagan Pan made his initial eastern start here, but failed badly in the stretch after having enjoyed prominence for a half mile. W. R. Coes colors scored their first victory of the meeting when his Wyoming-bred Wapiti showed his heels to a big band of youngsters that tried conclusions with him in tlie third race. Tliornhedge and Toreador, both outsiders in tlie betting, followed the Coe youngster to the finish. General Average, which raced in the Ilildreth colors, was claimed from the race by Paul Connelly at a cost of ,100. There are forty nominations to the Grab Rag Handicap, which-will have its running August 18, the latest additions being Eternity and Light Rose, representing J. W. McClelland. Hasten On and Tlie Trout have been turned over to Jerry Carroll by J. W. McClelland and the horses hereafter will confine their racing to the field. Both horses are showing aptitude at jumping and may develop into top-notch steeplechasers. There will lie a sale of horses in training next week miscellaneously owned, and among the consigners is J. W. McClelland. The sale will be held at the Fasig-Tipton mart. Jockey Tommy McTaggart arrived this morning from New York. He is making an effort to secure a hearing by the license committee with a view to procuring a riding license. McTaggart has been out of the saddle for over three years, but is still able to ride at a light weight. E. G. Stoll. secretary of tlie Kentucky State Racing Commission, was among the newcomers and intends making a lengthy stay.
