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STERLING BACK IN FORM . Runs to His True Capacity and Wins All the Way. Some Hot Favorites Fail Their Backers Jefferson Park Tract Bought by Present Controllers. ItY J. L. DEMPSEY. NEW ORLEANS. La., December 30. Lloyd .Gentrys lately disappointing and high-priced Sterling finally gave evidence of his real capabilities when in good form, which he was this afternoon, by an impressive race in the mile and a sixteenth handicap, serving as the feature, and in which he shouldered 120 pounds, set a fast pace from the start, though leading under restraint, and won eased up to a canter by five lengths from Chief, with Harry Shannon in third place and Flibbertygibbet. the only other starter, following far back. Sterling was an outstanding favorite and never gave his supporters much uneasiness, for he took command immediately after the start, though he gave a brief indication of sulking, but he changed his mood before the first turn was reached and thereafter lie was always master of the situation and turned his mile in 1:40, completing the mile and a sixteenth in 1:45. Summer weather was the rule again and it was a contributing factor to bringing out the full strength of racing enthusiasts in these parts. The fast track aided in good sport, even though some of the dashes had a surfeit of ordinary ones contesting. The outstanding upset came with the running of I lie fourth .race when Grayson beat the confidently backed Mahony home by a short margin after a hard stretch duel. The opening race found Secretary installed the favorite, but again the best he could do was to land in second place. Philanderer leading him home. Salute was backed to the exclusion of the others in the second race, but the finish found him beaten a short margin by Iady Longfellow-, in the Marshall Itrothers colors. It was the initial winter success for the colors. The erratic Rustler, a stable companion to Salute, was given high consideration in the third race, but he again showed his bad post traits, resulting in his getting left at Hie post and his elimination from further races here was complete when the stewards announced that his entry would be barred in future. The Moor won tin? third race, but only after a stubborn struggle to down Sea Court. Another thriller came in the sixth race when Par One. backed with confidence, just succeeded in get-ling home in advance of Gulden Dawn. The latter showed a high flight of speed in the last eighth and. with a few strides more to go, would have reversed the decision. The final dash was also one of that style anil enthused the crowd to fever pitch when Spectacular Girl, an oulsider, led a compact band home at the finish. Tugs landing in second place and Aztec third. The option di the Jefferson Park grounds expires tomorrow and the management has decided to exercise their privilege of purchase and will have the laud transferred tomorrow to the Jefferson Park Fair Association. The cost will be 0,000. The outlay of this big sum seems a guarantee that the Jefferson Park controllers have no fear of racing disturbances in the immediate future. William M. Kailey, president of the Louisiana Citizens League, injected himself into the betting controversy this morning by filing informa-tion with District. Attorney Ituchler of Jeffersou Parish against several persons connected with the Jefferson track and also against several layers. There are still rumors of varying sorts going the rounds anent possible happenings during the Fair Grounds term of racing. District Attorney Marr has been quoted and misquoted as to his attitude and the possible stand he will take with respect to betting. Sifted down to plain facts. Marr intends to arrest violators of the Locke law. Attorney for the Fair Grounds announce there will be 110 violation of the law and the betting will be in strict conformity with the Supreme Court decision in the Austin case. General manager Robert S. Eddy. Jr., has arrangements completed and is going ahead uninterruptedly with his plans witli respect to minor details for Uv dispatch of a successful opening.
