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, . , . , . I I t i a t 1 * i : i i ] ] t 1 1 I : 1 ■ . , . i i , , . • BE FRANKS FINE RACE | His Victory in the Rich U. S. Grant Hotel Handicap a Sparkling Performance. • . TIJUANA. Mexico, February 27. — Is Be Frank destined to join the list of illustrious thoroughbreds which have won 00,000 or more in America? A good horse he was Sunday, aud it was in victory, too. Showing a return to the high-class form he displayed when he won the Latonia Derby and La-tonia Cup as a three-year-old. and the 0,000 l Coffroth Handicap here last year, this six-year-old * son of Sir John Johnson — Frankness ran a grand race to win the 0,000 O. S. Grant Hotel Handicap at one and one-eighth miles. Furthermore, he carried top weight of 130 pounds and won impressively. Popular was the victory of this big slashing gelding from the Bronx Stable, owned by George Palmer Fuller. California millionaire sportsman, for Be Frank was favorite. His victory over Breeze, from the stable of Mrs. G. S. Abbott, was only by a nose, but this does not tell all, for had it been necessary , Be Frank probably could have shown clear daylight between himself and his rival at the end. Like a peal of thunder was the spontaneous outburst of . applause to greet Be Frank as jockey Carter saluted the judges from the "charmed circle." ! Fvery road seemed to lead to Tijuana yesterday. The special race trains, which were operated from i as far north as San Francisco, brought heavy at- j tendance, while the motor transportation was much i greater than ever before recorded at this meeting. The stage settings were faultless, a bright sun learning down on an enthusiastic crowd which filled , all the space in the stand, on the lawn and in the , clubhouse. Tijuana was at its best and it expected a race which would do much to perpetuate the fame of the border course. The L. S. Grant Hotel Handicap was all of this. , If ever there was a true run race it was the U. S. Grant Hotel Handicap and no excuses were ■, made for any of the defeated thoroughbreds. The , only slight jar to the event was that the start was i not good for Omond. which seemed to dwell just as starter Harry Morrissey sent them away in good formation. As the field of eight performers swept past the grandstand for the first turn the brilliant sun scut it rays shimmering from the colorful silks of jockeys. Mulciber was taken to the front by jockey C. Thompson. Right behind him was Breeze, his 108 pounds seeming to suit him. Rifle was [ third and jockey Carter got a good fourth position for Be Frank. At the half Mulciber was the leader by two lengths. Breeze was still a good second and Be Frank was under restraint in third position. The positions of the leaders were unchanged at the three-quarters and it was noted that Mulciber was beginning to tire, but that Breeze and Be Frank were running smoothly. FINISH CLOSE AND EXCITING. The field turned for home and this was all the route Mulciber desired. He fell back and allowed Breeze the position of honor. Be Frank was within striking distance and third. Midway of the stretch the big son of Sir John Johnson began to lengthen out his stride. He was closing the gap between himself and Breeze. Then he caught Breeze and for a few strides they raced head and head. Breeze, with victory almost within his grasp, tired a trifle in the last stride and the big fellow from the Fuller string then forged to the front. As they passed the finishing line jockey Carter was seen to have Be Frank well in hand. He never drew his whip and the winner won with speed in reserve. In third position was East Indian, which had followed just behind Be Frank for most of the distance. Mulciber finished fourth. Omond, which dwelt at the start, made up much ground, but never was a serious contender. The others were badly beaten off. It was an extremely fitting victory for the Fuller family, for previous to the race Mrs. George P. Fuller had accepted the invitation of president James Wood Coffroth of the Tijuana Jockey Club to crown the winner. Naturally she hoped it would be Be Frank, her husbands big train, and when this came true her face was wreathed in smiles as she daintily lifted the floral horseshoe over the graceful necK of the thoroughbred. Leon Wing, racing secretary, offered a card of nine races and in most instances formful racing was in order. Five favorites scored and the big crowd was kept right on edge until the finish of the last event. VETERAN AT LONG ODDS. A handicap at three-quarters mile fell to Veteran, and he paid the longest price of the afternoon. 5.20 for each mutuel ticket. Veteran caught the leader, Huron II., tiring and drew out to win as i jockey Donohue desired. Planet was installed favorite. The colt was in close quarters on the back-stretch, but when in the clear came fast and was i easily second best. Roisterer was third. Even at this early date president Coffroth is arranging . for special trains from various points in i the Southwest and Northwest for the 0,000 Coffroth Handicap, to be run March 19. Be Frank is eligible and his victory of Sunday stamps him as the most formidable candidate. Mat Hinkle, weli-known boxing referee of Clcve- land, and a party of friends arrived yesterday and I will be here for a week. John Dupee, retired stockbroker of Chicago, who , now makes his home at Coronado. was host to a big , luncheon party in the clubhouse. There were two claims yesterday. F. R. Irwin i took I. W. Harper for 00 and his brother. C. B. Irwin, claimed Dainty Lady for ,400. C. B. Irwin i also purchased the colt Plow Steel, by Honeywood — - Decency, from Stuart Polk Sunday morning. It was 3 at private sale and the consideration was not an- nounced. Plow Steel ran in Irwins colors yester- day afternoon, but failed to get any part of the | purse in the first race, which was won by Bill 1 Head.
