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READY AT LAURAL PARK . A ... - Capital Handicap Attracts High Class Field of Fast Horses. Careful Top "Weight and Probable Favorite Inaugural Program Promises Excellent Sport. LAUREL, Md., October 2. The Maryland State Fair will throw open its gates tomorrow afternoon for what gives promise to be the best meeting in the history of the association. Featured by the running of the Capital Handicap at three-quarters mile for three-year-olds and over, to which the best sprinters in this territory have been named, the card on the whole is a well-balanced one. "Walter J. Salmons good racer Careful has been awarded high weight by the handicap-pe"rand judging from the race on paper it should be productive of a spirited contest. A field of fourteen has been named through the entry box to contest for the stake and unless there should be a sudden change in track conditions all will probably start Weather conditions this morning were all that could be desired and the probabilities for tomorrow are for a continuation of the same variety. The track is in splendid condition, but shows the lack of rain and as a result dust is plentiful. The grounds presented a busy appearance this morning and hundreds of horses were worked on the track and a large number were sent through the field. Steeplechasing has always had a strong hold on the patrons at Laurel and their wants have been catered to in generous fashion. The many improvements completed last summer will be appreciated by the crowds that journey to the track and the easy accessibility both from Baltimore and Washington by rail and automobile will aim in the releiving of the congestion that surrounds other tracks at the close of the days program. The card which has been arranged for the opening day brings out well-balanced fields and large entries have been named in the different races. Secondary to the handicap is a dash of three-quarters which will bring out one of the best-matched fields encountered in other than a stake or handicap this fall. PLAYFELLOW IN FORM. Trainer James Fitzsimmons had the Quincy Stables Playfellow, brother to Man o "War, on the track this morning and he worked a mile in 1:41. L. T. Bauer has taken over the two horses Old Timer and Ray L. for J. T. Looney and will race them for him. Mr. Looney plans several additions for a winter string. A new departure in the mutuels has been inaugurated this fall, two booths having been placed in the paddock to cater to the wants of horsemen, who previously were forced to walk some distance to the main pavillion. Two claims were filed the closing day at Havre de Grace in the last race as follows: Sam Louis took Camouflage from J. Crofton and C. Turner secured War Mask. Louis sold his selection to C. P. Winfrey the following day. Trainer Eugene Wayland and jockey Albert Johnson arrived from Chicago this morning more than pleased with the ovation extended Exterminator. The latter was shipped Sunday and is due at the Kilmer barn today. Jockey J. McTaggart left for Kenilworth Park and will ride for the Kenton Stable at at that point. Jockeys C. Turner and P. Walls, accom-ranied the J. K. L. Ross stable to Laurel. W. Bennet, in charge of the jockeys quarters here, reports that sixty-five- riders have been issued badges for this morning and the number will be augmented in a week or so by an influx from Canada. Trainer W. Irvine of the E. F. Whitney stable returned from the farm at Syosset, L. I., where he had gone to look over the yearlings purchased at Saratoga this summer. A surplus of 80.12 from claims the closing day of the last meeting has been added to the purses for the opening day.
