view raw text
MAGNiHCENT crowd Friday the Thirteenth Brings Out Big Gathering at Hawthorne. Croupier Beats Honolulu Boy in Feature Attraction War Pennant Races Like of Old. The fact that it was Friday the thirteenth did not deter another crowd of magnificent proportions from journeying to Hawthorne. "With, only one more days racing here" the crowd was determined to see as much of the sport as possible, and no superstitious numbsr could influence them to stay away. Xcr did that number thirteen instill any fear in those who found enjoyment in selecting the probable winners. This was reflected in the victories of favorites in a majority of the races. Clear, bright weather, with just a tinge of biting October air to remind one that the winter days are not far distant, greeted racegoers at Hawthorne Friday. The track had improved considerably, but was still slow and there is little prospect of change for the final days racing this afternoon. The main attraction of the afternoon was a mile and a sixteenth contest, run as the fifth race. The field numbered five, but they wore among the best horses at the track. The iwiblic installed Croupier favorite, although Honolulu Boy did not lack admirers. The speedy Grayssian was the first to show in front after the field got away to a perfect start. He set a good pace to the far turn, with Croupier in nearest pursuit and under restraint. Passing the far turn Trombley sent Croupier to the front and the Keisel gelding found little trouble remaining there. Grays-f.ian held on gamely to save second place from the fast-saining Honolulu Boy. The latter met with considerable interference and a slow start. Once in his stride he gained rapidly and finished a close-up third. Fincastle showed early speed, then faded from the picture when the real racing began. OPEXEIt TO BILL HEAD. Fridays program was opened with a dash of five and -a half furlongs under claiming conditions, which brought a field of seven starters to the post and resulted in a victory for .1. II. McCools Bill Head. He was ridden by Jl. S. Jones and, coming from far behind, earned the verdict in a close finish. Cleopatra Boy, with the good colored rider, C. Disunion, in the saddle, made a brilliant finish and would have won in another stride. Stylish Miss, away absolutely last, closed a wide gap on the stretch turn and finished a fast gaining third. Bed Chief showed several bursts of speed, but was unable to get up in the real going at any stage of the race. Vansylvia, the public choice in this race, was well up for three-qaulters, butoffered no serious competition from there on. Mose Goldblatts Broomstick gelding Whippet finally made good today. In his four previous starts here he has finished second three times and third once. This afternoon he was a warm favorite and rewarded his backers by scoring in decisive style. Away quickly he sprinted into the lead and after relinquishing it briefly at the half-mile post came again and rushing to the front easily held sway the remainder of the way. Don .lose was second, gamely outstaying Dancing Girl in a hot finish. Flycast displayed great early speed, then dropped back to last position. TRACK SUITS WAR PEXXAXT. War Pennant, a great race horse in his younger days, looked more like his old self yesterday in the third race when he led from start to finish to win by a safe margin. Bidden by A. Bichcreek and finding the going suitable for his unsound legs War Pennant appeared to take delight in showing the way to his less aristocratic rivals. On he sped through the soft going and to the experienced eye it was easily discernablc that the old fellow had much in reserve. He led home It by a length and a half, with Bonero Blue a long way back in third place. De Land, the favorite, ran poorly after a brief display of speed. W. C. Weants Xenette was the favored one in the fourth race, a dash of three-quarters. The daughter of Ivan the Terrible did not disappoint her many admirers. After indulging Bivulet with the lead for a half Xenette quickly mo.ved to the front and under Kederis skillful riding maintained a slight advantage under restraint until well in the stretch. When called on she easily drew clear and had a margin of a length and a half as she passed the winning line. Caval-cadour II. ran a splendid race, closing up considerable ground in the stretch and outgam-ing Rivulet for second money. The latter tired badly after strenuous but unavailing pursuit of the winner in the early stages. The final contest of the afternoon was at a mile and three-sixteenths and it provided a surprise in Fibs-Boodle leading all the way to win never seriously menaced. Our Betsy was second, a half length in advance of Miss Prosperity, while the favorite, Buckboard, failed badly. Honolulu Boy was claimed by S. Jones for ,500 after being beaten in the fifth race. C. Dishmon and R. Bolton will go to Toledo after this meeting; C. Xeely will take X. K. Beal to Huntington, W. Va for the racing beginning there next Monday.