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I I AUSPICIOUS DEBUT Crystal Ford Scores in First Start at Mexican Track. Defeats Bastille and Other Fast Ones Harry D.s First Reverse in Five Starts. SAN DIEGO, Cal., December 17. The Clifton Stable made an auspicious debut at Tijuana Saturday when their Crystal Ford was home first in the Long Beach Eiks Handicap at three-quarters mile over a good band of sprinters, which included J. K. L. Ross thoroughbred Bastille, Tailor Maid and ethers. Before the race there was some doubt in the minds of the people whether or not Crystal Ford was fit and ready to win. All doubt, however, was set aside at the finish as trainer G. Mayberry demonstrated that Crystal Ford had been well prepared. The son of Clifford and Glimmerglass was fleet of foot today and, finding a track he relished, he quickly raced Coca Cola into defea.t and, by the time the far turn was reached, his shapely head showed in front and there it remained, although repeatedly challenged, until after the judge had dropped his official number. The finish was indeed a spirited one, with Ralls on Crystal Ford riding his hardest to stall off the determined challenge of Tailor Maid. That mare pressed him hardest during the run through the stretch and a trifie less energetic ride by Ralls would have cost Crystal Ford the victory. Rajah finished a gocd third. The disappointment of the race was the downfall of the favorite Bastille, who sportfd the colors for the first time of Commander J. K. L. Ross, the widely-known Canadian sportsman and breeder. Bastille seemed to be woefully shy of early speed and during the early running trailed the field. When the stretch was reached he managed to make up some ground. This race may bring him to form. WEATHER MUCH IMPROVED. In striking contrast to the past few days, the weather took a turn for the better and the gloomy skies, which have been in evidence, gave way to bright sunshine and languid warmth. This had a tendency to bring out a crowd of good proportions and this was augmented by 500 members of the Long Beach lodge of Elks. The "Bills" are here for a two-day visit to the track and the handicap run Saturday was in their Honor. Over a track which was extremely hea.vy and holding the contests in the majority were such as to arouse the spectators to the highest pitch of enthusiasm. No finish, barring the second race, was wider than three-quarters of a length, with five of them being necks or heads. Dr. Stevenson jolted the talent in the opener by taking the measure of Phyllis IC by a scant margin. The winner paid the handsome returns of better than 10 to 1. Hazel Dale, from the C. B. Irwin barn, was again played into strong favoritism, but her legs again failed her and, after showing her usual speed, she faltered badly and the finisn saw her out of the money. DOLrn BEATS JUDGE DAVID. The longest race of the season to date was the third at one and an eighth miles and in this jockey Ralls scored with the favorite Dolph. Judge David elected to set the pace and held sway until the turn for home, where Dolph took up the running and in a strong finish was triumphant by the best part of a length. Judge David held on to the place, while Gen. Byng, the extreme outsider, took the small end of the purse. A tardy beginning spelled defeat for the favorite in the fourth race at five and a half furlongs. Here Corncutter managed to out-game Sherman A. by a neck, while the latter had his troubles in saving second place from It. In all probabilities had the latter been away on even terms with the leadera the decision would have been in his favor. As it was he made up much ground and was wearing the leaders down with every stride. Harry D. in the sixth, a dash of five and a half furlongs, came within a short head of making it five victories in a row. He was downed in the final stride by his youthful opponent Silk Sox, which caught him only after a terrific drive. Count Boris was a driving third. This was the third success for Silk Sox in live starts. Jockey W. Pool paid his first visit to the track Saturday since his operation for appendicitis. The lad looked the picture of health and the physicians in charge have marvfTel at his speedy recovery. Pool stated tliat he intends riding again by Chirstmas day, if not sooner. Charley Primrose, telegraphing from New Orleans, reports that many good stables have signified their intentions of shipping to Tijuana upon the close of the Crescent City meetings. His wire contained many entries for the stakes which closed Saturday.
