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DERBY SITUATION STILL PUZZLING Public at Sea Oyer Probable Starters in Saturdays Famous Race- E. R. Bradley to Be Represented— Wbitney- Greentree Stable Combination Favorite LOUISVILLE. Ky., May 17. —The last twenty-four hours has brought no changes in the probable Derby line-up and the puzzle that has beset turfdom seeking a true line on the tield of starters is still far from a solution. The truth of the matter is that most of the owners are still undecided. Some are depending for guidance on track conditions; others are in quest of capable jockeys. The securing of a good rider will be a factor in the decision to start. Of course, there are many more than in previous years who have already reached a decision to to represented in the Derby and try for the rich prize and honor? that go with a victory in the much coveted race. They have carefully buildrd their plans; have their riders engaged, and rain or shine, fast track or slow, will send their charges to the post. Just now the prospective plans of trainer James Rowe with respect to the Harry Payne Whitney eligibles and those of Mrs. Payne Whitney are an absorbing topic. The Whitney color bearers are certain to rule favorites, if only through preponderance of numbers, for Rowe has seven eligibles in the race and undoubtedly will send at least four to the post. What horses will be entrusted to carry the silks of the dual establishment is a question that has aroused considerable curiosity. Those who profess to know aver that Enchantment. Rialto, Chickvale, Picketer and Cherry Pie will eventually answer the question. Trainer Rowe is still in quest of another rider to the four he already has to choose from. His crop of riders comprise McAtee, Penman, Coitiletti and Thomas. Definite announcement was made this afternoon that E. R. Bradley would have a starter in the race. His representative will be Bright Tomorrow. Lyke will have the mount on him. His decision to be represented eliminates the prospect for release of three capable riders in Lyke. Ponce and Wilson, who would be available to other owners for the race. The Kentucky rating rules do not permit of a jockey riding in a race against his contract employer. Wilson, Ponce and Lyke were rn.uch in demand by owners of colts that have been considered principal contenders. With this trio of riders eliminated trainer Preston Burch at once went about securing C. Robinson as the pilot for his horse and that jockey will arrive tonight. The question of a rider for Vigil, winner of the Preakness Stakes, was also settled during the afternoon by confirmation from trainer Thomas J. Heiey that B. Marinelli. who rode him in the Pimlieo race, woidd come here to pilot him. J. Butwell, the contract rider for W. J. Salmon, had been figured on as the rider of Vigil next Saturday. Crowds continued arriving during the day and the congestion is not expected to reach its peak until tomorrow. The visitors are from every section of the country. Some are here for the first time, others are making their annual pilgrimages. The cccksureness of former years with respect to the probable winner of the Der.;y is missing this year. The visitors are groping. They are lacking in information in regard to the complete field, formerly at this time fully established. Of course, there are many who volunteer infoimation that BO and so will be the victor. Much of this is mere of the sentimental order than firm belief in the prediction. One of the problems confronting the r a i 1-road people here is where to park all tlM Pullman cars that will bring the crowds and take them away. J. S. Cosdens pair. Martingale and Golden Rule, are certain starters. C. Kummer will have the mount on the former and C. Lang will oe astride Goluen Rule. FINAL DKUBY TKIALS. Quite a number of meritorious Derby trials were witnessed this morning over a slow and rapidly drying out track. Following are the works of Derby eligibles: M1I3 and a Quarter. Prince K 2:11% Kright Tomorrow. 2:12% The Clown 2:10% Kile and an Eighth. Calcutta :.:0O Wida i:r,n Barbary Bush and Flagstaff were the only ones galloped from the stable of James Rowe. They worked together a half mile in 48% handily. In Memoriam was given his final Derby trial this afternoon and covered the mile and a quarter in 2:0S%. Miss Claire Joined him in the last half mile. The colt finished well, but was doing his best for the entire distance. Vigil brought attention to himself during the afternoon when he covered the mile and a quarter distance in 1 :08% in an impressive manner, being eased up some near the end. lie traveled at a fast pace from the start, the fractional time being as follows: Quarter 2.T%, half 48, three-quarters 1:14, mile 1 :10r. and mile and a quarter 2:0,8-.-,. The track had dried out considerably when he worked between the second and third races. Picketer was sent the Derby distance :n 2:09% also during the afternoon, and General Thatcher, following the fourth race, went the mile and a quarter in 2:10%. The fractional time of the latter was as follows : 21%. 49%, 1:15%, 1:42%. He was joined by Apricot in the last three-quarters. General Thatcher seemed to have more in reserve at the finish.
