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CALCUTTA SURPRISES Scores at Long Odds in Principal Race at Fair Grounds. - Favorite Absolutely Last Close Finishes Make Up for Ordinary Program Offered. NEW ORLEANS, La., Feb. 20. The sudden drop in temperature, coupled with an ordinary racing1 offering, caused a falling off in attendance at the Fair Grounds, and likewise decreased betting activities, only thirty-two layers, the smallest number that has operated at this meeting, quoting prices. A claiming handicap at three-quarters, was the stellar offering and it was productive of surprise, the favorite, Triumph, finishing last and the extreme outsider, Calcutta, winning handily. There were five starters and Calcutta showed the way from the start to win handily from James F. OHara, with Ducky in third place. Calcutta was away fast and Corcoran hustled him into a good lead at the outset. He held on well and outstayed his challengers. His showing this afternoon was more in line with the good performances he displayed hero last year and vastly improved over the racing he has been doing previously at this meeting. Triumph has always been regarded as a notional performer and his dull race was not unexpected by the close observers. That he was held at such a short price was freely commented on. Close finishes were again the rule in most of the dashes and good sport was the order, even though the fields comprised lowly starters. JACKSONS LUCKY VICTORY. Several of the winners were lucky to win their purses. A noticeable instance of this was in the case of "V. J. Salmons Jackson, victor of the second race. His success was by a matter of inches and due to Midnight Follies swerving out in the last two strides, which enabled Parke to bring Jackson up in the last stride. Midnight Follies had been the leader from the start, with Jackon forced to work hi;s way forward steadily, but it did not appear possible that ho-would get up, though he was responsive to Parkes strong riding. It was only when Midnight Follies bore out a trifle and carried Fehrah out also that Jackson got up. The trio of placed ones were noses apart, and the spectators were unaware which was winner until the judges made their award. Another thrilling finish came in the fourth race, when Scare Crow, Six Ience and Rupee terminated the race noses apart It was again doubtful which had won and the spectators were forced to await decision of the judges as to the result. Scare Crow was an outsider and came with a strong burst of speed in the last twenty yards to get up and head Six Pence, which had been the leader until the last stride. The opener was a two-year-old dash, fourteen juveniles taking part. As a contest it did not amount to much. Alex Woodliffe, an outstanding favorite, got home in front with easo over Belle IT. and Trigger. Flavia was given a bungling ride and most of the other starters did not call fprmuch, with tho possible exception of Socrates," a first-time starter. He raced fairly well. The first five raced a straight course, but the others were all over the track., ANOTHER FOR REPEATER Repeater continues to carry on. He accounted for another purse when he beat Soviet and Frank Monroe in the fifth race. Parke rode him with good judgment and it contributed in his success. There was considerable action for Al Stcbler in the race. Ho performed in dull style, much below his showing of a preceding start when disqualified for fouling Kent L. Quesada, a neglected one, accounted for the sixth race and in winning, upset plans for a coup with Huonoc. The latter finished in second place after having closed an immense gap in the last quarter. The lightly weighted Tight was much the best of the others and took the shorter portion of the purse. The concluding dash found Old Faithful the victor from ordinary and older performers. Their infirmities were pronounced going to the post, but they raced well considering the soreness they showed. Our Birthday looked tho winner when rounding into the stretch, but he tired and it enabled Old Faithful to pass him. Pelo Foy camo within a neck of getting second place.
