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Here and There on the Turf The International Races. Value of Such Races. Maud Muller and the Astoria. Latonias Recent Ruling. This idea expressed by Colonel Matt Winn in regards to the International races is a good one. If it would be posible to induce others of the best English and French horses to come to this country in the fall it would add immensely to the interest in such contests. It is also well not to stop at three races. The greater number of contests, just so long as they . are real contests, the better. The greater number of localities in which these races are run the better. Such races as these do wonderful good for the turf. They are sporting features that have a tremendous appeal and they will bring to racing many who know little of racing. They are educational and will present racing at its best. The race between Harry F. Sinclairs Zev and Ben Irishs Epsom Derby winner Papyrus, at Belmont Park last fall, attracted thousands to the big Nassau county track, who had never before been on a race course. Of these thousands a greater proportion were so interested and thrilled by the sport that they have become devotees, while it is probable that not one of the first time visitors in that vast throng but went away with a new idea of the sport and just what it means to the American public. It should not be necessary, after all these years, to still have educational campaigns for the sport, but such is the case. To readers of Daily Racing Form and the devotees of the turf, of course, it is the biggest and the grandest of all sports and it is hard to understand that it is not the biggest and the grandest for all but as a matter of fact it is not our national sport. It should be, and it doubtless will be in time, but there must be a continual education of the sport-loving public to the delights and the thrills of thoroughbred contests. The meeting of champions from abroad with the best we are able to send against them is the biggest appeal that can be made. The fact that it is international is what gives it the appeal and it is that which will draw the best patronage. New York and Cincinnati will have their opportunity to witness these races that are already arranged for the fall, but how much better it would be if Louisville, Baltimore. Washington, Philadelphia and Wilmington had the same opportunity. Naturally the races will attract those from cities far away from the scene of contest, but they will not attract the holiday seeker who would be on hand if it did not entail a railroad journey. Churchill Downs has already been promised a sight of the races, provided others besides Epinard are induced to come to this country. Would it not be well to have both the Maryland Jockey Club at Baltimore and the Maryland State Fair Association at Laurel, show Maryland, Pennsylvania, the District of Columbia, Virginia rnd all that excellent turf section the same sort of contests? H. P. Whitneys Maud Muller, by her victory in the Clover Stakes, at Aqueduct, looms up as the natural choice for the Astoria Stakes, the filly fixture that is one of the features of the Queens County Jockey Club for the Fourth of July racing. The daughter of Pennant and Truly Rural will have to take up a penalty in this sporting feature, but she carried her penalty so easily in the Clover Stakes she will be able to give away the weight. The Astoria is a five-eighths dash and was first run in 1902, when it was won by J. G. Follaas- bees good filly Astarita. It is an inheritance from the old Brooklyn Jockey Club and was first run at Gravesend. The roster of winners contains the names of several particularly good ones and the H. P. Whitney stable has triumphed twice when Panoply, carrying 122 pounds, the greatest weight that has been carried to victory, was first in 1919 and Crocus won the following year, under 122 pounds. Incidentally Panoply holds two records for the stake, for in addition to having carried the greatest weight successfully she established the time mark for the race when she covered the five eighths in 58 seconds. Some of the other notable winners of the Astoria Stakes have been Ocean Tide, Chrysitis, Sue Smith, Ocean Bound, Bashti, Pixy, Ploione, Terentia, My Reverie, Suweep and Fluvanna. It is always to be regretted when it becomes necessary for trainers, jockeys or horses to be banished from racing, but it is only such gov- eminent of the sport that keeps it above reproach. The Latonia stewards found themselves called upon to take extreme action against a trainer, jockey and the horses under the care of the trainer and the action was prompt. This punishment, which is an indef inite suspension and a recommendation that the licenses of both the trainer and the jockey be revoked, was only taken after a searching investigation, in which the accused were afforded an opportunity to defend themselves against the charges on which they were convicted. That is as it should be. Stewards are to be commended when they eonduct a fair and impartial trial and doubly to be commended when the punishment is swift and sure. Such action is bound to have a salutary effect, and it does much to maintain the confidence of the public, which is so essential at all times. Kentucky will not be permitted to walk away with the Latonia Derby without a stiff battle with invaders from New York, according to the announced plans of several of the trainers. S. C. Hildreth is more than ever convinced that he has the champion in Mad Play, after the brilliant victory of the Ran-cocas Stable colt in the Belmont Stakes, and only an accident can prevent his being at the post. Bracadale will be his other choice for the race and he cannot see any chance for either of them being beaten by Black Gold, as they were in the Kentucky Derby. The race run by Mr. Mutt in that same Belmont Stakes vindicated the contention of trainer Gordon that H. C. Fishers candidate is a good colt, and he will be rarely suited at a mile and a half. He is another that will make the invasion. John E. Madden has promised that Polo Ground will be on hand. This one has been training satisfactorily for the big race. There is a doubt whether Klon-dyke will be sent west, but if the Whitney stable is to be represented he will be the choice.
