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IMPROVEMENT AT DOWNS ♦ More Favorable Weather Friday for Training Operations. ♦ No Pretentions Work Indulged In — Boom Companion Recovers From Slight Indisposition. ♦ LOUISVILLE, Ivy., May 1.— Quite an improvement in track conditions was noted at Churchill Downs Friday morning, the course having dried considerably. The weather was likewise more favorable for training, the sun being out although there was a slight threat of rain, at one time during the morning. Despite the better state of the going no fast moves were accomplished by any of the Derby colts, their morning gallops being slow with nothing whatever approaching speedy moves. Many observers waited until quite late in the hopes Uiat Uuatrain would give an exhibition of speed over a long distance of ground it being regarded as work day for the Johnson Derby eligible. Quatrain failed to satisfy the rail birds as he only galloped once slowly around the track with the stable pony and returned to the barn. More can doubtless be looked for from this colt Saturday morning. Elsass was out for a three-quarters move which he negotiated easily in 1 :20%, the first half in :52%. Lee O. Cotner, in company with Bourbon Boy and Air Castle, the latter also being a Derby nominee, went a slow half mile in :54%. POL ROGER GOES A MILE. Pol Roger, from the Livingston Stable was the only Derby horse to be sent over any long distance and he went in company with Evelyn a mile in 1 :50. The two began at the three-quarters post and although they finished , together, Pol Roger gave evidence of being tired. Needle Gun and Borderland, whose training is highly satisfactory to their trainer, William Spiers, went five-eighths in :51% and 1:00% easily. Both these colts are shaping up well. Needle Gun, the larger of the two, is the freest worker although they finished on even terms in all their gallops. Ragtime went three-quarters mile in 1 :20 1 and Cupbearer galloped the same distance in i 1 :24. Abstract and Annihilator were timed for five-eighths in :51%, 1:05%, going quite i easily. Our General, Captain Hal and Brave Bob , all galloped once slowly around the trial track. Boon Companion has entirely recovered ■ from his slight indisposition of the day before and his trainer, well satisfied with his * condition, had him out for a gallop of one mile from which he showed no ill effects whatever after returning to the stable. He ! will likely work Saturday. SLOPPY AT DOUGLAS PARK. Over at Douglas Park the state of the track : was a surprise. Always the quickest of the two courses to dry out this track Friday however, was extremely sloppy. Mark Master, the International Stables Derby hope, was sent a half mile in 25% and 52 seconds. • This colt appears to be a well trained horse. He goes about his work in a satisfying manner " and while he has not grown a great deal since last year he has thickened out and is J abundantly muscled which indicates thorough " seasoning. Swingalong, according to trainer R. T. Watts, is in about the same condition as he was the day previously, although his temperature - is a trifle lower. Jockey Jimmy Burke, under contract to -, the E. B. Mel-iean stable, was an arrival from 1 Lexington, where he spent a day after leaving Havre de Grace. Earl Linnell, trainer for the Leslie Stable, may start Osprey in the Clark Handicap on a opening day. James Owenby, who is receiving applications - for stalls at the Aurora meeting, reports - that many well-known stables have decided - to send representatives. Included 1 among these will be some good horses. Owensby also announced that Harry Mor-rissey has been selected as starter and M. N. Macfarlan as racing secretary and for this meeting which opens June 4. The now stand which is being built at the upper end of the clubhouse grandstand will contain unreserved seats for holders of tickets to the clubhouse enclosure.
