view raw text
FORT ERIE OPENS TODAY Hotel Statler Handicap the Stellar Attraction of the Excellent Inaugural Program. PORT EHIE, Ont.. June IS.— After a two-day intermission, in which racing came to a standstill on the Ontario circuit of the Canadian Bacing Association, the Niagara Pacing Association will throw open its gates tomorrow for the spring meeting of seven days duration and what promises to be a , banner meeting is in store for lovers of the thoroughbreds. Horses have been arriving here steadily for the past two days from various parts of the country, with the biggest majority coming direct from Hamilton, while several carloads arrived from Toronto and Aurora, 111. The manner in which the card filled for the opening day gives racing devotees an excellent idea of the class of horses that will be seen during the meeting and the response from the horse owners will give proof that there will be no shortage of racing material to fill the remaining days programs. Featuring the card for the first day is the Statler Hotel Handicap with ,000 added, in which no less than nine have been named overnight, and the Genesee Purse, a three-quarters dash. These two races bring together some of the best performers striving for honors. The Statler Hotel Handicap attracted the pick of the handicap division with the possible exception of Kdisto, which may not be seen under colors again until the Saratoga meeting. Joy Smoke has been assigned top weight of 128 pounds. Next comes the winner of the Hamilton Derby, with 10! pounds, and Golden Billows. 108. The remaining six have been assigned lighter imposts, raging from 103 down to 00 pounds. Details for the opening have been going forward for the past month and everything • has been put in tip-top shape. The plant pre-I sents a picturesque appearance. Every com-| fort for patrons has been carefully attended to. The track proper has withstood the heavy rains in good manner and with prospects of coming good weather the course should be at its best. Field betting as inaugurated last year will be eliminated, each horse running as an individual starter.
