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DERBY DAY FOR ST. LOUIS NAISHAPUR FAVORITE ♦ Outstanding Choice for Fairmount Derby to Be Run Today — Karl Eitel and Minotaur Dangerous Rivals ♦ COLLINSVILLE, 111., May 31.— The fourth renewal of the Fairmount Derby finds this section highly interested in the impending meeting of Naishapur, Karl Eitel and Minotaur, a trio of three-year-old stalwarts worthy to do battle with Blue Larkspur, Clyde Van Dusen and Dr. Freeland, respective winners of the outstanding three-year-old fixtures so far decided in Kentucky, Maryland and New York. While six are carded to engage in the 5,000 added mile and a quarter race that features Fairmount Parks meeting of thirty-seven days, the interest in the above first named trio overshadows that of the other probable starters by far and the contest is held to be strictly between them. The California-owned Naishapur has the betting call and is justly installed a popular favorite. He is entitled to the rank by his sterling achievements of winning the Tia-juana Derby, his second to Golden Prince in the rich Coffroth Handicap and his second to Clyde Van Dusen in the Kentucky Derby. In Saturdays start he will attempt to concede five pounds to Minotaur and eight pounds to Karl Eitel. In some quarters there is a disposition to doubt his ability to do so. Naishapur has been at the course since Tuesday, but this morning was the first time that he was put to a preliminary training test. He was only sent three-quarters and accomplished the distance in 1 :15% in the easiest manner possible. The first quarter in :23% indicated he had all his speed. Jockey C. E. Allen, who rode him in the trial, toott him well in hand after the first quarter and he cantered to the half in :49 and was easing before concluding the three-quarters. Minotaur reached the track from Chicago by van. His trip here was a tedious one and he was unloaded at the course somewhat the worse for wear. This is said to have been due to neglect on the part of his caretaker. He was on the track for a limbering up exercise and galloped half a mile in :53 with utmost ease. Karl Eitel reached here this morning and is apparently in the best form that his handlers could bring him to. Taking former Derby days here as his standard, general manager C. Bruce Head has planned extensively for the comfort of the immense crowd that will be on hand. All reservations have been disposed of and St. Louis society evidently intends a gala occasion, judging by the numerous luncheon parties that are to be taken care of in the spacious club house dining rooms. The club house boxes have been sold out for some time and hundreds more, without a doubt, could have been disposed of. «
