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BELMONT _ STAKES JOl TODAY y w Seven Selected to Battle for 0,000 Turf Prize ♦ Blue Larkspur and Jack High Vie for Popular Favor — Dr. Freeland Held to Be Dangerous at the Distance 1 NEW YORK, N. Y., June 7.— Unless there should be added starters, which is e» tiemely unlikely, the historic old Belmont Stakes will be contested for by seven three-year-olds. This great stake, at a mile and a half, to which 25,000 is added by the Westchester Racing Association, will have a gross value of 4,940 should all seven go to the post, with a net value of 2,400 to the winner. Possibly never since the first running of the famous old prize, way back iu 1872, when Joe Daniels triumphed, has there been a better chance for a great contest. Too often, by the time of the running of the Belmont Stakes, there is soma certain three-year-old that stands so far out over his fellows that the chance for a good contest is ruined, but such is not the case this year. The running of the Withers, when Blue Larkspur, Chestnut Oak and Jack High furnished such a thrilling battle, told of how close together they are in the matter of quality. Chestnut Oak is not to race in the Belmont Stakes, John Loftus being convinced that the mile and a half was too far to ask the son of Apprehension to run against such colts as Blue Larkspur and Jack High, but the other two are engaged and much of the interest centers about their meeting. Since the running of the Withers both of these colts have shown exceedingly ast trials over the mile and a half route and on that private showing there is little to choose between them, but it is inevitable that Blue Larkspur will have the call over Mr. Widen-ers colt before post time. The manner in which he closed ground in the Withers while Jack High was tiring at the end gives reason for this assurance. But it must be remembered that the Withers was a phenomenally fast run race and there will be no such pace maintained in the running of the Belmont. Jack High is well able to gallop a mile and a half, and with the natural pace, for such a gallop it is promised that he will be a strong good colt for the final trying furlong. Then W. J. Healy is going to send two out for the prize that have a known liking for the route. These are Walter J. Salmons Preakness winner. Dr. Freeland, and Richard T. Wilsons African, which finished third in the same running. Dr. Freeland raced in the Withers, but the mile is not far enough for him to show at his best advantage. Both of these colts are fit and ready for the question. The H. P. Whitney silks will be carried by Beacon Hill and there have been some races of this son of Broomstick and Yankee Maid that would recommend him, though his general form does not put him with Blue Larkspur and Jack High. Willis Sharpe Kilmers Sun Hatter is moving up a bit when he is named for the Belmont, but he is a natural stayer, and Andy . Blakely has given him a careful preparation for the running. Then there is another son of Sun Briar that will be seen under silks in Mr. K. E. Hitts Sunvir. This fellow, like Sun Hatter, is shooting high when pitted against the Belmont field, but he will not be without supporters who know something of his staying quality.
