view raw text
MICHIGAN LAD BIG JUVENILE If Size Counts Johnny Pontius Has Star Two -Year-Old. Horsemen at Fair Grounds Marvel at Stature of Michigan Girls Brother Eyes Stakes Race. NEW ORLEANS, La., Feb. 20. If size counts for anything in thoroughbreds, Johnny Pontius, who is endeavoring to identify the state of Michigan with the naming of his racers, has a real comer in Michigan Lad, a full brother to Michigan Girl. It is a safe wager that there isnt a bigger or better looking two-year-old in winter racing than Michigan Lad, which is being pointed for the Liam T. MacCosgair Sweepstakes, scheduled for March 17 at the Fair Grounds here. Horsemen marveled at the looks and size of the bay son of Rire aux Larmes Omnipotent when he was brought into the paddock recently for schooling, and many who have seen the "baby" in private trials, predict that he will be a dangerous contender for the major honors in the only juvenile stake event arranged by the Louisiana Jockey Club this year. Two seasons ago Pontius cut a wide swath in local racing with Michigan Boy, which romped home in the Louisiana Derby of 1930, then gave a creditable performance in the Preakness after his departure from the Crescent City. Last year it was Michigan Girl that was the chief reliance of the Detroit sportsman, whose lone possession this year is Michigan Lad. The sister of the latter, now a four-year-old, was beaten three noses on the wire in the Derby of 1931, which is just about as good as a victory, save for the fact that Pontius could not collect the purse on the strength of the fine performance. However, Pontius hopes to bring back another Louisiana Derby winner in 1933, and to prove that Michigan Lad is of as high quality as his sister and half-brother, which preceded him, the Detroit turfman has designs on the juvenile event and trainer J. Butler is giving the youngster a special prep.
