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I ] t I r | ; ] j | I j . | REGARD DERBY "OPEN" RACE Tick On Not Considered a "Standout" Despite Being a Pronounced Choice for Kentucky Classic. LOUISVILLE, Ky., May 3— Although Tick On rules a pronounced choice for the Derby, horsemen, experts and enthusiasts look upon the race as the most open since 1927, the year Whiskery, Osmand and Jock finished first, second and third, as named, with an even dozen others in their wake. Favorites frequently are beaten in the classic and, while Tick On may prove the winner, general impression is that he is far from a "standout," and that the race will prove one of themost hard fought in the record of the classic. Tick Ons Derby prestige was somewhat dimmed when he failed to triumph in his first and only start this season, but his trainer, Max Hirsch, and camp followers, satisfied that his defeat by Springsteel at Havre de Grace was a rank fluke, believe that the son of On Watch and Sox is just as solid a Derby favorite as were Gallant Fox, Reigh Count, Bubbling Over and other popular choices successful in the great race. Aside from the participation of some of the western eligibles in the Preparation Purse, short trials designed as "openers" or "blowouts" for their final distance workouts tomorrow by Brother Joe, Burgoo King and Cathop marked the only activity on the part of hopefuls today. Trainer H. J. Thompson sent the Bradley candidates a half-mile in company, and trainer J. T. Taylor put Cathop through a trial at a like distance. The Bradley pair breezed in :48%, and the Eastman colt, hard held throughout, was timed in :51%. In addition to Burgoo King, Brother Joe and Cathop, other of the classic hopefuls, will be set down for long, hard trials tomorrow. The last work of consequence will take place Thursday when those of the eastern and western candidates not severely indulged tomorrow will come in for final important preparatory gallops. Preparations for the big Derby day crowd of visitors again had the attention of Col. M. J. Winn and his associates in Churchill Downs today. Reservations have been selling at a pace equal to that of last year, and only a limited number of boxes and reserved box and mezzanine seats remain unsold. These should be disposed of before Saturday. With a sellout of reserved seats and- boxes only the general admission sales must hold up for Saturdays attendance to equal that of 1931.
