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WISE DUKES DERBY STATUS Hector Three -Year-Old Will Not Be Rushed for Big Race by Trainer Sherrill Ward. LOUISVILLE, Ky., April 7. The Kentucky Derby status of H. H. Hectors Wise Duke, more or less a question, despite the fact that he has been ranked among the first thirty candidates on the strength of his juvenile record, was definitely established following a mile workout through slop at Churchill Downs, Monday. Wise Duke will be among those parading postward on May 2 only in the event he comes up to that race in stride, trainer Sherrill Ward announced. Otherwise he will be reserved for future engagements. Small but rugged, Wise Duke appears to have sufficient substance to undergo the ardors of the Derby preparation. Ward, however, does not intend to jeopardize his future by rushing him. This despite the fact that he regards his charge as a potential topsawyer and Hector "quite naturally is anxious to see his colors represented in Americas premier horse race." Under present plans, young Ward will limit the Wise Counsellor colts workouts to a mile. He points out that many sprinters have won Kentucky Derbys and holds to the theory that it is not necessary to drill horses beyond that in order to prepare them for route races. Wise Dukes trial Monday, tabbed in 1:53, was his third mile this spring. Although it was disappointing, his handler expressed the belief that this might have been due to the condition of the track. Wise Duke always has been considered an excellent mudder, but the track had formed a slight crust on the surface after an overnight floating, and the colt sprawled and skidded throughout his -prep. Other candidates were out for light gallops and will be called upon for more ambitious trials as soon as track conditions permit.
