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MARKING TIME FOR DERBY Heaping Reward May Make 1937 Debut in Arlington Race. Good Workout of Ileelfly Increases Prestige of Three Ds Candidate All Box Seats Sold. ARLINGTON, Texas, April 15. With their final stiff preparations behind them and only-light "blow outs" remaining before they line up for Saturdays nine furlongs journey, Texas Derby eligibles rested at Arlington Downs today. Late yesterday, Mrs. T. Marshalls Brown Prodigy had his final work when he went nine furlongs in 1:55, and in the event of a muddy track he will take the place of Palan. Although trainer Robert McGarvey has not stated definitely that Reaping Reward will make his 1937 debut in the 5,000 added fixture, it is strongly believed that the son of Sickle will fill his engagement. McGarvey, at first, preferred not to rush the colt, but he has come along so famously in his preparation and, with indications for a well cushioned track, several in the know predict the winter, book favorite will add the Southwest feature to his triumphs, which include a renewal of the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes, United States Hotel Stakes, and New England Futurity. If the track remains fast Reaping Reward will be accompanied by Mars Shield, which McGarvey hopes will win a renewal of the famed Kentucky Oaks. Should muddy footing prevail. Military, which finished second in the Santa Anita Derby, will be called upon to complete a double for the Chicago-owned establishment, which furnished The Fighter, 1936 winner. IEEELFLYS STOCK SOARS. Since his work yesterday, Heelflys stock has soared so that his loyal backers would welcome an opportunity of him meeting Reaping Reward. Not in the history of local racing has a Texas Derby eligible turned in such a sparkling trial as that of the Waggoner Brothers colt and, should he run back to that effort, the track record of 1:50 for the mile and a furlong should be lowered. It will be the first time that he has been called upon to pick up 120 pounds, and his first attempt without blinkers, while Reaping Reward has handled his scale weight several times. Three Ds sent Liberty Limited and Stride-away after Kentucky Derby honors, but that was prior to the sport being legalized in this state. With todays Derby gossip centered chiefly on the Milky Way Farm eligibles and Heel-fly, there were many that did not agree with them. Dead Calms easy work the first of the week, and Robert Ls victory in the Trial Purse earned them many supporters. Dead Calms claim to fame comes from his second to Grey Count in the Louisiana Derby. Trainer J. R. Gregory states that bad racing luck prevented the son of Grand Ace from winning the New Orleans feature. EASTrORT CAN DO BETTER. Although he did not show so much in the Trial Purse, Eastport, according to trainer J. R. Brown, is capable of doing better. Gallant Eagle, also the property of Mrs. V. Wyse, Houston sportswoman, will fill his engagement and trainer Brown was scouting around for riders this morning. Tommy May is assured of an assignment, and in the event the Arkansas Racing Commission permits, Raymond Hightshoe will guide East-port. If not, Tommy Luther probably will have the leg up on the son of Swift and Sure. J. T. Withers III. has not fully decided about Tryanhurry, but it is believed she will not be under colors unless muddy footing prevails. Barring unforeseen mishaps. Sun Pilot will flaunt the colors of W. C. Stroube, Corsi-cana sportsman, and his addition leaves Dead Calm and the Milky Way Farm eligibles to represent the outlanders. With all the box scats sold, the reservations in the club house greater than ever before, a crowd that will equal or surpass the record turn-out present for Plights victory is expected. According to general manager Trav Daniel, only fair weather is needed to make the prediction come true.
