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OMAHA OFFICERS OPTIMISTIC Predict Ak-Sar-Ben Meeting Will Create New Records. Plenty of Handicap Horses and Juveniles on Grounds — Good Weather Proves Boon to Trainers. OMAHA, Neb., May 27.— Under the personal direction of W. H. Schellberg, chairman of the racing commission and J. J. Isaacson, manager of activities, final details were completed and it was generally conceded the meeting this year would surpass any since racing was instituted at the beautiful Ak-Sar-Ben course. The sport at the local track has improved each season to such proportions that the most prominent stables of this region are clamoring to participate. Not only are the handicap ranks well represented, but the two-year-old brigade comprises many youngsters that will play an important part in the fixtures fashioned for them during the twenty-eight day session. With the exception of quarters reserved for several stables yet to arrive from various points, every stall is filled and James Ronin, track superintendent stated this morning that he might be forced to turn down applications for several hundred stalls. IDEAL WEATHER The summer-like weather which has prevailed has enabled the trainers to indulge their charges in work without cessation, and ■ the training periods have been long and busy I ones. That the performerse are ready for competition was attested by the manner in j which the opening days program filled. The better grade performers will be given j plenty of opportunity to add to their laurels, conditions providing them with events that Continued on thirty-fourth page. | i OMAHA OFFICERS OPTIMISTIC Continued from first page. will suit them best. The first of the important fixtures will have its decision opening day when the Inaugural Handicap brings together the best of the three-year-olds and older in a test of five and one-half furlongs. The Memorial Handicap for three-year-olds and older will be renewed Monday, May 30. W. H. Schellberg, chairman of racing has surrounded himself with a capable body of officials of which Ben Holmes will be the presiding steward. Holmes, will have Judge A. J. Heffernan for an associate, while Clifford Sanford, Harvey Foster and John L. Watkins will serve as placing judges. C. B. Mailman, who has officiated as paddock and patrol judge for a number of years at Ak-Sar-Ben will fill the same job this season. Noel Chilcutt an up and coming youngster whose work as starter at Agua Caliente scintillated, will dispatch the fields, while Edward Galvin rounds out the list of officials serving in the capacity of patrol judge and entry clerk. EXCELLENT RIDING COLONY The largest and most expert jockey colony that has ever been seen at Ak-Sar-Ben will be on hand to guide the various performers in their engagements. It is expected there will be no less than fifty saddle artists on hand to accept mounts. Of riders who have signified their intentions of remaining for the Ak-Sar-Ben meeting, include: Jockeys Ned Merritt, R. Hightshoe, L. Josephson, J. Scurlock, Kenneth Watson, Eddie DePrang, D. Barnett, A. Barnett, Steve Holecko, H. Colberg, C. Shindle, F. j Atkinson, S. Snodgrass, W. Losce, W. Stark, A. Gunari, R. Camp, H. Kees and apprentices James Ashcroft and Norman Frasch. L. M. Walger, Jr., who has been on the grounds several days attended to the final j details in the "tote" department, and has I his crew assembled for opening day. Sev- j eral new machines have been added to the "tote" which should easily take care of the patrons, and should avoid any one from getting shut out. 1 All starts during the meeting will be out of the Bahr starting gate, which has been set up for several days for the schooling of the horses on the grounds. Entries will close at 10:30 each morning with 9 a. m. being the deadline for scratches and changes. Post time for the first race will be 2:15 p. m.
