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, ... Here and There on the Turf Santa Anita Has New Paddock Fred Purner Back on Job San Juan Raised in Importance Seabiscuit Frowns on Gansett .-4 Out of Arcadia, Calif., comes a letter from Fred A. Purner, and that can only mean that another winter season of racing at Santa Anita Park is close at hand. Last winter no letter was forthcoming from the former mausoleum salesman, because he had been lured away from Santa Anita by baseball, his original love, but he is back at the same old stand doing business as usual, which means he has something to tell us about the forthcoming meeting at the Los Angeles Turf Club course and the track itself. Being the modest, retiring type of person that he is, Purner would have you believe that Santa Anita Park is a very interesting subject upon which to elaborate, so therefore his task is a simple one. Well, Santa Anita and its racing is interesting, but that does not mean that Purners job is easy, although he unquestionably makes the most of his opportunity. During the year of Purners absence from Santa Anita, much has happened to the place, and the changes which have been made comprise the theme of his letter. He naturally would write about the substantial increase in stakes and purses to be offered horsemen during the fifth annual meeting at the Arcadia course, opening December 31 and lasting until March 11, but the racing public already is well acquainted with that fact. So, perhaps, of more interest is his information that considerable improvements have been made in the plant, not the least of which is a "covered saddling paddock fronting the full length of the walking ring, with ample facilities to the public to view the pre-race activities." This change undoubtedly was made in order to enable the public to enjoy this phase of the sport even though inclement weather may be prevailing. Other improvements at Santa Anita include additions to the building in which the clubhouse and turf club are located, but getting back to Purners memorandum of the increase in stakes and purses the 00,000 Santa Anita Handicap, as usual, is the piece de resistance. Next in order, but a first class attraction in its own right, is the 0,000 Santa Anita Derby. Third in importance is the San Juan Capistrano Handicap, which heretofore has just been another of the week-end features at the Arcadia course, but for its fifth running it; will be a 5,000 added affair at a mile and one-half, whereas formerly it was endowed with 0,000 and its distance was a mile and one furlong. The suggestion was made in this space shortly after its running last March that it be increased in distance and value to serve as a more worthwhile consolation to the 00,000 handicap, but the shrewd Charles Strub probably had the same idea. The remaining increases in the Santa Anita Stakes were made in the minor events, : the minimum value for which now will be 0,000 instead of half that amount. As usual there will be the races leading up to the big handicap, such as the San Antonio and San Carlos Handicaps at graduating distances, also the Santa Margarita Handicap for fillies and mares and the Santa Susana Stakes for three-year-old fillies. No three-furlong dash for two-year-olds is on the stakes program because the California breeders have decided against early racing of juveniles, but Santa Anita is catering to California-breds Continued on txcenty-seventhtpdge: js: HERE AND THERE ON THE TURF CConti7iued from second page. with two races for foals of 1936, the one at a mile and the second at a mile and a furlong. So, with such a stakes program, surrounded by purses worth ,500 and up. Santa Anita is giving our friend Purner much about which to pass on to the public. An almost foregone conclusion was the likelihood that Seabiscuit and War Admiral, once they met, would never oppose each other again. Narragansett Parks enterprising management has been very busy since the running of the Pimlico Special, prevailing upon Charles S. Howard to run the champion in the Rhode Island, already having been assured of War Admirals presence in the event. The Pawtucket course would elevate the purse from 0,000 to 5,000 to get both stars in the field, but the obstacles are too great. In the case of Seabiscuit, he is out for the money-winning title, already having gotten the championship as far as ability is concerned, and the Rhode Island event doesnt offer enough to get him over the top. And also, as far as he is concerned, although War Admiral similarly would be affected had he been the victor last Tuesday, Seabiscuit must take up an impost his connections dont wish to accept. There you have the reasons why the Rhode Island Handicap Saturday will draw a top-heavy field.
