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GOLDEN GATE A GOOD CONTEST Crack Band to Compete Today in Headliner at Tanforan. Olimpo, Lavengro, Mr. Blaze, High Vote and Polvos Prince Among the Eligibles. SAN BRUNO, Calif., Dec. 2. Seven speedy thoroughbreds will battle a heavy or muddy track in the Golden Gate Handicap, feature race at Tanforan Saturday afternoon. Of the original nomination list of nine, two, First Kiss and Time Flight, were withdrawn, leaving the top weight, Mr. Blaze, the C. S. Howard entry of Advocator and Indiantown, the South American, Olimpo, the fine slow-track horses, Polvos Prince and High Vote, and the unproven mudder, Lavengro, in the field. Despite the small band, the Golden Gate should be a good contest, as the majority of the entrants are mud runners par excellence. Indiantown, for instance, is rated superior in the going, Polvos Prince and High Vote improving at least 25 per cent when the going is difficult, while Mr. Blaze is tops on an off track. Advocator also likes it, while Olimpo, although he has not been tried in the "goo" in this country, is reported to be able and capable of holding his own. LAVENGRO FINE SPRINTER. Lavengro, from the Norman W. Church stable, is rated a fine sprinter, but he has yet to demonstrate his ability as a first class mud runner. The colts chief claim to fame is a victory over Lawrin at Miami last season. Lavengro tried out over the track Friday morning and his move was deemed satisfactory enough to his trainer to warrant starting him. First Kiss and Time Flight were withdrawn because of track conditions. They would have been dangerous over a fast racing strip. Polvos Prince, chief bread-winner for the W. J. Potter stable for the past couple of years and a mighty sharp horse at present, will be making his bid for two purses in three days. He was a winner Thursday, running six furlongs over a difficult track in 1:14. He is the light weight of the race. He is by Polvo, which was also raced by owner Potter. Polvo was a topnotch mud runner. But three riders have been named in the Golden Gate. Richardson will be aboard Olimpo. W. Leishman will be on Mr. Blaze, and Silvio Coucci will pilot Lavengro. Mr. Blaze, which, despite his top poundage, may be the favorite in the Golden Gate, has won on New England, Detroit, Chicago and ;Caliente tracks this season. He clicked in the Inaugural Handicap at Caliente Thanksgiving Day, and was so good that his owner decided to branch out and meet better opposition. The Golden Gate Handicap is at six furlongs, for a purse of ,000 added, and will come seventh on an eight-race bill. The first race, as usual, will go to the post at 1:30.
