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BLUE GRASS STAKES PROSPECT Keeneland Feature May Determine Western Favorite for Derby. Small Field Likely to Start in Au Revoir Feature of Meeting Trainer Gaver Preparing Trio. LEXINGTON, Ky., April 17 Although indications point to a small field for the ,000 added Blue Grass Stakes to be renewed as the feature of Keenelands closing day program on Thursday, April 27, the race has possibilities of bringing out the western favorites for the Kentucky Derby. John M. Gaver, trainer of the main division of Mrs. Helen Hay Whitneys Greentree Stable, has not decided what three-year-olds will represent his stable, but has intimated that he might have three starters. Roll and Toss, winner of the Crestwood Purse on opening day, appears to be a certain starter and Third Degree and Hash have been training in fine style. Third Degree was one of the leading juveniles lasc year and although his record surpasses that of Hash, the latter has turned in the most brilliant trial of the local training season. Among those expected to oppose this trio are Valdina Farms Viscounty; Valley Grey Farms Total Eclipse; C. H. Clearys Calex-ico; Reidinger Brothers Detector, and Hal Price Headleys Atatime. Viscounty was a good second to Roll and Toss and considering it was his first effort of the year, the son of The Porter is expected to show improvement. Calexico turned in a good game effort to win the Stony Point Purse last Saturday and trainer Cliff Porter stated today, that the son of Chicle is a certain starter. Atatime showed little in his only start and Total Eclipse will make his seasons bow j in the near future. BUSY TRAINING DAY. Yesterday and today were busy ones for Blue Grass Stakes and Kentucky Derby eligibles and despite the muddy track, there were several splendid trials. Calexico turned in the most sparkling move when he worked a mile in 1:42 handily. He was timed the half mile in :49 and six furlongs in 1:16. He is eligible to both races. Yale o Nine, Decatur and Opelika, which are not eligible to the Blue Grass Stakes, advanced another step in their Derby preparation. Yale o Nine breezed six furlongs in 1:20 and Decatur and Opelika were limited to three furlongs spins. Decatur ran the distance in :37 and Opelika in :38. Hash breezed a slow mile in 1:49 and Viscounty went the same distance in 1:47. i He was timed six furlongs in 1:20. Detector breezed a half mile in :52. Third Degree, Roll and Toss and Total Eclipse, all of which are eligible to both races, had their drills Sunday. Third Degree was sent nine furlongs, the Blue Grass Stakes distance, and he negotiated the route in 1:58. His fractions were :24, :50, 1:16- and 1:44. Roll and Toss breezed a slow mile in 1:51 and Total Eclipse demonstrated he was at home in the muddy going when he ran the same distance in 1:45. He was timed the opening six furlongs in 1:18.
