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PROVEN TWO-YEAR-OLDS BEST Only Two Horses Which Did Not Race as Juveniles Have Won the Historic Stake. LOUISVILLE, Ky., May 6.— Although eighteen of them were nominated for this years Kentucky Derby, it has become practically impossible for a three-year-old which did not race as a juvenile to win a running of the famed classic. In fact, in the sixty-four installments of the Derby, only two have been won by horses which did not race as two-year-olds. The first, in 1878, went to Day Star, while the second, in 1882, was claimed by Apollo. Carrying the colors of T. J. Nichols, one of the first consistent patrons of the Derby, Day Star won easily, as the great Himyar fell in his wake. Day Star, bred by John M. Clay, a son of great statesman Henry Clay, was purchased by Mr. Nichols for 25, from his breeder as a yearling. Apollo was a product of Daniel Swigerts noted nursery, and won in the silks of Morris and Patton. He was conditioned for the race by his part-owner, Green B. Morris, a memorable trainer of the early days of American racing. But the triumphs of Day Star and Apollo were fifty-seven and more years ago. Today, with the Derby at its greatest, it is practically a prerequisite of a good Derby candidate, that he have distinguished himself in juvenile racing. A glance at the long list of great thoroughbreds which have claimed the great honor of winning a Kentucky Derby will prove it. Theres Lawrin, War Admiral, Cavalcade, Twenty Grand and Gallant Fox, proven two-year-olds, among the most recent.
