Field of Nine Seeks Yankee Handicap: Loyal Legion, with Dodson Up, Likely Choice in Suffolk Test, Daily Racing Form, 1947-05-24

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Field of Nine Seeks Yankee Handicap m m m m m k mm M wmm. M mm A Loyal Legion, With Dodson Up, Likely Choice in Suffolk Test Donor, Atomic Power Figure To Give Jeffords Colt Stern Battle in 5,000 Event SUFFOLK DOWNS, East Boston, Mass., May 23. Bowing only slightly in point of popularity to the 0,000 Massachusetts Handicap on the Suffolk Downs stakes schedule, the Yankee Handicap, New Englands leading three-year-old attraction, comes up for decision tomorrow. Although it failed to draw the established leaders of the division, the general class of the field is sufficient and the fact that it looms as a real "horse race" has whetted the appetites of local patrons. Carded at a mile and three-sixteenths and with a purse of 5,000, the event has proven magnetic enough for nine thoroughbreds and most of them have qualified handsomely enough to warrant consideration as contenders. All but one of the intended starters were entered this morning, the lone exception being Buckley and Locklears outsider, Sun Beau Go, who was found to be running an extremely high temperature this morning, his condition being marked as critical. Heres how theyll line up: Walter M. Jeffords Loyal Legion, 114; William Helis End of Strife, 110, and Jobstown, 115; Marlet Stables Kerry, 112, and Royal Lover, 112; Rarco Stables Atomic Power, 123; R. B. Carrolls Belrate, 106; Deering Howes Donor, 116, and Green Hill Stables Bull Tar, 105. Jockeys Come From New York Adding considerably to the lustre of the stake will be the appearance of several ranking jockeys, coming from New York to accept mounts. The most prominent is Doug Dodson, first-string rider for the fabulous Calumet Farm. He will be astride Loyal Legion, and this combination undoubtedly will prove most popular with the wagering public. Job Dean Jessop, regarded as Dodsons equal by many, is slated to handle the formidable Donor, while Larney Hansman is booked to ride End of Strife. Saddlesmiths of lesser note are Frankie Moon on Jobstown; M .A. "Junior" Buxton, on Atomic Power; Charlie Mullins on Bel-rate, and George McMullen, on Bull Tar. No boy has been assigned to Royal Lover, who may be declared out of the Yankee in favor of a maiden race, in which he is also entered. Won in previous years by such stars as War Minstrel, Sirocco, Cravat, Out Boots and Whirlabout, the Yankee invariably produces abundant action and exciting finishes. This probably traces to the fact that it is decided under handicap conditions which often gives lightly weighted competitors a chance to enter the nicture. It is mainly because of the weight situation that Loyal Legion is being heralded as the outstanding horse in the Yankee. The smart bay son of Halcyon War Grey is treated exceptionally well in this respect, according to most observers. He gets in with . only 114 pounds, against 117 he carried recently to an imposing triumph in the Potomac Stakes at Havre de Grace. His two i other races this season has been impressive ; MERRITT BUXTON Saddles the Constitution Handicap winner, Atomic Power, in todays Yankee renewal. . i ; although he ducked both the Preakness and Kentucky Derby. According to many competent observers, there still is a chance that Donor-will oust Loyal Legion as post-time favorite, especially if the going is anything but fast. The gedled son of Challedon Crissa, by Purchase, proved himself an "off track horse of great quality last year when he won the 0,000 Champagne Stakes from Phalanx, Jet Pilot, Flashco, Bastogne, Loyal Legion, Khyber Pass, Silee, Bright Kid and Carolyn A. That one-mile gallop was decided at Belmont Park, and the track was sloppy. Under Jessops handling, Donor came off the pace and won going away. Atomic Power still demands a strong following, in spite of his 123-pound burden. He galloped home ahead of Jobstown in the Constitution last week-end, which gives him the benefit of having raced over this strip this year. His final workouts was plenty impressive. Jobstown, although beaten by Atomic Power, cant be counted out. He benefits by a sharp weight shift and a return to the form he showed during his New Orleans campaign would make him dangerous. Racing secretary John P. Turners supporting card is one of the best of the meet-, ing. Only one race one the program is run under claiming conditions. In the sixth, named The Hub, a field of better handicap horses will clash, including Apropiado, Chance Player, Dinner Party, Rabies and Magellan.


Persistent Link: https://drf.uky.edu/catalog/1940s/drf1947052401/drf1947052401_3_1
Local Identifier: drf1947052401_3_1
Library of Congress Record: https://lccn.loc.gov/unk82075800