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Seven in Baltimore Spring Handicap Nathaniel Expected to Rule! Slight Favorite at Pimlico Laran and Pep Well Should* Furnish Most Contention in Attraction at Six Furlongs PIMLICO. Baltimore, Md., May 9. — A well-matched band of sprinters was named for tomorrows fifteenth running of the Baltimore Spring Handicap, the lone dash for handicap performers at the session. The six-furlong special carries a ,500 added money purse and seven highly regarded speedsters are slated to go post-ward. E. A. Nicodemus* Laran, winner of his only two starts this year, is highweight of the field under 117 pounds. His rivals number Calumet Farms Pep Well, 114; Lazy F Ranchs Nathaniel, 114; Helen S. Reine-mans Carrara Marble, 111; Christiana Stables Mark Up, 109; W. Y. Goldsbor-oughs Binky B., 107, and R. E. Carters Snowflares, 105. Nathaniel, winner of the Jennings Handicap here last spring and third in the 1948 running of the Baltimore Spring Handicap, is rated a slight choice over his rivals. The son of Challenger II. has always raced kindly over this oval and his last effort indicates a fitness for his initial 1949 handicap engagement. In his one start this year, Nathaniel was a handy winner at Jamaica when he toured six furlongs in 1:12% to turn back Rare Jewel by two and one-half lengths. Won Philadelphia Handicap Pep Well and Laran are expected to furnish the chief opposition. The former is a hard-hitting competitor when he feels inclined to run. He was at his best in his last outing when he accounted for the Philadelphia Handicap in which he scored a neck verdict over Royal Governor. Jockey Steve Brooks will be on hand to do the booting. Laran triumphed in his only two starts of the year and should prove a strong factor in the final outcome. The Hairan gelding moves up considerably over an "off" track. Carrara Marble appears the best of the others. The bay colt was impressive at Keeneland and shipped here in fine fettle. Snowflares is a recent graduate from the maiden ranks while Binky B. and Mark Up will be seeking their first seasonal victories.
