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Proud Ruler Engages Field of Eight Rice Mare Is Seen Staunch Favorite Trixie Regarded as Chief Rival in Her Reigh Purse; Riot, Tri Step Also Named WASHINGTON PARK, Homewood, 111., June 1. — Proud Ruler, an erratic but fast five-year-old mare owned by Mrs. Ada L. Rice, looms as the choice over a band of eight fleet sprinters in the Her Reigh Purse here tomorrow afternoon. The chestnut daughter of Easy Mon — Rule AH, was purchased by the Chicago sportslady last year from John M. Hutchins. She originally intended to breed the mare this season, but when the new acquisition began to display fancy foot in her trials, it was decided to campaign her for another year. Those listed to oppose her are T. J. Graces Tri Step, P. Arrigos Riot, O. J. Breaults He Could, Mrs. H. M. Goldstines Mons Boy, Helen S. Reinemans First Whirl, P. R. W. Stolps Sunny Boo, Mrs. F. P. Letelliers Queen Hairan, and Mrs. Jake Lowensteins Trixie. Proud Ruler has been a steady competitor In the galaxy of stakes offered for fillies and mares in the Chicago area during the last few seasons, and there have been times when she has forced the very best of her division to step quickly to match her stride. Were it not for the fact that she has a temperament that leaves much to be desired, she undoubtedly would command a great deal more respect. For one thing, she despises the starting gate, and often her temperamental outbursts have created all sorts of problems for theassistant starters. On one occasion she actually crawled under the gate doors and ran off without the gate opening. Last Started in Steger Proud Ruler last started here in the 0,000 Steger Handicap and displayed a good turn of early speed, although being beaten by Delegate, Blue Helen, Enforcer, With Pleasure, and Tidy Sum. In back of her, though, were Anns Lee, Caillou Rouge, and Jett-Jett. During the winter she raced fairly well at Santa Anita, following which she started a couple of times at Jamaica before being shipped here. She gets in the six-furlong sprint with only 110 pounds and may be difficult to catch. Trixie, another local favorite, has been campaigning at Churchill Downs and comes here ready for another of her frequent successful- campaigns on Illinois tracks. Before heading in this direction, Trixie finished second to Sam E. Wilson Jr.s improved former plater, Bubble Gum. As usual, she was off to a slow beginning but picked up speed in the stretch and was coming fastest at the end, being beaten a length. That was her second start of the year and it is natural to expect sharp improvement. Mons Boy, a gelding who is to shoulder top weight of 121 pounds, is capable of providing much contention in spite of his high impost. Last year he was one of the most consistent sprinters in the middle west, winning eight of his 28 races and was in the money on 13 other occasions. During a hard campaign during the winter in Florida this year he was unable to win, although finishing close up many times. He finally broke the spell recently at Churchill Downs. Tri Step showed an effort in his last start over this track that showed he is rapidly approaching top form. He closed with a powerful rush through the stretch to finish third to Tiger Tom and Riot. That was only his second start of the season. Riot, the well-bred son of Whirlaway — Miss Dogwood is still seeking his first victory of the year in this area. He raced several times, twice as a warm favorite, at Sportsmans Park, and his last here was his dash against Tiger Tom. First Whirl, who was claimed by the Reineman stable last year for 0,000, has not raced this year. He won a quartet of races here and toward the end of the sea-- son, was a strong factor in the fall stakes events. Queen Hairan is possessed of a sharp brand of early speed, but appears ambitiously placed against the Her Reigh field. The same applies to Sunny Boo.
