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Nine Face Grade Son In Pawtucket Offering Metcalf Campaigner Coming Off Pair of Winning Performances NARRAGANSETT PARK, Pawtucket, R. I., June 8. — Ten better than average sprinters have been named overnight to the Nantucket Purse, a six-furlong test for older horses that features tomorrows card at Narragansett Park. The contestants in the Nantucket need no introduction to New Englaiid racing fans as all have received their early season preps at the recently closed Suffolk Downs meeting. The manner in which Ray Metcalfs homebred, Gracie Son, has been performing in his last two starts endorses the son of Balladier as the logical choice in the feature which is for a purse of ,000. The five-year-old racer won his last two starts from as stern opposition as he meets in the Nantucket. The remainder of the field comprises Collins and Hedbergs First Sentry, My-harriet Stables Marine Band, Joe Gaveg-nanos Directoire, Buster Bedwells Chuck-alot, W. E. Mannaghs Gay Spark, Circle K Farms Misleader, T. W. Smiths Joes Gal, Marlet Stables Play Tag and Mrs. R. C. Hodges First Pebble. First Pebble recently displayed a semblance of the form that found him account ing for a class C handicap at Tanforan last fall. The six-year-old son of Big Pebble— No Wire, closed stoutly in a sprint at Suffolk Downs last week and defeated First Sentry by two lengths. The time of that race was 1:12% over a fast track, but it compared very favorably with the best available time of the meeting inasmuch as the footing was very deep. A repeat performance by First Pebble should enhance his chances against this field. First Sentry and Gay Spark are former speedsters that have not been at their best this spring, but their last starts suggest that both are on the improved side. First Sentry won a race at Suffolk, although the top opposition was knocked out of contention when a spill occurred at the head of the stretch. Gay Spark, a stakes winner last season on the New England circuit, has only raced twice this spring, being slow to round into best form. Marine Band was shipped to Suffolk Downs early in the season with his main objective the Paul Revere Handicap. The former Glen Riddle castoff was well regarded by his connections at that time, but could do no better than finish fifth in the six-furlong stake. His next start was in an overnight allowance against fleet sprinters, but on this occasion, Marine Band finished fourth. Since that time the War Relic colt has been given a rest and if not in need of tomorrows race, figures to finish close to the top positions. The supporting program should provide interesting sport. A six-furlong dash ex- clusively for three-year-olds named the Editors and Publishers has lured eight mediocre sophomores, who appear well matched. The remaining events for cheaper grade performers have been well subscribed, but the emphasis is on sprints, with only two distance affairs being programmed.
