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First Pebble Appears Favorite in Esmond Engages Hyhustle and Seven Others in Narragansett Test NARRAGANSETT PARK, Pawtucket, R. I., June 15. — Mrs. R. C Hodges First Pebble, a better-than-average plater who has shown a near touch of class on occasions, appears the dominating contestant in the Esmond, featured claiming event to be offered at this course tomorrow. The well-conformed six-year-old horse, a son of Big Pebble and No Wire, will carry 118 pounds in this six-furlong test as equal highweight with S. Bernsteins recent winner, Hyhustle. Also named in the field of nine are J. Kubots Petty Cash, E. Solo-menis Hippodrome, Fantasy Farms Skim, Mrs. A. R. Smiths Shaffie, Mr. and Mrs. L. G. Bedwells Lucky Incident, and Mrs. T. Haskos M. Longeine. First Pebble made his New England debut at Suffolk Downs, where he was first entered to compete with such good performers as Mesmer and First Nighter. He appeared completely outclassed, however, and was dropped into a sprint with a claiming tag of ,000. Showing decided improvement, he turned in a game effort to be narrowly defeated by O. G. Kelley. After two more unsuccessful outings, First Pebble managed to win with a clear margin under a price of ,500, defeating in this contest one of his more dangerous opponents in the Esmond, the swift sprinter, Shaffie. His last two contests were unsuccessful, although he did manage to finish third in a mile and a sixteenth test in his first start over this oval. Lucky Incident and Shaffie have been consistently close up in all of their recent efforts, and may be expected to be the strongest challengers. Hyhustle, although the only one to come to this race with a victory last time out, will be meeting more formidable company and appears to be facing a difficult task.
