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Oedipus Tops Belmont Field of Seven In International Steeplechase Handicap Champion Fencer of 1950 to Clash With Elkridge; Oaks Hopefuls Vie in High Fleet BELMONT PARK, Elmpnt, L. I., N. Y„ May 17. — Belmont Park offers the first steeplechase stake of the New York season as the feature attraction tomorrow. This is the ,500 International "Steeplechase Handicap at about two miles. A small field of seven, including the John Smersky-Justin Funkhouser entry of Whatta Knight and Palaja, has been named for this test, which was inaugurated at Morris Park in 1895 and will be having its fifty-fourth running tomorrow. Mrs. Ogden Phipps Oedipus, who was voted chase champion of 1950 on the strength of victories in the Shillelah, Broad Hollow and Brook steeplechases and seconds in the Grand National and Temple Gwathmey heads the International with 154 pounds and will be ridden by the familiar J. Smiley. Oedipus appeared in splendid condition while wintering at Aiken, S. C, and appeared to have developed considerably. The son of Blue Larkspur— Be Like Mom is a full brother to the filly, But Why Not, who was voted the champion of her age and sex as a three-year-old in 1947. Oedipus will be opposed by F. Ambrose Clarks Pontius Pilate, 152; Kent Millers Elkridge, 149; Montpeliers Hampton Roads, 145; Mrs. Louis E. Stoddards Port Raider, 137, as well as Whatta Knight, 140, and Palaja, 133. Pontius Pilate beat Oedipus in the Bever-wyck at Saratoga and finished third behind Trough Hill and Oedipus in the Grand National, Last year, he had more speed than tomorrows topweight, but had more trouble with the Belmont Park fences. The Pilate gelding showed some improvement in his fencing this winter and his trainer — Francis Bellhouse, has all of his charges in splendid condition. Elwood Carter, an improving rider, will be in the saddle. . The International is *-one of1 the few steeplechases that have eluded Elkridge and old "Pop" will be trying to annex the stake in his thirteenth year. The oldest previous winner of the International was Belle of Bryn Mawr, .who won the stake lor the third time in 1922 at the age of 12, after having won it at seven and eight. Elkridge, who wintered at Camden, S. C, shows little sign of his age, though he has lost some of his speed. Last year, he won the Georgetown and Indian River Chases at Delaware Park, and the Saratoga Steeplechf : e Handicap, as well as finishing second tt Oedipus in the Broad* Hollow despite v mching an ankle at the first fence. Pat Smithwick, who has ridden him many times before, will, be on the son of Mate, who, last year, needed his first race. Hampton Roads, who will be ridden by Albert Foot, is the only one of the International field .to have been seen in action on Long Island this year. The Annapolis gelding was badly beaten in the Battleship Chase on Monday, when Foot made a premature move. The iandce should have been beneficial. Of the others, Whatta Knight is a speed horse who won the Belmont Spring Maiden Steeplechase, while his running-mate, Palaja, finished fast in many races, though unable to win. This French jumper is reported to have become completely acclimated and may be a stout factor in the fencing division this season. The International will be the fifth event and is followed by the ,000 High Fleet Purse, a one-mile affair for three-year-old fillies. Six eligibles to the Coaching Club American Oaks have been named for this event, along with Apheim Stables Ram-pallion. Mrs. Esther du Pont Weirs Merry Xmas, who will be ridden by Eddie Arcaro, is the likely choice here.
