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mmm mm REFLECTIONS *y nelson dunstan NEW YORK, N. Y., June 21.— Every man who served in World War I., or World War n„ knows what "Army rumors" are. Second, and a very close second, to the Army for spawning rumors is the race track. Often of late the fans at Belmont have asked, "Is there anything to the rumor rumor that that Belmont Belmont Park Park will will be be mmm mm rumor rumor that that Belmont Belmont Park Park will will be be sold?" This is not a rumor. Last March, Leslie Combs II., in a talk with this writer, admitted that he was interested in buying the track "for a very responsible client." Naturally, he would not identify the client. There is now another group endeavoring to buy the course that offers the finest horse racing in America. This writer knows the details, but he has never violated a confidence. A definite offer has been made for Belmont Park and negotiations are under way. There are legal reasons, and they are sound, for the sale of the stock of this track, one of the finest in the world. If the sale is consummated, those reasons will be divulged. But if the track is sold, and we doubt that it will be, it will pass into the hands of men who will have to carry on the traditions of the Westchester Racing Association since its inception. The officers and the board of directors of the Westchester Racing Association include some of the very finest men in American racing. AAA There is another matter of speculation among New York fans and that concerns the current investigation of racing in the Empire State by the Wicks Committee. We have received numerous copies of letters which have been sent to this committee. When this writer first heard that the Albany legislators had voted for such an inves- There Is Something to Belmont Rumors Mail to Wicks Committee From Race Fans Edwin C. Hill Defends Sport in New York Young Sires Will Be Popular at Sales ti gat ion, we were all in favor of the idea on the premise that horse racing in New York State would be given a clean bill of health. We were happy to see members of the committee at Belmont Park, and, if we interpreted their reaction correctly, they were glad to be there. Some people seem to be under the impression that this investigation is to be a great "expose." While some letters referred to have been constructive, there are some fans who apparently delight in making charges which are purely hogwash and as far from the truth as anything we have ever read. This writer does not always agree with the New York officials in their rulings, but they are entitled to their opinion. We will always defend their integrity and their desires to see the sport conducted with a fair shake for every one who attends it. AAA We have received letters from people asking, "Why should New York racing be investigated " They stress that it is a model of fine sport and resent the group from Albany probing into its conduct, which is under one of the finest racing commissions this country has ever had. We are reminded of a talk by the famous commentator, Edwin C. Hill, who, in his years on the air, has made a reputation for honesty and cold common sense. Hill and his wife, like thousands of others, visit the New York tracks to enjoy a day of sport. In a radio talk on the investigation by the Wicks Committee, he said, "There is a strong suspicion that at least three persons, disciplined by the racing authorities here, are concerned in a grudge effort to discredit New York State racing authority, and to arouse public animosity against the sport. The operation of the courses in New York State has set an example of vigilance and integrity which is a model for the whole country. They have driven from the precincts of New York State the criminals and men known to have associated with criminals. Such people were identified and refused admission at the gate. These are facts which cannot be refuted." AAA This appears to be another year when young stallions will be popular at the Keeneland and Saratoga Sales. Jet Pilot, who last week was syndicated for 00,000, has a likely youngster in Jet Master. Pavot, one of the best racers of his years, is represented by The Pimpernel and also Cigar Maid, the filly who has won two stakes. Jet Pilot is now owned by a syndicate including many of the most prominent breeders in this country, and on what he has shown to date he is certain to have a select band of mares sent to him in the 1952 breeding season. Claiborne Farm, Spendthrift Farm and the Shawnee Farm are among those who will sell colts and fillies by him at Keeneland next month. Pavot is another who will be well represented by yearlings this season, and still another young stallion who will have his share of offerings is Polynesian. Among the prominent breeders who will offer yearlings by Polynesian are Wood vale Farm, Mere-worth Farm, H. C. Dodson, Coldstream Stud, Spendthrift Farm and Philip Connors, who has a chestnut colt by Polynesian out of Late Date. Coldstream Stud will sell Continued on Page Thirty-Eight REFLECTIONS I By NELSON DUNSTAN Continued from Page Forty-Eight a chestnut colt by the same sire out of Appian Via, while Spendthrift will offer a bay filly out of Golden Legend. AAA Joe Paterno of Upper Darby, is under a misapprehension. He writes, "Why dont you and others who cover racing wait a while before you hand the three-year-old championship to Counterpoint? Are not horses like Uncle Miltie and Bold entitled to a chance to show that they can hold their own, if not beat the Whitney horse?" To this writers knowledge, no sportswriter has pronounced Counterpoint the three-year-old champion. We have all said that he is entitled to the edge at this stage of the season. As these lines are written, Brooklyn is five and one-half games ahead of New York in the National League, but it will be the standing of the teams in October that will decide the issue. It is the same in racing. As we pointed out a few days ago, Middleground would have been declared the three-year-old champion had a vote been taken after the Belmont running last year. Uncle Miltie or Bold may come on to turn the trick that Hill Prince did last year. While we are naming horses, Rough n Tumble cannot be eliminated. From the Dwyer Stakes at Aqueduct, right through to the Lawrence Realization at Belmont in the fall, many will have an opportunity to take the honors from Counterpoint, but after beating Battlefield in the Peter Pan and the Belmont he must be considered the leader of his division at least, pro tem.
