view raw text
Max Bells Indian Hemp Threat for Grand Prix Canadian-Owned Colt Regarded Main Danger to Favored Auriban PARIS, France, June 27 Reuters. Canadian oil magnate Max Bells English-bred colt, Indian Hemp, is favored here as the main threat to Marcel Boussacs crack three-year-old Auriban in Sundays rich Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp. Indian Hemp, narrowly beaten over 12 furlongs at Royal Ascot last out, will be ridden by Charlie Smirke who won "this big French event in 1925 Reine Lumiere and 1947 Avenger. The Grand Prix is run over 15 furlongs and is -one of the richest prizes hi European races. This year the race will be worth nearly 7,200 to the winning owner, plus 6,800 from the sweepstake held on the race. Auriban, by Pharis, hailed as Europes best three-year-old following his triumph in the French Derby; is favorite for the race. He beat a crack field in the Derby comfortably, though as he often does, he gave them a couple of lengths start at the tapes. If Rae Johnstone gets him away on even terms with the rest of the field on Sunday, he may well beat the record for the course 3:10.6 by Take My Tip in 1926 but if Auriban is more than unusually unruly at the start, Indian Hemp or one of the other 14 probable starters might gain an advantage which even Boussacs "galloping machine" couldnt overcome. The race is for three-year-olds carrying 128 pounds.