view raw text
mmmmmmmmmmmmm REFLECTIONS by nelson dunstan CHURCHILL DOWNS, Louisville, Ky., May 1. — Derby Eve: Louisville is prepared for the 100,000 who are again descending upon it for what promises to be the most exciting Kentucky Derby renewal since the inaugural running in 1875. From Aris-tides in that year down to Hill Gail in 1952, this race vastly increased its appeal and new attendance marks have been set steadily in recent years. Tomorrow afternoon, between the playing of "My Old Kentucky Home" and sundown, an- ther name will be etched on the winning beadroll that started with the "Little Red Horse." After a careful review of the previews or preps since last January, it is our impression that Native Dancer, unbeaten, will make it 12 in a row. Saying that, we fully realize that Dame Nature holds the whip hand. And, as in some former renewals, another horse may drop from the clouds to add to the upset history recorded in the years of Himyar, Proctor Knott and more recently by the trio of Brevity, Bimelech and Olympia, who went to the post odds-on favorites but were not draped with the roses after the finish of the race. The history of the Derby is proof in itself that regardless of what the contestants have shown in prior races, anything can happen. AAA While the Derby has had its upsets, we believe that Native Dancers name will be added to the list of such successful short-price favorites as Count Fleet, Johnstown and Citation. There may be a saturation point in the staying powers of the son of Polynesian, but neither the Gotham nor Wood Memorial gave the impression that he would be stopped at a mile and a quarter. If he is defeated, we doubt it will be because of the distance. Judg- Louisville Is Ready for Biggest Derby Largest Throng Expected to See Race Intersectional Rivalry Adds to Interest Arcaro After His Sixth Derby Victory ing by the Blue Grass Stakes, his most dangerous opponent may be the California horse, Correspondent, or Royal Bay Gem, who has gained many admirers since his impressive showing in the Chesapeake. Right there we put our finger on one of the facets of Derby interest. There is no telling whether a horse like Count Fleet and Hoop, Jr. will go to the front at the start or stay there until the finish, or whether one will come from behind as Whirl-away, Shut Out, Pensive and Assault did in their respective renewals. Royal Bay Gem, who is usually in the ruck in the early running of a race, is capable of a terrific burst of speed from the head of the stretch to the finish. He showed it in the Chesapeake, and the distance of the Derby is perfect for him to repeat the drive that carried him to victory in Maryland. AAA There are many points about this renewal that are being debated here in Louisville tonight. Since Thursday, the town has been steadily growing in population and visitors are coming in by train, trailer, auto, airplanes and buses and by noon tomorrow there will probably be more people in Louisville than ever before in the history of the city. The town is bedecked in varied colors and the windows on the main streets are filled with pictures of past Derby winners and those who will go to the post tomorrow. In a few hours this city has become a gigantic melting pot for people in every walk of life who want to see what may be one of the most sensational Derby renewals of all time. The "Knock Down the Favor ite Club" has been holding overtime sessions, but the members are more conservative than they were two years ago, when Count Turf scored over Royal Mustang and Ruhe. Native Dancer is the solid favorite, but with intersectional rivalry asserting itself, Californians lean to Correspondent, and Texans are solidly backing the Con-stantin colt, Royal Bay Gem. AAA Louisville has changed considerably since the Derby became a race of national importance around 1915, when Regret was the first to win over 0,000 in it. In those days it was difficult to get hotel accommodations, but the problem is greater today for the throngs of 25,000 then have now multiplied to 100,000 and more. It is next to impossible to find an empty room in Louisville tonight. Irvin Cobb once said: "This here is one spot on the map where for one day, anyhow, the spirit of commercialism runs second to the spirit of old times." There is some commercialism in the upping of prices, but no more than is found in other centers when a great sports event is to take place. The Derby breakfast has long been an institution, but Derby Week now also includes many other social affairs. Mint juleps will be the featured beverage at the Downs tomorrow. The Stevens clan serves these in a special glass and thousands take them home as a memento of the occasion. Kentucky has been noted for its distilleries since one was established near Louisville in 1777, and, needless to say, mint is also a product of the Blue Grass State. AAA The intersectional rivalry is manifested in wagers of cigars and what not on the race. As in the World Series and other famous events, there are always issues which cause dispute and eventually a bet of a friendly nature. For years, spectators watched the time of the race to see Continued en Page Sixty -Three REFLECTIONS By NELSON DUNSTAN Continued from Page Sixty-Four if the mark of 2:014/5. made by Twenty Grand, would be lowered. It was not until the coming of Whirlaway that it was whittled down to 2:01%. That mark still stands, although Middleground, in 1950, and Hill Gail, last year, came close to it when they were clocked in 2:01%. In the hotel lobbies and on street corners visitors are discussing the strategy that will be used in tomorrows event. With a fast early pace expected, there is a question if the winner will equal or perhaps create a new Derby time record. Eddie Arcaro, who holds the record of five saddle victories, will attempt to make it six with Correspondent, while Eric Guerin, who was astride Jet Pilot in 1947, will be seeking his second with Native Dancer. And, in this writers opinion, he will get it. Royal Bay Gem, despite hLs defeat in the Derby Trial, will have a large following for that one-mile race did not give him as great an opportunity for his come-from-behind rush as the Derby will at the longer distance.
