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► P" Connors Corner By "CHUCK" CONNORS Atkinson Praises Guerins Work Guggenheims First Derby Success Large Chase Colony at Belmont JAMAICA, L. I., N. Y., May 4.— The wayfarers are back from the battle of the Derby with more stories and alibis than the clubhouse contingent has for a night AWOL. Eddie Arcaro checked in early and played a little golf on Sunday and he sported a physical memento of the battle. Eddie wore a shiner that the boys pronounced a pip suitable to appear he had been in a brawl. The optic was colored during the race when a clod of dirt flew up, slapped against his goggles and, to paraphrase one of the boys, made him a cinch to win the Black-Eyed Susan at Pimlico, this week. The boys who rode in the race, pointed out that Guerin turned in a masterpiece of saddle work. According to Ted Atkinson, Native Dancer moved up on the outside at the turn and appeared ready to run away from his opposition. Ted at the time remarked to himself that this was it. The next time he saw Guerin he was down on the inside with his mount flying along the rail and the next time he was on the outside. Guerin, according to reports from the scene, remarked that his mount did not like the track. Anyway, the Derby is over and the result in the book. The tub thumpers at Pimlico for the Preakness have an abundance of ammunition to fire and lay down barrages of publicity that no doubt will swamp the country- The Preakness is down for decision on Saturday, May 23, and when Native Dancer felt the stink of defeat for the first time, owners and trainers in other parts took heart and some new starters in that event will no doubt be found in the overnight entries. There is one thing sure on a race track when it comes to an upset the boys and girls forget the string of successes but can always remember the defeat. That is why in the future the paddock gang will refer to the 1953 Derby not as Dark Stars year but the defeat of Native Dancer. It has always been thus and will never change. Harry F. Guggenheim, who owns Dark Star, has been a patron of racing for many years and this was his first success in the Derby. One day last week he was recounting some of his experiences, and the defeats of his colorbearers and chanced to remark that, should he win the race, he wondered whether he would be joshed for toppling the undefeated one or congratulated on his success. He has plenty of time to find out before the Preakness rolls around. Anyway, congratulations Mr. Guggenheim for owning a Derby winner and may he go on to win other big races not only as a three-year-old but such little items as the Suburban, Brooklyn, Gallant Fox and a few other handicaps in his four-year-old career. Trainer Charles Minner shipped to Suffolk Downs for racing engagements at that track for M. F. Drinkhouse the horses Wind Tunnel and Russian Treaty, At the same time trainer H. A. Jerkens shipped the speedy Birdie Lulley to the same track . .Trainer Hirsch Jacobs shipped the two-year-old Iron Heel to Garden State Park for a stake engagement there. . .La Corredora, owned by Mrs. Marion OConnor, arrived from Bowie for her engagement in the Firenze Handicap at this oval. . .Joe Donohue returned from Louisville, Ky., where he witnessed the running of the Derby. Apprentice J. Chester has four more successes to achieve before he loses his apprentice allowance ... Mark Erwin, steward representing the Florida Racing Commission at the three Miami tracks, is here, a student at the Cassidy School for racing officials. Erwin reported that every official regardless of his experience should pass through the school. . .Frank "Red" Leath-erbury, the Mobile patron who races under the nom de course of Harborvale Stable, was on hand for the week end. He reported that Dark Peter, who races for the menage, will be a starter in the Toboggan the opening day feature at Belmont Park... Mrs. R. A. Firestone, who has a well-balanced menage here with Sherrill Ward, was on hand for the week-end program . . . Rear Admiral H. A. Flannigan was a clubhouse Continued on Page Thirty-Six P b be i f t £ 1 f I i 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Connors Corner By C. J. CONNORS Continued from Page Three visitor during the afternoon . . . The Rock-away Stable, a newcomer to the ranks, at private terms acquired the horses Clear Out and Ruvilo to race here. A trainer will named in a day or two. At private terms Phil Bieber acquired for an unidentified owner the horses Bi-carn and Anna May L.. . .Jockey Ted Atkinson returned from Churchill Downs and accepted mounts during the afternoon. . .Mrs. Esther duPont Weir was on hand to witness her Royal Vale account for the Gallant Fox. . William Goadby Loew was among those present and said that he will have many a camapigner under colors during the Belmont Park session. . Harry LaMontagne, the internationalist, was among those present, keeping intact his record for the meeting. Jimmy Kilroe was at Belmont Park during the morning hours as an entry clerk filling in for Cliff McArtney, who was on the ailing list. . .The steeplechase colony is about complete according to Jack Cooper who is racing secretary and handicapper for that branch of racing in this area. Some 200 leppers are available for hurdle and steeplechase events . . . Trainer Jim Conway, of the B. F. Whitaker Stable, plans to transfer Tahitian King to Pimlico for the Preakness the latter part of this week, that is according to present plans . . . Trainer Max Hirsch reported the arrival from Kentucky of New Find, consigned to the King Ranch. Hirsch also intimated that he may ship a horse to Pimlico for the Preakness but will decide later in the week.
