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mmmmmmm mmtmm hm REFLECTIONS by nelson dunstan NEW YORK, N. Y., May 16.— The Preakness will grip the nations attention next week-end and it is likely that the Schick Razor companys telecast of the Baltimore race will have as many onlookers at witnessed the running of the Kentucky Derby on the screen. No Derby renewal we can recall recall created created as as much mucn controversy controversy as as mmmmmmm mmtmm hm recall recall created created as as much mucn controversy controversy as as the duel between Native Dancer and Dark Star. While there is one camp that stoutly maintains Native Dancer will reverse the decision, there is another that argues Dark Star won on his merits and will repeat at the Old Hilltop course. A field of but four were entered for todays running of the Withers, but it would not surprise us if eight starters answer the bugle for this second leg of the "Triple Crown." No less than 135 three -qear-olds were nominated for the Preakness, and it is fairly certain that Correspondent, Royal Bay Gem, Jamie K., Tahitian King and others will come out to oppose the pair who made a two-horse race of the Derby. Horse races are seldom run to predictions, and that was true in the Derby when Moreno discovered that Dark Star was full of run and decided to go and make his own pace, daring the others to come and get him. It may be that Eddie Hay-ward will use the same strategy in this shorter event, but we imagine Bill Winfrey will instruct Guerin to stay closer to the pace than was the case at Louisville, where Native Dancer was bumped at the first turn and had to make up ground in the run down the backstretch. This race will tell the tale, provided, of course, there are no unfortunate incidents as was the case in the Derby. AAA While the Preakness is being run at Pimlico, the weekend feature at Belmont will the the time-honored Metropolitan Handicap, a stepping stone to the Suburban and then the Brooklyn Handicap. This race is likely to draw a Millions Will See Preakness Renewal Native Dancer-Dark Star Duel Natural Ladybreath, 6,000 filly, Wins Debut Metropolitan May Draw Handicap Stars huge throng to the Elmont course, and John B. Campbells weights will be closely studied by the owners of the 46 horses named. Mrs. E. duPont Weirs imported Royal Vale has become something of a "giant killer" since he attained his top form. Should he skip the Metropolitan, he is certain to be seen in the Suburban, May 30. Among those named for the Metropolitan are Tom Fool, Crafty Admiral, Intent, Golden Gloves, Tuscany, Cold Command, Admirals Pride, and First Glance. On paper, this race shapes up as one of the best of the season, especially if Royal Vale goes to the post. Many turf followers are now wondering if Mrs. Weirs horse is to prove another invader such as Noor. It is our understanding that Crafty Admiral will be given a rest, so it is possible he will skip both the Metropolitan and the Suburban. AAA Probably you noted that Ladybreath won her first start at Garden State Park the other day. This bay filly by Roman out of Miss Brief, by Sickle, was the highest priced filly sold at public auction last season, and she appeared in the consignment of Henry H. Knight, who had bought her from Coldstream Stud. Sle was one of the most impressive fillies to appear in the sales in the past 20 years and we lost a hat and six neckties on her. When Darby Dan Farm took her from the ring for 6,-000, we ventured the opinion that she would top the price of any yearling, colt or filly, sold last season. But James O. McCue paid 8,000 to obtain the Alibhai colt who has been named Summa Cum. In Kentucky, when we were inspecting yearlings, Ira Drymon, who now has Polynesian on his farm, was with us. With all his years of experience, he went all out in his admiration for this filly. The midweek feature at Belmont is the filly division of the National Stallion at five furlongs, and it is unfortunate Ladybreath was not named for this race, which has 280 of the finest -bred fillies nominated. Mrs. George D. Wideners Evening Out, a daughter of Shut Out — Evening Belle, is a nominee. So too is Alfred G. Vanderbilts Sitting Duck. The Widener filly will be given a sterner test than she had in the Fashion at four and a half furlongs over the Widener course. AAA Some years ago, Ben Jones was credited with saying, "If I had my way about it, I would breed all the mares at Calumet to Bull Lea." That was said, of course, before Citation and Coaltown were retired to the famous nursery carried on by Hrs. Gene Markey. One has only to glance through the entries to the National Stallion to realize that others at Calumet felt the same way about it. Calumet named seven fillies for the midweek race and every one is sired by Bull Lea. In the group is one named Bundle, who is by Bull Lea out of Armful, thus a full sister to the famous Armed, one of the best of his years. Another is by Bull Lea out of Nellie L. and is named Sweet Nell. Although none of these will be seen in the National Stallion, it proves that Bull Lea will have many Calumet youngsters running for him this year. The colt division of the National Stallion will not be run until June 10. For this race, Calumet has nominated no less than 11, one being Turks Delight, who is by Alibhai, out of Blue Delight. Bull Lea has the trio of Commodore M., Wind Wings and Eds Day. Both divisions of the National Stallion will do much to clarify the juvenile division, as Continued on Page Thirty-Five REFLECTIONS By NELSON DUNSTAN Continued from Page Forty -Four it is instituted at present. And the colt division could be the race in which the 8,000 Summa Cum will make his first stake start of the season, although we have been told that it is planned to reserve him for Saratoga racing. AAA On yesterday, Walter Jeffords was presented with a fine painting of One Count executed by the talented young artist, Richard Stone Reeves. In his short acceptance talk, Jeffords impressed everyone when he said that "faith is just as necessary in racing and breeding as in any other calling or business." This year, Jeffords has been awarded the honors for having the Broodmare of the Year, and also the Horse of the Year. At Saratoga in August, he will be presented with a plaque from the New York Turf Writers Association for his contributions to the sport in 1952. While J. Samuel Perlman, publisher of this newspaper, was presenting the painting, George D. Widener, chairman of The Jockey Club, said to this writer: "I am very happy that Mr. and Mrs. Jeffords have been honored this year. Racing can use as many men like Walter Jeffords as it can get." After the luncheon, Widener and Marshall Cas-sidy impressed on this writer that the meeting of the many New York forces in racing was in no way to be construed as a turf congress. As we see it, it does not matter what it is called; the important thing is that the various groups will get together for a round table discussion at the suggestion of The Jockey Club.
