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Activity Galore on Preakness Scene Tahitian King Is j In From New York Native Dancer, Jamie K. Due Momentarily; Ace Destroyer, Platan Regarded Probables PIMLICO, Baltimore, Md., May 18.— Things were popping on the scene of Saturdays seventh-seventh running of the 00,000 Preakness today, what with Dark Star, Royal Bay Gem and Correspondent engaged in "The Prep," the arrival of Ben Whitakers Tahitian King, and the expected arrival momentarily of A. G. Van-derbilts famed Native Dancer and Spring Hill Farms Jamie K. Meanwhile word from Churchill Downs was to the effect that Hasty House Farms Platan and possibly T. M. Daniels Ace Destroyer, who were first and second in a 0,000 event there Saturday, may be shipped here to fill their Preakness engagements. Estimates of the size of the probable starting field vary sharply, but by tomorrow a fairly accurate line-up should be possible, when trainers can determine how their candidates have undergone "The Prep." Native Dancers emphatic success in the Withers Mile suggest that he will be a very pronounced favorite to turn the tables on Dark Star, redeeming himself for his nar-now defeat in the Derby, when he goes to the post for Saturdays mile and three-sixteenths. Marylanders are eager for a glimpse of the gray Sagamorean, and it is hopefully expected that trainer Bill Winfrey will show him between races later in Preakness week. He has to work over the course and crowds do not disturb his poise. Probably track conditions will influence Winfreys decision. Plant to Be Taxed to Capacity The new Pimlico club is preparing to stage this Preakness in all its traditional pageantry and color, and the return engagement between Native Dancer and Dark Star is expected to tax the capacity of the Hilltop course. A crowd of 30,000 is confidently predicted in any weather, with a possibility it will approximate the 42,370 Pimlico record if it is clear and the inner-field may be thrown open. The historic Wooldlawn vase, which is to be presented the winning Preakness owner, and the TRAs Triple Crown trophy are to be placed on exhibition in the members club. Though the race is to be telecast "live" over CBS, the reserved seat sale exceeds last springs, well warranting the increase in seating capacity, and Joe Stevens of the catering company reports many requests for clubhouse luncheon parties. The capacity in this section has been doubled, according to general manager J. D. Jackson. With all of the prospective starters in the Preakness having started on the weekend, or appearing in this aftenoons "Prep," morning training maneuvers were devoid of anything relevant to the Saturday classic. Tahitian King, about whose status there was some question," will have his final trial for the race later in the week, perhaps on Wednesday. Native Dancer has made something of a career of beating the Whitaker colt, but the Texan is expected to go well over this mile surface with its rather abbreviated front stretch of three-sixteenths. His appearance, along with Correspondent and Dark Star, seems to assure a blazing early pace Saturday. And if the going is firm, this could come to a remarkably fast final time. The Preakness record incidentally is Capots 1:56 "flat" in the 1949 renewal.
