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The Jockey Club Considering Revision Of Present Scale of Weights for Age Seek Counsel of Secretaries Handicappers on Submitted Changes by John Campbell SARATOGA, Saratoga Springs, N. Y., Aug. 25. The Jockey Club today made public a letter it has mailed to racing secretaries and handicappers throughout the nation asking their views on a revised scale of weights for age which reduces the allowances three-year-olds jeceive from their older opponents at most distances, with particular emphasis on route races staged during the fall season. John B. Campbell, handicapper for The Jockey Club, has submitted the changes after a lengthy study of the many factors involved. There has been much discussion of the scale of weights in recent years, some critics, including Campbell, being of the opinion that three-year-olds received somewhat the best of the weights in the fall. As evidence of this advantage for the sophomores they cited The Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park, which has been captured by three-year-olds from 1947 to 1952, inclusive. However, those who have favored the retention of the present scale Continued on Page Fifty ; Scale of Weights May Be Revised Seek Counsel of Secretaries, Handicappers on Submitted Changes by John Campbell Continued from Page One have, pointed to the Saratoga Cup, which has been won by older horses from 1944 to 1952, inclusive. The impending battle between Green-tree Stables Tom Fool and Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilts Native Dancer in the Sysonby Mile at Belmont, which is to be at weight for age, has added fuel to the fire of weight scale discussion. Under the present scale, Tom Fool, a four-year-old, will have to carry 126 pounds, conceding seven pounds to the three-year-old Native Dancer. The revised scale would reduce the concession, calling for 126 pounds for Tom Fool and 121 for Native Dancer. During the round-table discussion of "Matters Pertaining to Racing," at The Jockey Club offices on April 1, the first question asked was, "Is the scale of weights fair in the fall?" The comments of those taking part in the discussion follow: George D. Widener: "Thats been under controversy for several years.-1 think Mr. Campbell probably should be asked first to express his. opinion." John B. Campbell: "I think it ought to be raised a little for three-year-olds. In fact, I made out a tabulation of the scale with Kilroe a couple of years ago which I still have. I think three-year-olds in the fall have a little the best of it." Marshall-Cassidy: "Jack, would you care to state how much that amounts to? How many pounds?" Campbell Answers Campbell: "No, I dont remember, but I think it ought to be raised at least two pounds, anyway. The different distances are a factor, especially in the long races the three-year-olds have a good deal the best of it." Ogden Phipps: "Are you recommending that, Jack?" Campbell: "I recommend that they raise it for three-year-olds in the fall." Preston Burch: "I saw Mr. Campbells recommendations last fall and I thought they were very- fair." Widener: "And you would be in favor of it?" Burch: "I would be in favor of it." Hirsch Jacobs: "I saw the list Mr. .Campbell had last fall and I thought it was very good. I think his schedule should be adopted." The Jockey Clubs letter to the various racing secretaries and handicappers follows: "The Jockey Club is considering a revision of the scale of weights for age. After a lengthy study of the situation, Mr. John B. Campbell, the handicapper for The Jockey Club, has submitted changes in the scale which we feel are practical. "Before adopting such an important change, we would like to have the counsel and suggestions of those who have had occasion to work with and analyze the scale of weights. "We would, therefore, greatly appreciate your letting us know whether you approve of the scale submitted by Mr. Campbell or whether you have any suggestions for its modification."
