view raw text
W E I G H I N G I N andy EVAN SHIPMAN - SARATOGA, Saratoga Springs, N. Y., Aug. 28. Saratogas series of juvenile stakes usually serve to point out the leading two-year-olds in the East, and that often means the best two-year-olds in the country. This year, the winner of Saturdays six and a half furlongs Hopeful may not have an undisputed title to leadership, but the colt who scores will certainly have a strong claim. The - prevalent cough will keep Mrs. Elizabeth Persons highly regarded Porterhouse idle, but Cain Hoys Turn-to and James Cox Bradys Artismo are among the 13 who will vie for honors, their presence assuring this important stake its customary prestige. Both Turn-to, who made his debut at this meeting, and Artismo, who arrived at the Spa with a .solid reputation, established in New Jersey, have r impressed horsemen as absolutely first-class colts, and the local interest in their encounter is keen. Artismos first appearance here was marked by a clean-cut victory in the Grand Union, while Turn-to benefitted from the disqualification of Porterhouse to annex the Saratoga Special, a race that some observers believe he would have won but for being bumped by Porterhouse in the drive. We do not happen to share that opinion, but that does not detract from our respect for Turn-to, Cain Hoys imported son of Royal Charger is unquestionably a colt of the greatest promise, and Artismo will have him to catch in this Hopeful renewal. We say this advisedly, because Turn-to has the foot to take the track at the drop of the flag, while Artismo, even were he not hampered by an outside post, would probably rely on his strong stretch-running ability. AAA Although to judge from the discussion concerning this race you might fancy it a match between Turn-to and Artismo, actually we believe it is not as simple as that. Hopeful Usually Decides Juvenile Leadership Turn-to and Artismo Are Both Well Regarded Sun Shower Handles Distance Well in Stake Hard Course Reduces Entries for Field Events That matter of post position, for instance, can complicate things sadly. Artismo must break from stall number 12, while Turn-to is certainly favored by fourth position, one that may enable him to avoid crowding and yet be close to the rail. There is a lot of early speed in the Hopeful. In addition to Turn-to, Sir Boss, Wise Pop, Permian and Bobby Brocato can all hustle away from that gate, and a colt who is not well placed when they reach the far turn will be forced either to take the "overland" or to run the risk of a "blind switch" in search of racing room. Artismos Grand Union was the fastest six furlongs by a two-year-old at the current meeting, the son of Goya n. stepping the distance in 1:12, but, in his final work for this Hopeful engagement, Turn-to was clocked in 1:12, and they say that, the Cain Hoy colt went pretty easy. On the basis of that fast work, his favorable post, and the racing qualities he showed in the Special, our guess is that Turn-to will rule a choice over Artismo tomorrow in the wagering. Before the latter colts Grand Union, we spoke of the good impression Circle Ms War Doings had made on us at Delaware, but that colt failed to reproduce his previous form, even though he did finish a not too distant fifth. He is starting back here in the Hopeful, and it is just possible that he may make amends. AAA After Sun Showers pleasing victory, in the Saratoga Steeplechase Handicap yesterday, Mickey Walsh, the Easton geldings trainer, gave all the credit for "making" this fine fencer to Rigan McKinney from whose dispersal sale Sun Shower had been purchased last spring for ,000. Whoever was responsible, the job was well done. Sun Shower jumps beautifully and has perfect racing manners. Before the start of this two and a half miles stake, most important of the "through the field" events at this meeting, it was rumored that Sun Shower, winner of both the Shillelah and Beverwyck chases, might not care for the extended distance, and for that reason Brook-meades His Boots went to the post a slight favorite. Distance, however, had no terrors for the thoroughly fit Sun Shower, and it was His Boots who faltered at the end of the journey. Pat Smithwick rode the winner with patience and confidence, allowing Semper Eadem to set an extremely fast pace for the two full tours of the course and then moving with authority when he sensed that His Boots was ready to challenge. Sun Shower and His Boots had no trouble putting the pacemaker away, and as they took the last turn, it was a toss-up between them. Their jumping was faultless, but Sun Shower had -the most speed on the flat and was the fresher of the two at the finish. As a matter of fact, all five starters in this stake fenced cleanly, and it was a pleasure to watch such well-schooled horses. AAA Several good eligibles for the steeplechase stake, and notably Mrs. Esther duPont Weirs The Mast, remained on the sidelines because the infield course was so hard. There has been no real drought up here, but there has been less than the normal amount of rain thus keeping the fields small in the chases. Midsummer, after all, is not the ideal time of the year for steeplechasing, and in France, England and Eire, where this branch of the sport is popular enough to justify entire programs, these races are Continued on Page Fifty-One WEIGHING IN By EVAN SHIPMAN Continued from Page Fifty-Six presented in late fall, winter and spring. Perhaps liberal use of a sprinkling system would help here at Saratoga, but it would require a great deal of water to keep the turf in really satisfactory condition. Those horses who find this going acceptable and whose feet do not sting will, of course, race in excellent time, and Sun Showers stake yesterday was only a second off the track mark set by Montpeliers Hampton Roads, a couple of years back, over exactly the same kind of strip. AAA Danny Van Clief, whose Nydrie Stud is one of the most important Virginia breeding establishments, also races a small string, usually fillies, who will later become matrons at the farm. One of these made a particularly agreeable impression yesterday, when Remission led all the way in a dash for maidens, her time of 1:07 for the five and a half furlongs being quite acceptable considering the deep strip. Remission, a daughter of Pavot Cronium, by Pot au Feu, was only making her second start, but it was common knowledge that trainer Doc Jones holds her in high regard and she had not been lacking in support for her debut last week, when she raced very green, nor again yesterday. This is a good looking filly, and she may have a future. Second to Remission was Greentrees Old Game, this one a full sister to Capot, and there was also a half-sister to Grecian ! Queen in this field, Ben F. Whitakers Linda Carol being out of Qbania. Remissions margin over Old Game was two full lengths at the finish, but the winner is still quite high in flesh and she is likely to improve markedly off this encouraging effort. Kidway of the stretch, she was obviously weary, switching her tail when jockey G. Glassner employed the whip to keep her about her business, but her class told and Old Game could never draw level with her.
