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On the Wine I : By Hugh J. McGuire ■ Map Plans for Triple Turf Classics Owner-Trainer Bowen Busy Commuter News Again Nears Racing Condition LAUREL, Md., May 5. — A section of the Laurel clubhouse took on a pronounced Atlantic City atmosphere the other day when Phil Baker, general manager [ of the course near the seaboard city, found it convenient to utilize the local setting for an informal conference with the key men in several of the branches of operation at the New Jersey track. Meeting with Baker were Riggs Mahony, mutuels. manager; Jack Boylan, director of admissions; Captain Bob Ryder of the track police and James P. Ross, Jr., racing secretary and handicapper. It was with the latter official that Baker ironed out some of the particulars of racing for the 50-day meeting from August 9 to October 5. Emphasis is placed on turf racing at Atlantic City and the sport in this division centers around the Triple Turf Classics which this year will carry purses totalling 00,000 for the .three events. The division for American horses and that for foreign rivals each are endowed with 0,000 prizes and are to be contested at nine furlongs. The United Nations, in which are matched the first four horses to finish in each of the American and foreign divisions, will reach a minimum value of 00,000, with 0,000 tothe winner, is at a mile and three-sixteenths. The United Nations in an invitational affair and provision is made to extend bids to other horses in the event any of the original eligibles cannot meet their engagements. Card Grass Races ThroughoutMeet Grass racing, is not Confined to the Triple Turf Classics by -any means but is featured throughout the entire- program. Of the 15 stakes up for decision no less than eight are scheduled for the infield course. Under normal conditions it is expected that overnight events will include 25 turf races during the meeting. Baker stated that the turf course, already recognized as an excellent stripy has improved with age. He finds also that turf races- have a definite appeal and that wagering on them usually is higher than on dirt when the calibre of the horses themselves is maintained. Stakes oh the dirt track will remain virtually unchanged from last year. Baker found cause for - optimism for a successful meeting in the excellent reception the sport received at the opening of Garden State. One of the busiest commuters between Laurel and Garden State is owner-trainer Arthur H. Bowen, who has divisions of his public stable at both courses. Bowen has been having excellent results from his charges as evidenced by the victory of Post Prandial in a 0,000 allowance race on the first day of the Garden State meeting. He had claimed Post Prandial for 0,000 at the Bowie meeting. Bowen has not always enjoyed his current prosperity. On the race track since 1927, he came up the hard way, beginning by "walking hots" and advancing through exercise boy to jockey, although he does not boast of his prowess in the saddle. Serving as stable and jockey agent for a number of years until he became an owner, he times the turning point in his career from his purchase at private terms from Danny Shea of the gelding Sweet Vermouth, by Sheas stallion Cassis. This was the stables breadwinner and his success led to the acquisition of others. Bowen is the father of four children, including twins now 10 months old. Shea Returns From Fort Worth In Brief: Danny Shea returned from a week end in Fort Worth, where he served as judge of that citys two-day horse show. . . . Joseph Mauro sold his Holly Tree Farm in New Jersey and now is located near Manchester, Pa. He still operates his stable under the Holly Tree name. His stable of seven horses is currently at Pimlico and eight are still on the farm. One of his recent purchases is a. three-year-old filly by Polynesian, who is named Lanai and who has not yet raced. . . . Fred W. Zacharias of Brookville, Md., reports the arrival of filly foals by Alaking from Blossom Bel and Gallant Donna. The mares will be returned to Rustom Sirdar and Alaking, respectively. . . . Trainer Morrie Sidell has the grass racer News Again in satisfactory training and nearing racing condition. News Again won last years Longport Handicap. Mrs. P. A. B. Widener added three maiden mares to her broodmare band this season. Sly Vixen, by Roman, went to Polynesian. Hawaiki, by Polynesian, went to imported Agitator. Flash On, by Ambrose Light, went to Polynesian. The barren mare Vixenette is booked to Native Dancer while Providence, also barren, goes to Spy Song. . . .A. I. Taylor, stable manager for North Downs Farm and the Donald G. Ross stable, purchased several horses while at Laurel this week. In addition to Momus and Good Graces, acquired from Walter M. Jeffords, he purchased En Rapport and Floure Tout from Jeffords trainer, Oscar White. During his visit to the Maryland track, Taylor also completed a deal for the purchase of Do Respond and Ocean Lane from Mrs. E. Constantin, Jr. The horses have arrived at Woodbine Park and will be campaigned over the Ontario circuit this summer. . . .- Lou Pondfields trip to the Kentucky Derby may find him seeking supplementary entries for the Preakness if the races of any of the Derby contestants warrant the outlay of the ,500 fee. . . . Hilton Dabsons Nances Lad, who won the Swift Stakes last Saturday, is by Slide Rule, who won the Swift* in 1943. • . * •
