view raw text
Joe Stevens Picks Imp As Greatest Race Mare Veteran Caterer Has Seen Most Of Turfs Top Distaff Runners BELMONT PARK, Elmont, L. I., N. Y., May 11. — It is doubtful if any veteran in the sports world has a more retentive memory than Joe Stevens, Sr., of the famed catering clan so long associated with racing, baseball, football and — for all we know — quoits and tiddledewinks, etc. Thats one reason why brother Josephs selections in Delaware Parks nationwide poll to rank the top ten race mares of American turf history is of especial interest. "Of my top ten, Ive seen all except three," says Joe. "The three I didnt see were Imp, Miss Woodford and Firenze. But I picked Imp right on top, simply because I thought I had to after studying her record. I put Miss Woodford fifth, and Firenze eighth." "I picked Imp for the same reason that anyone trying to select an all-time list of greatest baseball pitchers would have to give high ranking to, say, Christy Mathew-son or Walter Johnson — right off their records, even if the selector never saw them pitch." In second place behind Imp, the "Coal Black Lady," Stevens chose Beldame. Both these mares won the classic suburban when it was run at old Sheepshead Bay — Imp in 1899 and Beldame in 1905. Speaking of Beldame Joe says "she was a magnificent horse. You know, I can remember the old-timers I saw better than*I recall the more recent racers." For his third choice, Stevens came up with another star of Beldames time — Artful, conqueror of Sysonby and other aces. Regret, only member of her sex to win the Kentucky Derby, gets fourth ranking, then comes Miss Woodford, first horse in America to top the 00,000 mark in earnings. The gray-haired veteran then jumps to the early 30 s for his sixth selection — Top Flight, raced by C V. Whitney but bred by the latters father, Harry Payne Whitney. Edith Cavell follows in seventh place, " just ahead of Firenze. Completing the Stevens honor group are the great sprinter. Pan Zareta in ninth place, and one of Calumet Farms all-time best, Twilight Tear, tenth. Sure, Joe had to leave out a lot of good ones. But who wouldnt?
