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, , , New England - By Joe Hirsch Providence Interesting Feature Dead Heat Thrilled Fans in 1954 Saratoga Rated Standout Today NARRAGANSETT PARK, Pawtucket, RI I., June 21. Wednesdays Providence Stakes, a 5,000 test for three-year-olds at a mile and an eighth has proven an interesting and absorbing feature in nine previous runnings, and New England patrons are looking forward to another appealing renewal Wednesday. Last year Red- Hannigari and Noble Risk dead-heated for first place in as thrilling a finish as has been seen on this circuit for some time. This year the situation is somewhat different, boiling down in essence to this: "Who can run with Saratoga?" Montpeliers black son of Blenheim n. Shipshape II. is likely to go to the post at odds-on, and deservedly so, as a result of a brilliant effort behind- Nashua in the Preakness and a clever score in the recent " Leonard Richards at Delaware Park. If he "runs his race" there doesnt appear to be too much in the Providence to seriously threaten him. However, Saratpgas Blenheim II. lines have made him something of a moody colt and he has been beaten by rather ordinary performers on occasion. Of the others, Hash Weinsteins Stymie colt, Mr. Al L., and Wheatleys Princequillo filly, Misty Morn, appear the best. The former has run with the nations better three-year-olds in New York all-spring while Misty Morn beat Alberta Ranches highly-regarded In Reserve in an allowance race at Belmont on May 20 and has the stamina and ability to make a strong showing. If the Providence field is small, then at least local fans should have the satisfaction of a true bill, with racing room for all and the opportunity of seeing as distinguished a colt as Saratoga in action here in Rhode Island. Speaking of the local scene, we chatted with Judge James E. Dooley yesterday and found him, as always, imperturbable in the face of either-rising or falling trends, but with a good grasp of the situation and a number of cogent commente. "June has always been a weak month in New England racing," the Judge noted. "With graduations, weddings, people preparing for vacations and a dozen different personal distractions, they dont suppbrt the sport with as much enthusiasm as they do in other months; We were aware of this when we discussed dates with the managements of the other New England tracks and it is more or less the understanding that, cooperation will go a long way here, all four associations alternating in operating during that month. "Naturally, we are a bit behind our figures of last summer when we ran in August," the Judge went on, "but we are beginning to catch up and business is definitely improving. Each week we have noticed an increase in percentage and attendance 1 and handle and expect this trend to continue through the remainder , of the session. As for the fall meeting, we will enjoy the benefit of having operated through November last season and will use this experience to advantage. Our post time last autumn was a bit too early to permit fans from Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts to arrive here in time and still do full justice to our early races and the Daily Double. This year we have tentative plans for a 1:30 p. m. post time, making up any lost time between races, and we believe that this will prove satisfactory to all concerned." Around the Track: Boston Doge worked four panels in A9Vs yesterday and according j to his connections is about three weeks away from the races. The Andolinos, Paul and Frank, would like to get an overnight into the colt prior to committing him to a Continued on Page Forty-Six -New England By JOE HIRSCH Continued from Page Six stakes engagement but this is a doubtful matter in this area . .Gene Ianelli, the Al-lentown Pa., poultryman and master of Sunnycrest Stable, was a visitor to inspect the string he has here under Al Donofrio. Donofrio, recovered from a mid-winter heart condition, is leading all trainers at this meeting, as he did last fall... Mrs. Marion duPont Scott is expected here Wednesday from her home in Virginia to root for her Saratoga in the Providence . . . Roger deLorme, the Canadian, came down from the Dominion for a brief stay and reports excessively high temperatures north of the border. Max White, president of the New England division of the HBPA, issues the reminder that the horsemens organization will hold its annual elections at Rockingham Park on July 25. Nominations are scheduled for July 14 at the Salem, N. II., plants track kitchen . . . Willie Causey, who came north from New Orleans with four horses, has built the stable to about a dozen for Herbie Ehrlich...Ty Shea reports that the SNARO is coming along in good stride and that applications for membership in the officials group are pouring in from all over the country . . The Jockeys Guild and the HBPA are combining to support the St. Vincent Assembly charity affair on the infant asylum grounds Saturday night in connection with the Knights of Columbus . . Johhny Nerud reports that Chi-Cum, a three-year-old Rhodes Scholar filly, was humanely destroyed.
