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Connors Corner — By Chuck Connors Shoemaker Must Live With Derby Error Preakness Chatter Will Soon Be Heard Declare Needles From Grey Lag Handicap JAMAICA L I.. N. Y., May 6— The reverberations from the Blue Grass country and the eighty-third Derby could be heard at the local tracks this morning. No doubt they will be heard for some time to come for this years running will be known to the racing clans as the battle of noses or Shoemakers boner. It is not the first time that a big race has been lost by a jockey misjudging the iinish line. As the Paddock Gang remarked, it happened before and will happen again. As far as misjudging the finish as Shoemaker admits he did. and must live with that error for the rest of his life. It is one that the public will never forget. His riding feats, and they include many good ones, will be overlooked by the non-professionals, which is something that should not happen. The scene shifts from Louisville to Pimlico and the hullabaloo for the Preakness will soon be heard around the country. The field for the Preakness will be in a fluid state from day to day. depending on the physical condition of the probable starters. The grapevine hid it this morning that Gallant Man can be considered as a doubtful starter in the Maryland event. He will be saved for the Belmont Stakes in June. That report was in general circulation, but could not be confirmed from authoritative sources. Between now and the Preakness Day many events will occur that will determine the future of this or tnat starter. By the time the Belmont running roll around, other names will be eliminated from the list of candidates. The outlook for the thrre-year-old races appears to be wide open this year and not. as in some other years of the past, dominated by cne horse. This could make for better three-year-old racing all around, with owners and trainers standing pat instead of trying to duck this or that one. by seeking other fielsd where the competition would be less stern. Point Nances Lad for Carter Cap Ed Christmas armed at Belmont Park from Laurel with a draft of horses to race here. . . . Trainer "Rabbit" Dabson indicated that his Nances Lad would likely be considered a starter for the Carter Handicap, opening day at the Nassau County course. . . .Eddie Kilrce returned from the Derby and was on hand at his desk thi. morning. . . Trainer Hugh Fontaine declared Needles from the Grey Lag Handicap. The decision was made Saturday evening and at the time Fon-tain stated that Needles would likely be away for some time. Needles is owned by the D and H Stable. . . . First Served will be returned from Maryland and likely be a starter in the Grey Lag. Racing secretary Jimmy Kilroe stated that the weights for the week-end fixture would be out today. Trainer Yorkie McLeod stated that Oh Johnny is coming along nicely and viould be ready for racing engagements in the near future. . . . Trainer Johnny Nerud returned from Louisville. Ky., and stated that he hoped the E. R. Bradley theory of "it happens three times" docs not apply to the Preakness. The Wood and the Derby were enough, opined John. . . . Gallant Man and Bold Ruler were returned to Aqueduct in the same car and made the trip in easy fashion. . . . The veteran James Fitzsimmons was on the job at Aqueduct this morning as usual. . . . Neil Boyle, former track superintendent at Belmont Park, was a training scene visitor during the morning hours. Series of Spills Mark Work Session Trainer Eddie Siegert arrived at Aqueduct with a quartet of horses from Maryland to campaign here. . . . Work-watchers at Belmont Park reported that "loose horses" were plentiful at that track this morning. At least a dozen were noted on the main and training tracks, who unseated riders. . . . Malcolm Johnston died at the Mother Cabrini Hospital Sunday morning at 7:30, following a short illness. He was 46 years old at the time of his death and for 5ears was associated with his brother Colin in the operation of the clubhouse field glass stand. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday at the Funn Funeral Parlors, 422-27 Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn, to be followed by interment. . . . The condition of Frank J. Ortell. veteran turf scribe of the World-Telegram, is reported as vastly improved. He is at K«w Gardens Hospital and the medic expect tha,t he will be discharged some time next week.
