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I On the Trot 1 By MCTRRIE KURLANSKY 1 Transamerica Heqdliner Tonight Miller Boasts Unique Distinction Ozark Chief Looms Likely Choice MAYWOOD PARK, Maywood, 111., May 30. Never before in the 12-year history of Chicago-area night harness racing was there such an out-standing array of two-minute pacers presented on the same program as in the two divisions of the Trans-. america Pace here Friday. With a total of 16 of the nations best four- and five-year-old laterally g a i t e d ace performers going to the post, it is an amazing fact that nine of these pacing stars possess a record of 2:00 or faster, while virtually all starters have crashed the two-minute barrier, if unofficially. A few seasons ago, a 00,000 winner was a rarity in harness racing. Among Fridays Transamerica starters, there were four of these big money earners, and several others are bound to surpass the 00,-000 mark before the current season is over. As far as the sulky talent in the Transamerica Pace was concerned, the achievements of the 13 drivers engaged could fill a sizable volume that would contain practically a history of the outstanding: races of the last 10 years. It would be impossible, space-wise, even to name the .outstanding: horses these 13 drivers have been associated with in the past. Suffice it to say that William Haugrhton, wholl guide Belle Acton and Bachelor Hanover in their respective divisions, was the nations leading: dash winner in 1953, 1954, 1955 and 1956, to be credited with a total of 604 victories in that period. Haugrhton was also the nations leading; money-winning: trainer during-1952-1956, his mounts earning- the sensational sum of ,275,000 in these five seasons. Devlin Miller, one of the outstanding trainers and drivers of all time, in addition to his triumphs in the Hambletonian and Little-Brown Jug and virtually every other major Grand Circuit stakes, has the unique distinction of having driven a total of 33 miles in 2:00 and faster, while giving a total of 18 trotters and pacers their two-minute record, an achievement unparalleled in harness racing history. Probable post favorite in the first division will be the" locally-owned five-year-old gelding, Ozark Chief, who already has won two heats in the Transamerica Series and was a close second in the Northville Downs edition of this intriguing event to lead all starters with a total of 28 points. Ozark Chiefs .main rivals most likely will be the only female pacer in the race, George B. Landers Belle Acton, whos already secured herself a place among the fastest distaff sidewheelers of all time, and George W. Van Camps Steamin Demon, a son of the great Hambletonian victor, Demon Hanover. Contrary to Ozark Chief, whose forte is his enormous finishing power, Belle Acton and Steamin Demon possess terrific early speed. In the Northville race, Steamin Demon out-finished pace-setting Belle Acton by a head in 2:02, while Ozark Chief, starting in the second division, bowed to Widower Creed by half a length in 2:03. Since Hi Hill and Canny Scot have not started this year, it is hard to place these two fast pacers in comparison with their six rivals who have seen action in recent weeks. The second division looks even more like a wide-open affair and Sea Eagle and Scotchlite, coupled in the -wagering, both arc trained by Harry Fitzpatrick, seem to have a fine chance to turn back the illustrious invaders and might wind up as the public choice. However, theyll have to beat the steadily improving Bachelor Hanover, and Libbys Boy, who can beat the best when right. Widower Creed, victor at Northville over Ozark Chief, Libbys Boy and Bachelor Hanover, might feel the handicap of the outside post position, while Noble Adios, leading money - winning three-year-old pacer last year and full brother to world champion Adios Harry, indicated at Detroit that he will be a formidable competitor from now on. Honest Jerry and Hundred Proof will have to improve as both are trained by Harry Fitzpatrick, and a victory "by either one of them would be a surprise. While it is a foregone conclusion that both heats of the Transamerica will be races not easily to be forgotten, it is not expected that Times Squares track record of 2:00 will be broken. Not because that at least five of the Transamerica starters wouldnt be capable of such a feat, but race strategy in such evenly matched fields is against it. There will be a fierce battle for a favorable position in the first quarter, without doubt, but the real speed will be shown only in the final panel.
