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WoodbineOpens ItsGates Monday for 36-Day Meet Fifteen in Trial on Opening Day; Queens Plate Week-End Feature By FRANK ARMSTRONG WOODBINE, Etobicoke, Ont., June 1. Woodbine, the Ontario Jockey Clubs 3,-000,000 modernistic racecourse, the largest in North America, opens on Monday for a "span of 36 days of the Ontario racing season. This will be the second term for the super plant in suburban Etobicoke. A year ago, the track was opened hurriedly, partially unfinished. This year, the huge plant is impeccably correct. The Ontario Jockey Club offers an elaborate stakes program through the course of the meeting, but interest for the first week rests with the Queens Plate, which will have its running on Saturday, June 8. The all-important Plate Trial, . a mile and one-sixteenth gallop for the Guineas eligibles, features the -inaugural program. A test designed to separate the proverbial wheat from the chaff, the Trial attracted 15 overnight entries and was split in two divisions, both of which carry ,000-added value. The first split, sixth on the program, has eight starters which include E. P. Taylors Lyford Gay, who improved his Plate status considerably with an impressive victory in his seasonal debut at Old Woodbine. He will probably be favorite, for this division of the Trial, which isnt the easiest of the two races. However, the Chop Chop-Famous Maid gelding, who has been a model of consistency, is a logical choice. It is expected that T. M. Stables Porter Grata, whose Plate preps have been impressive, and Bayfield Farms Flying Atom, runner-up to Lyford Gay in his lone race of the year, will prove powerful contenders. Porter Grata has been taking his preps in competition rather than on the training strip and is in first-class condition. Flying Atoms good race, a second to Lyford Cay, was preceded and followed by shaip workouts. These are the three principals on the basis of form. The others, though less impressive in training and racing, are not without chances and could improve at the distance. Mrs. J. D. Cullingham!s Holiday Ted is the lone winner this season at" the mile and one-sixttenth distance, a race which, stamps him as a threat. Others in the field, all of which have shown commendable performances, are Continued on Page Fifty-One WoodbineOpens ItsGates Monday for 36-Day Meet Fifteen in Trial on Opening Day; Queens Plate Week-End Feature Continued from Page Fifty-Two Carr Hatchs Onionville, Miss C. B. Armstrongs The Schreiber, Charles Bordon-aros West Four and E. C. Pasquales Hen-ry B. Good. - Mrs. M. J. Boylens Lad Atoi the origin- j al Plate favorite, arid Mrs. E. P. Taylors highly rated Chopadette head the seven named for the second division. Lad Ator was beaten twice in prep races, finishing third to Stafford Farms American-bred Howbuck and Porter Grata in his seasonal bow and he was third again to Lyford Cay and Flying Atom. He seemed to be without excuse in both starts, but much better is expected of him. Chopadette was third to Ballyrush and Porter Grata in his only start of the year and had the excuse of poor racing luck in a race in which many considered him. best. This split of the Trial takes shape as a two-horse affair, with the rest outsiders who would definitely have to improve to be j Plate threats. Ben Steens Bolita, a fast colt, let down rather badly in his last race after winning two Fort Erie sprints. John Culling-hams Polaristos only graduated in his last start and didnt beat much. Shermanor Farms Epic Knight had no speed in his only start this year and was an ordinary two-year-old. Dew Valley Farms Count Teddy has been consistent with a first, second and three thirds this year and looks like the best prospect in the field for improvement. The remaining entrant, Medway Stables Everround, was a fast-going fourth in his only start this year.
