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», Garden State Opens Jersey Season Iron Liege-Pintor Lea Entry HeddsValley Forge Handicap Sharpsburg, One-Eyed King, Ben Lomond, Clem and Tick Tock in Mile, 70-Yard Test By WILLIAM C. PHILLIPS GARDEN STATE PARK, Camden, N. J.. May 2. — Garden State Park, the pioneer of the three glamorous New Jersey race tracks, will launch its 17th season of operation Saturday afternoon with the running of the 9,050 Valley Forge Handicap, a one mile and 70-yard fixture that had its birth with the return of modern thoroughbred racing to this state during the feverish war days of 1942. The Valley Forge field, headed by Calumet Farms 1957 Kentucky Derby winning Iron Liege, will feature a program of eight races that includes at least two other contests of special interest importance. The inaugural feature of the 25-day spring meeting attracted a field of 10. lion Liege, who will be ridden by Charles Burr, the champion of 1951, is named as the Calumet Farm entry with .Pintor Lea, who will be guided by William M. Cook. Last years Derby winner must shoulder 126 pounds and attempt to concede seven pounds to Fairlawn Farms Sharpsburg. eight pounds to Mrs. J. R. H. Thourons Ben Lomond and Mrs. Adele L. Rands Clem, respectively, and as much as 18 pounds to R. O. J. Streubers Pylades, the capable lightweight of the field. 37~799 Attended Last Spring The Valley Forsc, originally 5,000 added, will gross 9,050 if all submit the starting fee of 00, and the winner will grpss 8,882.50-as his share. The weather appears promising for the opening and a crowd approximating the 37,799 in last springs inaugural gathering is to be expected. The public will discover several new conveniences installed this year, including a Daily Double "wheel" window, a preferred parking section in addition to the usual valet service, and scooter-car delivery from the farther portions of the parking lots. The Valley Forge itself, previews as an exciting contest, although the public is certain to lodge their favoritism with the Calumet entry. Iron Elege ran a disappointing sixth his last start, which was the John B. Campbell Memorial, at Bowie. No excuse was offered for the defeat other than the possibility of the four-year-old Bull Lea colt not liking the Maryland racing strip. No such contingency is expected in the Valley Forge as Iron Liege last year proved his adeptness with a game triumph over Clem in the Jersey Stakes. The Calumet trainer, H. A. "Jimmy" Jones shipped Iron Liege here from Churchill Downs especially for the Valley Forge and the colt arrived late on "Wednesday evening. This morning he was on the course for an easy half-mile blowout and he appeared in excellent condition. Pintor Lea also tuned-up over the fast strip this morning, working five-eighths mile in a handy 1:02 ys. Scored in McLennan In Florida last winter Iron Liege won the McLennan under 124 pounds, and finished second in the Widener, Royal Palm and Poinciana Handicaps. He was high earner for Calumet last season with earnings of 12,625 and this season has won 6,100. Pintor Lea, who is weighted by racing secretary M. C. "Ty" Shea at 112 pounds, has yet to win a race in a campaign of four Florida starts. In his last sortie he was third in an overnight handicap at Gulf stream Park under 114 pounds. His training indicates he is coming around nicely, however, and he could provide strong support to the Calumet forces. Sharpsburg also carried the Calumet devils red and blue until sold to his present owner, Roy E. Faircloth, last autumn. The five-year-old son of Alibhai — Nina Bruja proceeded to run a skein of five straight triumphs and met his initial defeat a couple of weeks ago, finishing a nose behind One-Eyed King in the Lincoln Special. He also was shipped, in this week especially for this event and he will be ridden by the proficient young Howard Grant. Ben Lomond was named for the race in spite of reported protestations from trainer James E. Ryan who said that he would not run if required to meet Iron Liege. The four-year-old son of the English Aly-cidon has started three times this season and won the first two, which were 7-fur-long overnights at Hialeah. He will be ridden by Hedley Woodhouse. Clem last year won the Arlington Classic, the Shevln and. Withers Stakes and l Continued on Page Forty-Two | | «itn »q - tit i i e- eo l Si.. EUGENE MORI— President of Garden State Park, which inaugurates the New jersey racing season today. Garden State Launches New Jersey Season Today Iron Liege-Pintor Lea Favored In 10-Horse Valley Forge Cap Continued from Page Two ran Iron Liege to a tight finish in the Jersey Stakes. The four-year-old Shannon n. colt has been somewhat of a disappointment in three starts at New York this spring but his .weight has been adjusted accordingly and no aspersions can be cast on— his class. His jockey will be Eric Guerin. - One-Eyed King, owned by the Cain Hoy Stable of Harry F. Guggenheim, was a surprising winner in the Lincoln Special. In that race he carried 111 pounds to narrowly defeat Sharpsburg who carried 114. Pete Anderson will ride One-Eyed King. Howell E. Jacksons Tick Tock was one of the foremost handicap runners last sea-spn, winning the Sysonby and Sports Page Handicaps, and he has finished a pair of thirds his only two starts this spring in the Paumohok and Gotham. He will carry 115 pounds and be ridden by Willie "Lester. Others in the race are John Preeces Arion, Wheatley Stables Gray Phantom and the lightweighted Pylades, each of whom have had one or more starts this season and could be potentially dangerous. The two supporting events of interest are the Southwark and Delsea Purses, each at 6 furlongs. A half-dozen sharp three-year-olds meet in tne first and a full field of 12 and two also eligibles who are seasoned sprinters of quality are named to the second. Favoritism in the Southwark Purse will be decided amongst John S. Kellys Deack Duncan, Jaclyn Stables Lil Fella and Brookf ield Farms Ive Got Rhythm. Appearing foremost among -the seasoned performers in the Delsea are the Calumet Farm entry of Fabius and Whig, Bwama-* zon Farms Jovial Jove, Brookfield Farms Irate, Mrs. A. L. Rands Double X., and the William C. Hells Jr. coupling of True Verdict and Pearl Prince.
