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California By Kent Cochran • Tanforan Handicap and Kentucky Derby Pair of Biggies Vie for Fans Interest Premier of Victoria Racetrack Visitor TANFORAN, San Bruno, Calif., May 1.— Except for last year when Silky Sullivan was in the headlines, this observer has never seen more California interest in the Kentucky Derby than is manifest this year. Two of the field, Finnegan and Royal Orbit, raced at Tanforan as late as two weeks ago, while Tomy Lee and Silver Spoon are virtually California horses, for they were winter-raced at Tanforan. Our Dad also raced at Arcadia. The big one at Churchill Downs and the local 5,000 added Tanforan Handicap were today vying for first place in the thoughts of local racing fans. A fine field is assured for the Tanforan, with Social Climber, Battle Dance, Swaps Kin, Seaneen, Anisado, Ballyrullah and other ace middle-distance stars were all set for the iy8 miles gallop. Henry Bolte, premier of Victoria, of which Melbourne is the capital city, and a party of his governmental aides and friends visited Tanforan Wednesday. Theyre on a world tour, boosting Victoria. The premier, which is the equivalent of a governor in the U.S.A. breeds and races horses. Thursday he was guest of Atholl McBean, who owns Old Pueblo in partnership with J. Rukin Jelks, anu a large party of Northern California businessmen at a luncheon in the Pacific Union Club, San Francisco. Bolte and his wife, who lavishly entertained at Melbourne during the 1956 Olympics, are being feted by local society leaders, among them Mrs. Prentis Cobb Hale, Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Littlefield, the Edgar Kaisers and Dr. and Mrs. Weldon Gibson. The Australian party includes Sir John Jungwirth, Maurice Nathans and other of Melbournes leading citizens. World Tour Underway The Australians leave Friday for Los Angeles, whence they will go to Las Vegas, Chicago, Montreal, Toronto, Washington, New York, London and thence on around the world, arriving back in Melbourne on July 27. . . . Premier Bolte, a keen judge of a horse and well up on breeding and racing, applauds tennis promoter Jack Kramer for his enterprise in bringing to California five Aussie yearlings bred to American time. "I learn that Kramer has enjoyed a fine profit on his deal," he said, "and I am wondering why there is not more of the same. For obviously fine horses can be raised much more economically in Australia than in America. Also, when bred to American time, the foals arrive during our summer season, when the grass is at its best. It would seem that foals dropped in Victoria in January would have a growth and development edge on American-breds, though of course California winters are mild." The Aussies say that when Wiggle, their champion three-year-old filly crosses the Pacific as expected in June or July, Americans will see one of the best Australians ever to perform in the U.S.A. "She is better in her filly-mare class than were ~ither Sailors Guide or Phar Lap in their class," premier Bolte said. "She has broken the Australian money -earnings record, having won about 30,000 pounds and has several rich engagements coming up before she is due to come to America." It was reported some weeks ago that Ted Clifford, New Orleans sportsman who races under the name of Triple C Stable, has "first rights" on obtaining the filly from her owner, William Godby. "Shes a brilliant racer, and versatile, being able to sprint or go a route," premier Bolte said. Charlie Calvin, who trains for Clifford, flew to Australia last month in an effort to buy or lease the filly. Hollywood Opens Friday It wont be long now until Hollywood Park invites the public through the turnstiles. Johnny Maluvius is already hosting a thousand horses, and more are accepting his invite daily. Al Wesson has considered advertising the tracks May 8 opening, but thinks almost every horse fan will know about it anyhow. Tanforan horsemen have been vanning a few runners to the southland — those for which there are no more races in the San Bruno book. The dates for the two tracks overlap a few days. . . . His many friends will be sorry to learn that trainer Lou Glauburg has been a patient in the Peninsula Hospital at Burlingame with a kidney stone since last Monday. At last report it was a toss-up as to whether an operation would be necessary. Noble Threewitt has been saddling the Glauburg Stable horses. Miss Billie Berri, blond dancer who has often appeared on Dick Clarks "Bandstand" afternoon TV program, was a Wednesday visitor to see her filly, Pink Posy, race. Miss Berri breeds a few horses at her ranch near Ojai. . . . Aly Tudor is a much improved racer. Ran for ,000 three months ago, was claimed for ,000, won for ,500, returning 21.90 mutuel payoff, and in his last outing dusted off a band of allowance-class horses. . . . Trainer Bob Sinne, here from Cal-iente, soliciting horses to train below the border, and buying every bargain he can find. ... In reply to an inquiry: Yes, one can bet in both books and mutuels at Caliente. The track operates 10 books; theyre in strategic positions throughout the plant.
