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Chicagoland I By Teddy Cox Wayne Chambers Sets Torrid Saddle Pace Oklahoman Has New Outlook Toward Sport Settles Down for Try at Big Stakes Here SPORTSMANS PARK, Cicero, 111., May 8.— As the National Jockey Club enters into its final seven days of sport, one finds that Wayne Chambers pace against the fine crop of local reinsmen has been more torrid and sweltering than the weather that forced patrons into their shirtsleeves during the best part of this week. If one can justify the "Id rather be right than president" axiom, this pillar of pattern can point to pre-season prophecy that labeled Chambers as the "probable leader" for the entire meeting. Those of us who attended the Oaklawn Park meeting noted Chambers superior form, and many experts in appraising riders stamped Chambers as one of the coming stars of the turf; as a boy who had settled down and who was ready to culminate in the potential he had shown right along since entering organized racing. Until this year Chambers hardly enjoyed the reputation of being a "temperamental gypsy." Hed bolt meetings at the slightest provocation, and there were times when he held the observations of the stewards and the film patrol with utter disregard. During the course of his spectacular feats here at Sportsmans Park, Wayne has been extremely careful in an effort to avoid rough riding and subsequent suspensions. "I decided before the beginning of this meeting that Id finish it out without any rough riding suspensions," Chambers, who hails from Saskawa, Okla., said this morning. "Ive been playing around the bushes too long and Ive got to settle down and make some money. You see, the Sportsmans Park meeting is just part of our overall program. Ready to Face Tougher Competition "Were hoping to carry on at Balmoral and Arlington and Washington, and were hoping to share in some of those big pots — those big stakes races. Ive had a lot of friends who have encouraged me. They think I can handle myself in the stiffer company at the big tracks. Im going to give it a thorough whirl, anyway. And well see what happens." Chambers is stylish in the saddle and is quite the articulate young man out of it, which usually blends into a fine combination for a reinsman. He has fine hands and beautiful purchase on a horse. The veteran starter, Roy W. "Boots" Dickerson, says he is a perfect gate boy, one who rarely screams for help unless it is needed. Oldsters here say Chambers has won most of his races because of his excellent judgement of pace. We, for one, are anxious to see Chambers skill pitted against the riders at Balmoral. Dont be surprised if he doesnt top the list there, too! Program Scribblings : Elmer Kalensky reports he has taken a six-month contract on the services of Robert Lee Stevenson, which is most unusual. It is rare that a stable take more than a verbal call on journeyman riders. . . . The thoroughbred population at Washington Park is approaching the 400 mark as horses continue to swarm to the southside course. The completion of the North-South Toll Road may prove a boon to both Washington and Arlington Parks, and when the Congress Street Expressway, contacting -the Tollway, is completed, the benefits for the track and turfites will be still greater. «■ Shoemaker-Hartack Duel Looms We understand Bill Hartack is very seriously considering a Chicago campaign. Only a few days ago a return, head-and-head struggle between Willie Shoemaker and Hartack was only in the "hoping" stage. . . . Rosemary Benner, a beauty queen from Hallandale, Fla., is on hand. . . . Len Stroud reports that the jockey quarters being built here will be among the most modern, well equipped in the nation. It is to "be completed before the fall meeting. . . . The game campaigner, Manassas, is training steadily at Washington Park, and owner-trainer John Zitnik, the rugged Cripple Creek, Colo., individual, is hoping to have him ready for a battle against Round Table, Better Bee, and others in the 0,000-added Balmoral Turf. E. J. Grosfields Steel Pick and Sedgeheel have been sent to the farm,, at Lexington, Ky. . . . Frank E. Fitzgerald purchased Bolinda from Marion H. VanBerg. . . . Local horsemen are trying to obtain the services of Omy Spitzer as a candidate for divisional presidency of the HBPA. It is doubtful if they could find a better man for the position, for Spitzer, who is a veteran owner, also is an attorney, business man and one who is known for his ability to lead organizations. He hails from Oak Park. Up tb now he has not madea decision because of so many other activities. Managing director Robert F. Carey, of Hawthorne, is to be congratulated for his decision to extend the next running of the Hawthorne Juvenile to 1 1-16 miles. The purse has been increased to 5,000. These factors should aid in keeping many of the star juve-nilesshere while they gird for later juvenile classics such as theGarden State, Pimlico Futurity and Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes. . . Buddy Lepman tells us he has abandoned any ideas of competing with Florida Shores Stables Charlies Song in the 5,000 Thomas D. Nash Memorial Handicap here Saturday:
