The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1889-09-24
NELSON'S GREAT VICTORY.
The Race as Seen by an Associated
Press Reporter.
ITO the Associated Press. !

10 tne Associated PreSS.l
BosToN, September 23.-The Balch stallion
race, twice postponed on account of rain, was
finally called at Beacon Park this afternoon.
The day was nearly perfect and the track in
excellent condition, although not at its best
Fully 5000 people were upon the grounds,
coming in all sorts of conveyances from al
parts of the country. 1t was Nelson
crowd and their friends fully met their ex-
expectation, winning the race in three
straight heats. The Maine stallion was a
strong favorite, especially with the Mai ne
contingent. 1t is said that not less han 1000
were present from that State.
The bookmakers were kept busy and be-
fore the race freely offered 800 for Nelson
to $50 for Alcryon, or SIG for the field. An
under current of opinion that Nelson W ould
in some way be thrown down, kept the pools
active. Budd Doble was down upon the
card to drive the Maine stallion. At the
last moment 1t was announced that G. H.
Nelson, his owner. would occupy the seat
This change occasioned much CONNIE mt,
mostly unfavorable, as it added 50 pounds to
the weight Nelson would have to carry
Many believed such handicap would
lucky stallion, who gave Nelson his first de-
feat at Hartford, had many friends. His
fine action, as he passed and repassed the
grand stand, called for many compliment
tary remarks. The other starters were the
chestnut stallion Junemont, driven by jim
my Golden, with a record of 21S3; CRANKY,
driven by Crit Davis, record 2.191; Pilot
Knox, with Jack Bowen up, record 2.193.
All the horses seemed in excellent condition.
From the start the race was conceded to be
hatwaan Nalson and Alaryon tho npIy
question being which of the other horses
would secure second money. The Maine
stallion may be said to have had an easy
victory, the closest race being in the last
on, but the latter quickly found he had no
business there. Nelson was not headed
throughout the three heats.
Alcryon secured the pole, Pilot Knox
second, Nelson, third, CRANKY fourth,
Junemont on the outside. After seven un-
first heat, .Alcryon lost boot, which caused
further delay. Twice more they came to the
wire and were sent back. Then all came
down well together, Alcryon slightly in the
@aSLo lead At the quarter ,Aicryon proke rand and
second, Pilot Knox third, CRANKY fourth,
Junemont last. Nelson increased his lead to
three lengths at the half, Alcryon second
with Pilot Knox tapping his wheel, Alcryon
crowded up gradually and at the three-quar-
ters had gained one length on Nelson. The
relative positions of all remained the same.
Down the home stretch Alcryon struggled
hard to overtake Nelson, but the latter held
his own and won by two lengths. Junem0nt
and Pilot Knox had pretty race for third
place and the latter proved successful
CRANKY was way in the rear.
A good start was made on the first scoring
in the second heat Nelson was not headed in
the heat. Around past the hall mile he lead
the field two lengths, Alcryon next, June
mont third, Pilot Knox fourth, CRANKY in
the rear. On the upper turn, Alcryon gained
rapidly and came almost abreast of Nelson,
but broke, and the latter rapidly left him be-
hind. In the meantime, the other three
horses were having close race
several lengths in the rear, resulting
in favor of Junemont, Down the stretch,
Nelson kept the advantage Of two lengths
over Alcryon. Junemont third, CRANKY
made in that position.
OBefore the third heat, betting was strongly
in Nelson's favor, and scarcely any one was
ready to bet against him. Six scorings were
made before the horses were finally sent
away. Then Nelson shot away to the front
and Alcryon went up In the air. He quickly
recovered, holding second place at the quar-
ter, three lengths behind Nelson. Pilot
Knox was fast pulling up to Aleryon's head,
was rapidly closing on Nelson and In the
back stretch only half length separated
them. At the three quarters, Nelson and
Alcryon were neck and neck, and the finish
bid fair to be very close, when suddenly Nell
son straightened out and shot ahead like
rocket. Alcryon again went off his feet and
fell so far behind It seemed as though he
would be distanced. Pilot Knox came into
second place, Junemont third, CRANKY fourth.