New-York tribune., 1899-01-16
HARNESS RACING.
GOSSIP OF THE TRACK AND ROAD.
SHORTER RACES FOR LEADING TRoTTING MEET
INGs THIS YEAR-FAsT DOUBLE TEAMS IN
srGHT-A CUP RACE FOR SPEED
WAY TROTTERs PROPOSED.

SIGHT-A CUP RACE FOR SPEED
WAY TRoTTERs PROPOSED.
The two-in-three heat style OF harness racing is
likely TO receive extensive and fair trial ths
year some Of the most prominent trotting tracks
Of the country. New-York and Louisville have al
ready decided TO abandon the antiquated three-ln-
five system which has been in vogue ever since the
sport originated and a number Of other track man
ayers are now about to follow this lead. Bethle-
hem. Penn. and Goshen are among the NUMBER
Hartford will submit the question 10 the men VINO
enter horses there. and will make all races either
two-n-three or three-n-five. according to the VIII
OF the majority OF horse-owners The racegoing
public who the real supporters OF the sport are
not TO be consulted by the Hartford managers
Another objection TO this way Of reaching de-
cislon In the matter Is that the men who enter
their horses In the cannot know beforehand
under which plan the contests to be decided.
The principal objections the present three-in-fve
system that the best horses break down after
short turf career. and that the plan fosters the
perncious practice of laying up heats, besides
boring the spectators when the races are pro-
longed. they often are, to the length Of seven,
ten and twelve heats.
Only important track has given a fair trial
to the two-in-three heat style OF harness racing.
Al Indianapolis, where the new system has been in
vogue since 1895 the contests have been uniformly
short sharp and decisive. well fast and free
from scandal Financially, the plar has resulted in
starters increasing with each succeeding year until
the last meeting held there brought out l12 starters
in twelve raceS-an average OF more than fourteen
horses 10 each race Inc entrance lees colec ~
from these horses alone paid 90 per cent OF the
purses. and adding the forfeits paid in by non
starters the amount received in entrance fees ex-
ceeded the amount paid out in purses by the assos
only $500 the racing up TO the Grand circuit
standard in point of speed, sixteen meats having
been rotted AT an average OF 2 l4a whlle me aver
age for the PAGERS in fourteen heats was I'll
Double-team trotting bids fair to be one Of the
leading features OF the harness-racing campaign
this year. The announcement that Harry Daring
ton OF Pftsburg and Calvary Morris of Cleveland
are going to put their crack trotters. Cephas'
21lI4 and Elloree 2OsA. together for an attempt
TO lower the team record has already stirred up
a commotion in the horse world. and at least two
other asprants for record honors are now in the
field. c. j. Hamln is going to hook his TWO last
geldings. The Abbot POS. and Batteton, 2DSA4 10
pole to defend the championship record Of 2l2'4
now held by his old team. Belle Hamlin, 2I22., and
Honest George. 2In4. II. o. Havemeyers fast
mares Harretta 20924 Miss Ida. 2.0ai, and Lesa
Wilkes 2:o9 are also being fitted for shy at the
existing record Assembyman CARL 5. Burr. OF
Commac Long Island. will probably hold the reins
over the Havemeyer pair. Ed. Geers Will. OF
course drive the Hamln team, and George W.
Saunders. Of Cleveland. Is likely TO handle the
Western flyers. race between two or more OF
these splendid teams would probably arouse more
interest among New-York patrons OF harness rae.
ing than other contest that could be arranged
for the opening meeting al the new Empire lily
Trottng Park
Up at James Buffers East View Farm. near
Tarrytown Trainer John Kelly is Jogging big
string OF trotters and PAGERS. preparatory to put
ting them In active training for the next campaign
The string includes Drectun1 Kelly. 20SA.. by Di-
rect: Gayton 2:lOl.. by Allerton; Miss Beatrice.
2:lS4 by Direct Drectina 2l624. by Direct, out OF
the dam OF Directum. 2O5l4 Intact. PISA, by Aler
ton: Miss Kate. 2:2l. by Direct Miss Jay. by Jay
Bird Honey. by Direct: Direct Kirke. by Direct.
out OF Hazel Kirke. Unique. by Betterton Matte
T. Gould by Phaamont, Miss Genevieve four
year-old full sister Miss Beatrice and Mis- Kate;
Phyllis Kelly a three-year r-old. full sister TO D-
rectum Kelly; Little Ax. by Direct; Soon Enough.
by Direct, and the PAGER Klatawah, 2N5i+, by
SeinWay. who lowered the worlds record Tor
three -yearods last year. As soon as the new trot
ting track near Yonkers is completed Mr.. Buffers
horses will be taken 10 that training ground for the
finishing touches Of their preparation
IF | can make sa tisfactory arrangements shall
build a private stable at the new track and keep
my horses In training there the year round. SAID
the owner OF Direct 10 "A reporter or 1ne Tribune
the other day. Il believe the new track Will he the
most popular traning-Eround In this country. and
/ expect TO IL oyeTrun with trotters as soon as
the gates are opened. don't know of another place
like 1t for convenience In shipping horses 70 and
from the great trotting centres all over the East