New-York tribune., 1901-05-05
BIG HANDICAP, BANASTAR'S
CLARENCE II. MACKAY'S GRAND HORSE
WINS THE METROPOLITAN
MORRIS PARK SEASON OPENS WITH BRIGHT
SKIES. GOOD RACING AND LARGE
AND ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT.


SKIES, GOOD RACING AND LARGE
AND ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT.
Clarence H. Mackays grand horse Banastar won
the Metropolitan Handicap yesterday afternoon al
Morris Park in the presence of over twenty-five
thousand spectators every one OF whom was
stirred TO such pitch of excitement as can oIiy
be induced by spectacle OF splendid horses IN
desperate struggle for the supremacy OF speed.
The sterling son OF Farondole won from field OF
sixteen starters which contained racers quite the
equals in quality Of any Metropolitan field of recent
years and the victory was snatched only I'm the
last few strides after race whose fortunes were
constantly varying and whose issue was In doubt
10 the last second
uwas magnificent day for the opening in good
earnest of the racing season in the East. The
warm sun tempered the light breeze to just the
right degree the spacious stands and broad. well
kept held OF Morris Park never appeared more at
tractive the grass was never more freshly green,
while every one of the thousands that trooped
thither seemed in holiday mood, and all uptoe
with a pleasant dubitation and anticipation
Not since 1892 has so large a crowd assembled to
view the running of the first OF the seasons classic
fixtures. The imposing grandstand was filled to
overaowing every seat taken, each box had
its party and the aisles. the promenades and
the stairways packed with eager spectators.
who quickly became commentators The broad
slope in front of the stand was so thickly overrun
with the throng that at times il was difficult TO
with turf or tiling The field itself contained as
many enthusiasts as are on most days in the
entire Enclosure at Aqueduct while beyond the
paddock We're scores Of coaches traps. runabouts
and other smart rigs each with its party Of specu
lators or sightseers. the case might be. Every
avenue that led 10 the park threnged from
noon 10 3 O'Clock. and everybody was travelling In
the same direction Every train and trolley car
that arrived at the gates Of the park was jammed
20 the gates: heads and arms protruded from every
win nd rom there issued babel
Of racing talk speculation and prophecy sufficient
10 overwhelm whomsoever was unwise enough TO
make attempt 10 apprehend it.
DIsCoMFoRTs OF TRAVEL.
Those unfortunates who compelled 10 rely
upon the travel facilities offered by the Third-ave
and Second-ave. elevated roads and the New-York,
New-Haven and Hartford trains subjected TO
the same unreasonable discomforts that have af-
ficted them in previous years. The fault appeared
10 lie mostly with the elevated road. Train after
train arrived the Harlem River only 10 be
stalled by its predecessors, and eXasperating waits
OF fifteen and twenty minutes the rule and
not the exception. If the same acumen and skill
that are devoted TO the manipulation of the stock
of the Manhattan road applied to securing the
comfort Of the patrons OF the road the problem OF
rapid transit Morris Park would have been
settled long ago. AS It is. the fact that many
thousands willing TO undergo the horrors of the
Journey is a great tribute to the constantly in
creasing interest in the sport of kings The trip
from City Hall Morris Park yesterday took ai
the way from hour and a half to two hours
and half and when the first had been run
thousands still blockaded al the Harlem
River.
The tedium Of travel mitgated somewhat
by the efforts Of various amateur entertainers. In
one there stood a Wfthered little old man who
a battered silk hat that had doubtless sur
veye5 many previous Metropolitans from the ele-
walton OF the head. Underneath the hat
there twinkled pair inextingaishable blue eyes
that blinEed reslessly about while their dis
coursed.
Say, stranger" remarked the old man to a stout
young chap who stood next, Il had dream last
night. and good one. too. I dreamed No ?
the big race: No. 3 understand? That's Ban
sstsr. amt IT? Sure Well. say. got g. That's
30 cents 70 take me into the field, two bones 10
put on the skate, an the res fer beer. Pm comm
home in blOomin' autymobile. see?' And he
probably did.
In the next car party of young people sat next
the door Il afraid II would rain to-day"
chirped one Of them. pretty young woman ''and
before / went to bed looked my open win
dow and myi how bright the stars were."
Hear that" remarked man across the aisle.
who was studying some past performances It's
hunch-a hunch sure. Star Bright carries my
money"
answers. talk OF good trials pedigree and form.
There was no candidate obscure that nobody
had inside information which gave him a chance.
REFLECTED IN THE BETTING RING.
or course. all this interest, sentimental and
DID. was reflected in the betting ring just before
The big race called 1t is customary
pect that the bOokmakers will be less generous TO
the public in the matter OF odds big day than
on other days. There so many bettors. so
many who determined to get bet down.
that IL Is not necessary tempt them. The layers
OF odds are scarcely able take and record all
the money that is fairly thrown at them.
so II was yesterday. The betting ring a
cauldron OF humanity that seethed and foamed and
pushed and shouted and jostled in the effort
back its judgment with cold cash. And yet. for
all that, so large the field that good odds We're
ootain2De against almost every candidate.
Star Bright was made the faVoTite from the
starf-jst why, IL is hard TO tell His price opened
AZ . 70 ], nut so numerous We're those who fancied
him that II soon receded TO 10 and TO the
pace, ana II closed at these figures knight OF
khooes ana Brigadier, who expected rule
the favorite. Were the second choices. 6 /,
while the Lakeland entries. Ogden and Motley,
much better venture than they turned out be.
Sontestor opened at an even price with Brigader,
but he got so little backing that was
had against him when the horses went 10 the post.
BIG ODDS AGAINST THE WINNER.
Against the mighty Banastar odds OF 20 to / were
laid when the betting opened. In the light of sue
ceeding events IL is difficult to see why he should
have been held so cheaply. except was diff
cult 70 get a line his fitness for the race A
norse which won Brooklyn Handicap from a
heio containing many of the best handicap horses