The Washington times., 1902-05-25

the three horses named and there were
small bets made on the other starters.
Not a bet was recorded in Mr.. III
mans book on the winner of the race.
/ Reina. but there was play Of several
! thousands Of dollars on Advance Guard
for second and third. Pentecost received
very little support.
Trains Crowded.
The trains going to st. Asaph and
Rock Springs yesterday were crowded
all afternoon. and there was a large
| gathering OF racing enthusiasts at each
| poolroom. At st. Asaph four men were
kept busy taking bets on the varicls
races.
Along toward 1 o'clock the crowd was
greatly augmented and interest in the
handicap was intense. The first three
races at Gravesend were passed over
with ordinary play, but when the bet
ting was posted on the handicap there
i'was rush to get aboard. Advance
Guard was the fayorite with the bettors
and many large and small bets were
taken On tho horse He was played to
win. for second. and third. but the
greatest play, of course. was on the
horse straight.
The crowd figured that Il was better
to play and lose than not to play at all;
and so they put their money down
straight in most cases.
The Favorite.
Blues was the second choice with the
ST. Asaph bettors. while Herbert also
came In for n strong following. Now
and then bettor would wager few
dollars on Monograph. while the Ben
ming horse. Sadie S. came in for small
play. Roehamptor received some fol-
lowing. as did Dom Paul and Water
cure but the others were not fancied
much.
The bettors were still struggling
fiorCeiy to get their money down when
the operator shouted. They're Oft at
Gravesend." Instantly there was a hush.
followed by low hub-bub. which was
soon quieted as the man on the block
told tho anxious listeners 10 be quiet
and get a good description OF the race.
As 1t Came Over the Wire.
"Reina leads" said the operator. as
II came over the wire: Blues second.
Fly Wheel third" All ears were turn
ed In the direction Of the man with the
mcgaphone. AT the quarter. Reina by
Il reck" said the man at the wire:
"Rlucs, second. Monograph third.
Monograph at the three quarters by
a length" was the next information:
"Reina second. Blues third. Herbert
fourth"
Where is Advance Guard" many anx-
iously inquired.
AT the mile, Reina; Blues second:
Monograph third. Advance Guard |
fourth"
There he comes" the delighted back |
crs of the horse shouted. He'll eat 'em |
up now. Wait till they strike the |
stretch"
"Relnn leads in the stretch by a
neck called out the operator; Nd |
vance Guard second by neck, Blues |
third
Didn't tell you" several shouted
at once. while a vociterous cheer was |
let out Advance Guard will win in a
walk He has Reina by the bit now.
Moneys as good rs won
Then there was stiffness almost as
Df the grave. II was only for about flf
"cn seconds. yet it sounded minutes
10 the anxious listeners. And then
amo from the lips of the operator the
puurnful words:
"Rcina wins by neck: Advance
Guard second; Pentecost. third"
Everybody looked at everybody else in
\ ondcr: there was no cheer, nothing but
silence. Then. after the listeners had
iad time to recover from their aston
shment. several were heard to say. "Oh.
{ only had had n FLYER on Relna."
Little Play on Winner.
There was very little play on the
winner of the race. One or two five
lGllar bets were made at 90 to I, and a
number OF small wagers were recorded
IN the mare for the place an. to show
{ was said that one man had played
To- h,,, a, l.