The Washington times., 1902-04-05

quality oil sport FURNISHED at peihlhs
yesterday. The fields in most cases were
larger than have previously faced the
starter, the races were hotly contested
eIl the way, and the finishes were Of the
Rxcitiug, nerve-rackins character.
While all this is true regarding the
races. 1t is also true that the public did
not regard the sport with as much favor
as has been the case in the past, for at
last the bcokmakers had field day. 1t
was their turn to smile, and they
laughed with a vengeance. They began
early in the day, and when they had fin
ished with the talent the latter we're a
Sorry lot.
Six we'll played first choices carried the
hopes and dollars of the bettors, but in
pnly one case did the favorite have suffi-
tieut speed and courage to get home in
front In all the other events they were
q disappointment.
II, Raced in Drilling Rain.
i The day was damp and very disagreea-
6le, fine, drizzling rain falling through
put the afternoon. 1t cid not seem to
hate much effect on the attendance, how
CROWD on hand.
Speculation in the ring was exception
elly brisk, caused, no doubt, by the larger
Sie.ds and the better prices that were laid
against the runners in the dineren'
events. The large fields, however, proved
the talents downfall.
bespite the fall of rain the track was
In excellent condition and the time re-
corded in the various races was good
The starting was again poor, several we'll
played horses being practically left al
the post
There is no doubt that the present sys'
tenn of starting has many things to COM
mend il, but there are equally strong
objections to be urged against 1t. 1here
have been a number of horses, carrying
thousands of dollars. whose chances nave
been absolutely ruined py the ho-FeeaH
system that is used.
The Hoyden in Favor.
The Hoyden's race few days ago was
such a good one that the talent did moi
look further than her for the winner IN
,b. a..ening race She opened at 6 TO
in the betting. vas backed TO Z TO 10, and
receded at post time to evens, because oi
the heavy play on the other horses.
Essene was strong tip, and all the
other candidates had backing, Charley
Moore being played by many local bet
tors. Charley Moore, Maru, and Essene
was the order of the start. Maru rushed
mt once to the front and set the pace
with Charley Moore and Essene running
in close order behind. The Hoyden and
Merriment head and head, were several
lengths away. Rounding the upper turI
Moore still led. the others punched.
Straightened out for home Tommy Burns
had TO drive his horse, but at the enc
Moore won comfortably. Maru and Mer'
riment had battle royal for the place
with the latter landing ii in the last
Jump The Hoyden ran a disappointing
race and was never a contender.
Eleven maiden twc-year-olds lined uI
I'm the second event. Prodigal Son, be
cause OF his good race on Tuesday. wa:
made a hot choice. although his previou:
performance did not warrant the shor
price of to 5 that was laid against him
There were numerous tips in the race
Mda, Tugai Bey, Springbrook, Julia Lys
ton and Squid all having followers
Tugai Bey and Chamblee were the leaders
at the start, with Springbrook on the out
side away running.
Tips Went Wrong.
Smith made a rush for the lead, ant
before the turn was reached he had Sc
cured ii. Rounding for home he was sev
eral lengths TO the good with Mda head
ing the bunch. Springbrook came on, anf
although ne swerved to the outside rail
Smith managed to get him home in from
in hard drive. Alea heat Squid for tn,
place after st=uas.-. 1rodigal Son wa.
of badly and did not Improve his po
sition.
Only four were carded to go in the third
but they were thought TO be so event!
matched that there was a good price OBJ
tainable against the chances Of all o
them. Justice opened the fayOrite, bu
at the call to post illuminate had sup
planted him in the position Of honor.
Both the other starteTs-klack an,
Locket--were heavily played, and the rae
WAS one of the best betting events of th'
afternoon. illuminate and Loc6et wer,
FIRST 10 show to a good start. Justice last
The leaders ran head and head a lcngtl
in front OF Alsck 10 the far turn. wher
Justice moved up on the outside. H.
swung into the stretch ia the lead, whil
Locket and illuminate dropped back.
II looked as II Justice would win at tn
furlong Iole, but Alacll had profited b.
the ground he saved entering the stretch
and a terrific duel between the two horse
resulted. They made hot race OF it from
the eighth pole home. At the finish Jus
tice was gaining slowly. but the distanc
was too short, and Alack won by shor
head. Locket WAS third.
Nothing dsunted by their previous de
feafs. the talent went at the books in tn
fourth and played All Saints as II In