The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-05-08
GREAT TRIUMPH FOR GUNFIRE
". G. WHITNEY'S MARE WINS THE
METROPOLITAN HANDICAP.

Lux CastA Runs Fine WsC0 ana
II Third-Broomstick's Juvenile
Observation-Disclosures Steeplechase .
Faroe-Thirty.nve Thousand Persens
Attend the Opening Of Morris Park.
True to the predictions Of sharp-eyod
turfmen who had watched the prepare
tons for the race, William O. Whitney's
game and speedy mare Gunfre, the four
year-old daughter Of Hastings-Royal Gun.
WAS triumphant in the rich Metropolitan
Handicap run over the Withers mile at
Morris Park yesterday afternoon. It was
spectacle long to be remembered by
the patrons of racing and a contest which
fully convinced the great crowd OF 5000
persons that the integrity Of the sport OF
kings is beyond reproach.
Fifteen thoroughbreds, trained to the
minute. ran in the Metropolitan, and Gun
fire, with Burns up, carrying 100 pounds.
who was the favorite in the betting, flashed
past the judges length and a half before
Green B. Morris's four year-old gelding
Old England, by Goldfnch--Queen Bess,
the latter being two lengths before H. 7.
Oxnards four-year-old mare Lux Casta,
by Donovan--Lucasta. Gunfire covered
the mile in the wonderfully fast time OF
1887, which surpassed the track record
made by the famous Watercolor last May
by full second
Articulate, the Western handicap horse.
was fourth, a length and half away. while
Yellow Tail, the well-backed second choice,
brought up in fifth place and broke down in
front, The smashing pace killed of the
others and they came home in struggling
style beaten to standstill.
No more popular victory could have been
recorded, for the racing public was mind
full OF the fact that the run Of LII luck
which beset Mr.. Whitneys colors last
season had changed, beginning with the
victory Of his colt Blackstock in the Excel
sior Handicap at Jamaica. The success OF
Gunfre increased the general belief that
this is the year when the well-known colors
light blue, brown cap" will be carried to the
front in many of the richest stakes. 1t was
a superb ride by Burns, coupled with DAG
cling speed and a stoutness Of heart on the
part Of Gunfire, that landed the prize.
Burns had her well in hand. always within
striking distance of the lead, but when the
final run home in the stretch took place
with Old England as the contender there
was just a moment when 1t looked as II
Gunfre would be beaten. But Burns shook
her up bit and then sat down to ride her
out to the finish with his hands, and In a
thrilling duel, in which Gunfire and Old
England ran neck and neck to within 100
yards Of the wire, Mr.. Whitney's mare
outgamed the plucky son Of Goldhnch and
drew away, amid an uproarious demonstra-
ton from the multitude
After the race, every turfman who had
looked at the contest from an unpreju-
diced point OF view conceded the fact that
Gunfire was the best horse In the race.
But there were many who were emphatic
in the statement that had Mr. Oxnald's
Lux Casta gotten away from the post With
equal celebrity to the pacemakers, she might
have forced Gunfre to harder test Of her
neetness of foot and stamina than was
the case.
As it was, Cannon had to take Lux Casta
around the outside OF the big fold, and It
was not until the beginning OF the Tar turn
was reached that the Donovan marc secured
position from which she could bid for
victory. Then she responded gamsly to
the calls from her rider and coming down
the stretch with whirlwind speed she was
gaining upon Old England with every stride
when the wire was reached. Owing to the
size Of the field, there was some crowding,
In which Yellow Tail was shut In, but the
big California sprintor was In trouble b.
fore half the distance had been covered
Articulate ran almost as good q race as Lux
Casta. for he did not get chance to show
his real speed until Lawson had got him
clear of the field. But outsids Of the four
leaders at the finish few excuses can Be
made for those who finished behind them.
OF the original twenty-three starters
eight were cratched-Franoesoo, Slave,
Miss Dorothy. Royal Summons. Bar L. Duo,
Luke Ward, Hunter Raine and Mr.. Whit
ney's Leonora Loring, When the latter
was withdrawn the public's confidence
in Gunfre's ability TO win was increased,
and when the betting opened In the big ring
Gunfire was the choice Of the fifteen starters,
the opening quotation being 8 to 5. Yellow
Tail was second choice at f1ves, with Master
man third in favor at sevens, Lux Casta
at Fights Old England and Ignitsr at
tens and the others ranging up as far a.
80 to 1. AS is the custom on big days the
heavy plungers did not bet on the Metro.
politan, but the holiday crowd followed
1unfre with loyalty that kept the sheet
writer's busy from the moment the first
,halk marks appeared until the horses
reached the hands Of the starter. Still.
Iunfres price receded to 2 to /, for tho
reason that there was heavy play on
Yellow Tail, who was reduced to tours.
md also generous support for Lux Casta.
Old England and Igniter. who
practically steady in the specula-
ion. But the others went begging at all
'orts Of prices, and probably all OF them
we're played at that.
1t was a few minutes after o'clock
when the bugle sounded the notes that In
reduced the thoroughbreds to the gaze
If the vast assemblage. Promptly they
,ame through the paddock gate with L. '.
Bells Col. Bill, the top weight, showing the
way; then followed Old England with
Willie Shaw wearing the colors Of Green
B. Morris. and after him walked Herbert,
Articulate and Gunfre. The
moment MIR. Whitney's beautiful mare
stepped daintily upon the wel-k track
here was a shout of welcome from those
Who recognized the millionaire turfman's
popular colors, and this shout, as II by
,pontaneous combustion, spread into a
oar Of welcome that swept from clubhouse
o free field and showed conclusively that
he sentiment Of the public was with the
handsome daughter Of that celebrated
stallion Hastings. whose get have been
70 successful on the turf in recent years.
When the applause had died away the
crowd looked furtively at Igniter. Syrlin,
Royal. New York Waswift, Zoroaster and