The San Francisco call., 1906-12-25


The Christmas handicap will be run
at Emeryville this afternoon over a
track that will be fetlock deep in mud,
but it nevertheless promises to be a
stirring and memorable contest as the
field of probable starters has been mar
rowed down to horses of class. Nine
have been named to go, including Bor-
ghesf, Proper. Nealon, Dr. Leggo, Luz
bin, Lisaro, Corrigan, Ramus and Mary
f. Nealon, Lubin and Lisaro are doubt
full starters Borghesi, Proper, DR.
Leggo, Corrigan and Ramus are almost
certain contestants, and Mary F is also
likely to face the barrier. There is a
possibility of one or two added start
ers, and in all probability the field that
will line up at the post will consist of
six horses. AS the cheaper sort of
horses that have sometimes run in
stake events will be conspicuous by
their absence, the chances for a true
run race among the cracks entered are
very bright, and the contest is more
likely to be decided strictly on its mer-
its as a result of the elimination of
the ordinary performers.
The general opinion is that the win
ner of the stake will come from among
the four top weights--Borghesi. Pro-
per, Nealon and DR.. Leggo Borghesi
sloppy track In impressive style with
116 pounds up, but some doubt exists
as to his ability to run well in the deep
going that will prevail today. He is
picking up six pounds, while Proper
will carry three pounds less than on
Thanksgiving day Proper has worked
well for the race and Is in as good
shape Just now as he ever was in his
long and useful career. Borghesi was
worked over the inside training track
on Sunday and showed his trainer
very satisfactory workout. DR.. Leggo
has had his preparation for the race
chiefly through the medium of actual
racing. in which he has shown by his
performances that he is right on edge.
1t is understood that Nealon's probable
failure to start will be due to his in
ability to show Boots" Durnell a sat
isfactory workout when he was tried
out on Sunday.
RAMUS HAS OUTSIDE CHANCE
Trainers Cooke and Elliott have
practically decided not to start Lubin
and Lisaro. Elliott is convinced that
Lubin is not the horse he once was,
and Cooke declares that Lisaro cannot
negotiate the going. or the remaining
three that have been named to go,
Ramus seems to have the most prom
ising outside chance of winning He
Ids Tie lieut WelSH WHICH Will ell
able him to run his best and he has
reputation for liking the mud Mary
ran rather disappointing race
few days ago and will have to show
marked Improvement over that effort
to cut any figure today. Corrigan
looks to be up against it.
So far as horsemanship is concerned
1t looks as though DR.. Leggo might
have shade the best of 1t from the
in Eayy cfa inf 1far &c
generally regarded as Walter Miller's
ablest rival for saddle honors at En-
eryyille, and Miller may not have
mount in the race If Nealon is
scratched. Proper will undoubtedly be
well ridden, as Brown will be up.
Jockey Horner, a promising light
weight will make his debut on Ramus
in other respects the card today will
be interesting and attractive. The
largest field of the day will be in the
opening race, which is a seven and a
half furlong selling affair Ell Chihua-
hua looks the best of the bunch and
Sandstone will probably be the con-
tender. Crigli Parting Jennie and DR..
Sherman have outside chances.
The second at one mile and a six
teenth is an open-looking race, Gov
ernor Davis. Infiammable. Salable. Isa-
belita and Ray look to be the danger
Gus ones. Governor Davis is con-
sistent performer and may be returned
the winner. Tommy Sandy will ride
him. Fountain VIII probably ride In
flammable and McRae will be on Sala-
BILE.
SIX FURLONG DUEL
The third, a five-furlong sprint, also
presents an exceedingly open look
Hersain has early speed in plenty and
the route will be to her liking. Tavora
also has speed, but looks to be up
against more speed here than she will
like. Laura r M has a royal chance to
win. She revels in the going and is
fast. Judge can run, but usually stops
at the paddock. The Mighty is in faster
company than when he won a few days
ago and will have to improve consid-
erably to do today. David Bo1and has
only an outside chance. Mechant, a
two-year-od from the Keene stable,
will hardly do, even with the light
weight, as 1t viii be his first out in
months. Angleta ran a smart race her
only out, but her chances will be great
ly diminished on account of having the
apprentice rider, Jarrett, up. Marion
Rose, with SO pounds up, should be
able to win if the little boy, Buxton,
can get her away from the post we'll
She has dazzling early speed, and the
boy will have to do nothing but sit still
on her If she gets off in the first fight.
Ine NTH, at six furlOngS, VIII De
duel between Burleigh and Van Ness.
Burleigh beat Van Ness a head recently
when he was giving the Hildreth horse
fifteen pounds, and today there is a diff
ference of only ten pounds between
them. Burleigh should win more cas-
lily than before. If Miller rides Van
Ness, as seems probable, the result will
be more in doubt than otherwise. Cly-
deo won his onlyS out easily and should
take a piece of the money.
Ocean Shore has been running some
good races and should win the final
event of the day from Gemmell, Stuart
Polk's good colt Sam Barber ran a
good race his last out and looks dam
gerous. Plausible is a good mud per-
former. but has changed hands since
his last appearance and may not have
the benefit of Miller's riding today.
TO TRAIN AT SAN DIEGO