New-York tribune., 1908-05-11
METROPOLITAN NEXT
GOOD RACE PROMISED.
Some of the Horses Being Pointed
for the Rich Stake.

The racing will be changed again on
Wednesday. and this time to the broad stretches
and parklike incIosure of the Westchester Racing
Association at Belmont Park. change is always
welcome to racegoers, but it hardly be said
that the present will be hailed with particular
delight for the simple that the horses will
run the way Of the track, they do in
England. condition which has never been popular
In this country There is something, however
about racing at Belmont Park which appeals 10
casual racegoers and, better yet the better class
horses will begin TO appear with colors up so that
altogether a crowd of thirty thousand persons
is likely 10 be hand for the opening day 10 see
the rich Metropolitan Handicap decided
The time was when the Westchester Racing Asso-
ciatfon marked the formal opening Of the
for many racegoers and when the metropolitan
Handicap was the first big stake of the year, and
there is still far more glamour about the running
of Metropolitan than of the Garter and Excelsior
handicaps. which have heen decided. The Metro
politan is richer. too. as it has an adoed money
value of $4,000. and will be worth something like
s12 GOO to the winner.
Some of the best horses in training have been
nointed for the rich this year. including
Jack Atllin, winner Of the Carter Handicap NC
Garter winner of the Excelsior Handicap Ballot
which was ranked the best three-year-old III
training last wear after the retirement of Peter
Pan: Nea!on the Suburban Handicap winner
wear ago: Dandelon, the hero of many hard
fought races: Celt. said to be one OF the pest
horses in James r. Keenes barn; Supei"Ial'
J Brooklyn Handicap winner; Uncle, Chapuitepe''
Fair Play. King Cobalt and SaIVldefe' the peS'
two-year-oId In 1905 and the winner of the Bright
IN Gun last seas SON A number of others are eligl-
BILE but in all probability the field VIII be mace up
of those named and if all go to the post II VIII De
one of the best Metropolitan handicaps ever de-
cided.
OF those which have been in public JACK
Akin and NCCarter stand out as worthy repre-
eentatives Of their particular stables. Both nave
run brilliant races this year and both are almost
sure to give good account of themselves Hli7
Cobalt has also qualified in way Whleh mas Ild"e
him many friends 1t seems be the general i'm
preston that he is a sprnter pure ana Slihpie' oo'
until he has been tried and found wanting over a
distance he must be accounted dangerous. August
Belmont's Fair Play had little or no chance IN ms
only start, as acted Ike green TWo-ycar-oio at
the barrier but that one race will do hm LOT OF
good. and he has been working 10 the cohlpIeto
satisfaction of his trainer.
The raiIbirds speak highly Of Nealon. and he is
almost to to the post, as has work IN pIi-
vate has been of the most encouraging nature. lie
finished fourth IN the race last year, and Whhe he
must take up 124 pounds the burden is none too
much If he is fit and ready. James r keene the
vfce-chairnan of the Jockey Club may be repre-
sented by Superman. Ballot and Celt All three
have been going along well in their preparation
and Jimmy Rowe is past master in sending =
horse to the post ready to his best form at
stable and has filed out and developed into fine
looking three -year-od. He started only twice last
year running second 10 his sSble companion, the
unbeaten Colin. in the FNatbush Stakes. and Win
ming the Junior Champion Stakes beating Uncle.
Meelick and Frestone. He gets in with 1o9 pounds,
which is none too much for a good three-year old
to carry. even at this early season OF the year.
+. R Hitchcock said at Aqueduct that Dandelion
was working well, and. barring accidents would
be a sure starter in the Metropolitan. John +.
Madden has been giving him q long and careful
preparation. and the horse will not lack for fol-
lowers Salvdere is also said 10 be working well,
and he, too. may go to the post. Sam Hildreth
believes he has OF the best three-yea in
training in Uncle, and has had his eye on the rich
stake all winter. Judging by his work. the colt IS
in condition and quite ready to the post.
Since the Metropolitan Handicap was reduced to
one mile 1897 five three e-year-olds have raced TO
victory. including Sysonbys dead heat with Race
King In 1905. This indicates that good three
year-od has reasonable chance to beat older
horses the mile distance in May. and for
that If no other Celt, Chapultepec, Fair
Play and Uncle will get more consideration than
would be the if a Brooklyn Suburban
Handicap under discussion.