Evening star., 1935-05-04
nellie Flag Popular Choice
of Fans as Track Grows
Heavy.
FIELD MAY BE CUT
TO is OR II ENTRIES
Omaha and Boxthorn Rated Prin.
cipal Rivals of Lone Filly
in Classic.
BY the Associated Press.

By the Associated Press.
CHURCHILL DOWNS, LOUIS
VILE, KY, May A sudden cold
wave, accompanied by steady, driv-
ing rain turned the setting for the
sixty-first Kentucky Derby today into
q drab, dripping and. cherries
spectacle.
The track, which had dried out
thoroughly by last night, again
threatened to become mess Of sloppy
mud, although critical observers before
noon insisted it had a chance to be
fast" If there was a let-up in the
rain. There was no immediate let-up
in sight.
The temperature, which began a
precipitate drop during the evening,
was at 40 degrees, close enough to
freezing weather to feel like it and
sharply uncomfortable to the shiver-
ing few thousands who gathered about
historic Churchill Downs in the early
hours.
Crowd Prospect Hit.
4Ac WOISI OcIpy WCdIllCI Ill DIN
years struck a blow at estimates of
a record turnout. Estimates were
quickly pared down to $4,000. but it
appeared the vast majority were pre-
pared to defy the elements and brave
the risks involved.
Two early scratches reduced to 20
the field Of thoroughbreds slated to
run through the mire this afternoon
at about 4:45 Central standard time)
for 3-year-old honors and the major
share OF around $4,000 in stake
money.
]. C. Flanigan's Chanceview and
J. S. Riley's Color Bearer, two 50-to-1
shots, were withdrawn because of the
weather and track conditions, with
the prospect that others would be
withdrawn we'll before post time.
The expectation was that the field
would be reduced to l6 or II 3-year-
oids 's.s'9zs'. s.'-'ss--5 sssssSsss
Filly Gains Favor.
Meanwhile the crack Calumet filly,
Nellie Flag, assumed the role of ia
vorite, displacing C. v. Whitneys colt
Today, which developed q slight
bruise on one heel in its final workout.
Nellie Flag, considered superior
mud-runner, already had won the
backing of a majority of experts, de-
spite the prejudice against her sex in
the Derby. and appeared to have the
best chance to be the leading lady
since Regret led the field home in
1915.
William woodward's Omaha, Col
E. r. Bradley's Boxthorn and Mrs.
Walter M. Jeffords' gelding, Common
wealth, were rated the principal rivals
of Nellie Flag. Boxthorn's ability to
run we'll in the mud was somewhat
doubtful, but the conditions enhanced
the outlook for Commonwealth.
Today's Condition in Doubt.
Today's condition remained a slight
mystery this morning. The Whitney
Hope was examined again by veter-
marian, but reports from the stable
were that no trace of lameness re-
manned over night and that there
was every reason to expect the son
of Whichone to give a good account
VI ulHlSell.
The mishap, described as a slight
heel bruise on the left hind foot, was
nevertheless sufficient to cause drop
in Today's stock among the critics, as
well as a lengthening of odds on the
colt.
The weather checked much Of the
usual early rush for the Downs. Hun
dreds Of the hardest bleacherites,
however, were on hand when the gates
were opened, wrapped in raincoats,
blankets and newspapers to ward of
the chilling rain.
The forecast was for intermittent
showers throughout the day, but with
no chance for a balmy turn of tenn
perature.s The 40-degree reading this
morning was exactly AZ degrees below
the maximum for last years Derby
day.