Evening star., 1953-11-11
Sunny Weather
Likely toDraW
$4,000 Crowd
Crofty Admiral 81;
WiIwyn, Iceberg II,
SiInet High Rated
By Lewis F. Atchison

were ready for today's second
running of the $65,000 Washing
ton, D. c., International at Lau-
rel and four were so evenly rated
that the odds makers had a hard
time separating them
The mile classic on grass,
an invitational affair for 3-year-
oldS, suddenly blosSomed from a
colorful spectacle with a conti-
mental flavor into a real whip
and boot hoss race that would
have delighted the most wealth
erbeaten fan. The outcome
seemed to boil down to a choice
among Americas Crafty Ad-
miral, England's Wilwyn, the
1852 winner, Frances Silnet and
Chile'S Iceberg II, with ample
room for an upset.
The track got welcome break
in weather, after being forced to
postpone the race last Saturday
because of an unreasonable
snowStorm. The forecast called
for fair and mild weather this
afternoon, with the temperature
reaching a high of 56. Laurel
officials hoped for an Armistice
Day crowd of at least $4,000.
Crafty Admiral Favored.
Post time for the first race
was the usual p.m., with the
feature, seventh race on the
program, scheduled for pm.
No arrangements were made to
broadcast or televise the Inter-
national.
Crafty Admiral, owned by
Charfran Stable, was rated the
3-to-1 favorite on the morning
line, but it was doubtful if he
would hold that position when
the So bettors got into action.
Impressive workouts by Wilwyn,
Chamier, Irish Derby winner,
Iceberg II and Silnet were ex-
pected to attract good support
for them.
The English-bred Harwin was
considered a distinct threat on
an "off" track, and Ireland's
Thirteen of Diamonds, although
an outsider, finished his trials
in a manner that indicated he
could take down the $50, 900 first
money, with a bit of luck.
Argentine Studs Mister Black
was the longshot hopeful of more
than one shed-row character be-
cause of his tremendous early
speed. Worden II, from France,
and Brookmeade Stables Sun
glow, the second American horse,
were regarded as potential
threats, rated on the fringe of
the top four.
Last Race for Two Horses.
A soft course figured to help
Crafty Admiral as much, and
possibly more, than the rest.
Racing on grass was a new. ex-
perience for Americas 1852
handicap champion, but he has
been notoriously fond of off,
tracks in dirt racing. Nor did
the sharp turns of the Laurel
turf course, which lies inside the
main track, figure to slow him.
1t will be the final race for
both Crafty Admiral and Will
wyn. both of whom will be sent
to stud from here.
Iceberg II got into the race in
special category, that of for
eign-bred but American-owned
horses. He may be in a special
class on the turf, too, for the
pride of Ralph B. Strassburger is
a good turf performer, having
won on the grass at Atlantic City
and Hialeah. He was second to
County Clare in LaureIs Turf
Cup Handicap almost two weeks
ago.
All But Two Garry 126.
A weight-for-age race, all ex-
cept Chamier and Harwin will
carry 1876 pounds. This pair
got in at 100 pounds.
The race was expected to at
tract cosmopolitan crowd, in
cluding representatives of en-
baSsies whose countries are rep
resented in the race. Laurel's
new Turf Club, atop the swanky,
new clubhouse, was a mecca for
sports-minded society.