A Farewell And A Futurity

Errard King and Fisherman counted themselves out of any serious consideration for three-year-old honors by getting nothing in this race, after being soundly beaten by Martyr the other day. Mass psychology or something made Martyr the favorite in the Woodward. He got nowhere.

I like races such as the Woodward and the upcoming John B. Campbell Memorial at Bowie which closes the eastern season December 4th. These two stakes, both new this year, pay tribute to two men who served racing well. I like, too, the idea of a silver plaque listing his victories which was given to Native Dancer by George D. Widener, president of Belmont, last Saturday; the cup which was presented Atkinson on the occasion of his 3000th win; and the Baker Street Irregulars' annual outing at Aqueduct highlighted by their Silver Blazes Handicap. They remind one that racing is still a sport, and not just a business.

HIGH GUN'S BID

High Gun, winner of the Belmont Stakes, has been invited to be the first of the two American representatives in Laurel's International turf race in November. The committee of Washington-Baltimore newspapermen who pick the horses will choose a second American horse shortly. My selection would be Raster or Closed Door. As recently as last Thursday morning, Max Hirsch, trainer of High Gun, told me the horse had never even been tried on the grass. But he'll certainly go the distance and there is no reason why the turf should bother him.

He'll probably run in either the Lawrence Realization October 7th, or the Manhattan on Futurity day. A victory in either one would give him the three-year-old title.