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Show Released by Western Newspaper Union. DESPITE the fact that Warren Wright's Pensive and C. V. iVhitney's Pukka Gin are getting the 3ig play in the winter book, this is supposed to be one of the widest of wide-open Kentucky Derbies. The fact that betters are sold on Pensive and Pukka Gin doesn't mean they are the two best horses In the possible field. But it does reflect a confidence that the two will start an exceedingly Important part of winter book betting. Most Derbies are considered wide open at this stage. The situation isn't peculiar to 1944. There isn't a sure thing in horse racing. Not long ago Alex Robb of the Thoroughbred Racing association pointed out that a wide-open Derby occasionally produces a sensational horse. This leaves the experts out on a limb because they failed to recognize the early symptoms of greatness. One of the most extraordinary examples ex-amples dates back to 1918. Sun Briar, which had been the champion two-year-old, was withdrawn. Exterminator, Ex-terminator, purchased as a work horse for the champion, was substituted. sub-stituted. The reason was simply that Willis Sharpe Kilmer, an eastern sportsman, wanted to see his colors col-ors flying in the Derby. The race made history. Exterminator won the Derby, then went on to become one of the greatest thoroughbreds in history. His prestige was outclassed out-classed only by Man o' War. Two in a Row The next year's Derby was along the same line. , Comdr. J. K. L. Ross started two horses In the race, Sir Barton and Billy Kelly. He placed his confidence in Billy Kelly, but Sir Barton won It, and it was the first race he ever won. Before the year was over Sir Barton was acclaimed as the first triple-crown winner of the turf. He had won the Derby, the Preakness and the Belmont. Bel-mont. Race horses are unpredictable animals. ani-mals. Back in 1922 Morvich completely com-pletely dominated the pre-Derby dope. The winter book favorite, he had won 11 straight as a two-year-old and far overshadowed the un-known un-known Exterminator and Sir Barton. Bar-ton. The Derby ran pretty well to form with Morvich registering an easy win. But that ended Morvich. He never won another race. Nothing Noth-ing in particular seemed to be , - jtig with him, but he just quit wharf?"mng races after nabbing 12 in i "How, ,ow. when tf-he odds against winter book "I'd '.vorites are indicated by the fact haps ,'hat only four of them have won an h the Derby since 1919. They were "F Morvich, in 1922, Reigh Count in ble?' 1928, Gallant Fox in 1930 and Count I " Fleet in 1943. The other 21 were i ' . either beaten or failed to go to the post. f Care of Firearms Several excellent tips on the care of rifles and shotguns were forthcoming forth-coming recently from V. J. Tiefen-brunn, Tiefen-brunn, firearms expert and ballistic technician of the Western Cartridge company. Tiefenbrunn had an extra word of caution for fanners and ranchers. ranch-ers. Farm-owned rifles and shotguns shot-guns that are kept ready for quick shots at predators should always be kept clean and coated with a light oil. As lighter oils drain off and have a tendency to evaporate, they should be renewed periodically. periodical-ly. And it is a mistake to plug the barrel to keep out dirt. This practice prac-tice can produce atmospheric rusting rust-ing due to the condensation of moisture mois-ture on exterior metal parts or in the barrel. Also, many accidents have resulted from plugged guns the plugs forgotten. If the gun is to be stored for the summer he advises the following steps: First, clean the bore of the gun thoroughly, using a bristle brass brush, clean patches and a reputable reputa-ble powder solvent if necessary. Heavy Grease Coat When the bore is clean and dry, coat it thoroughly with grease. As long as the gun is to be stored, use heavy grease or heavy gun oil. Heavy lubricant is better protection against atmospheric rusting. All exposed ex-posed metal parts should be wiped with a clean cloth saturated with the same type grease. After the gun has been greased, be sure to snap the trigger before storing it. Never p!ug the muzzle. Best storage conditions are at ordinary ordi-nary room temperature. Avoid basements, barns, attics or other places subject to damp or extreme temperature changes. The best way to remove the lubricant lubri-cant at the beginning of the next shooting season is to apply a little elbow grease and swab the inside with clean patches and wipe the outside out-side with a dry rag. Don't shoot until tile grease is removed. "Your gun, like any mechanical device, needs reasonable care and attention to insure its positive and continued operation," says Mr. Tiefenbrunn. Tie-fenbrunn. "With no new guns in sight, and long periods when farmers farm-ers as well as hunters must dc without mmunition, a little extra care is required today." |