The Question: In a match race between Swaps and Nashua, which horse do you think would win? (Asked at the annual Belmont Ball at Belmont Park)
FRANK C. BISHOP, Monterey, Calif.
Owner, Laguna Seca
Ranch
"What can be easier? Swaps, of course. That question has been settled. Swaps' superiority was clearly established in the Kentucky Derby. He had Nashua beat heads down. It wasn't even close. Swaps was still going away at the finish after leading the pack all the way. It was no contest."
MRS. ROBERT V. McKIM, Aiken, S.C.
"Swaps. I like Bill Woodward and would like to see Nashua beat Swaps. I used to race horses. I know a champion when I see one. Swaps is the champion today. He'll win if they race at some midway track like Chicago. But if Swaps comes all the way East to Belmont, Nashua may win."
MRS. JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL
Boston and New York
"If I were cold-blooded and had no sentiment about this match race, I'd bet on Swaps. I can't forget how he ran away from Nashua at the finish of the Kentucky Derby. But I want Nashua to win and I'll be rooting like crazy for him to win. No, I won't bet on Swaps. I couldn't and root for Nashua."
ROBERT E. STRAWBRIDGE JR., Philadelphia
President, Coaching Club of America
"Nashua. He is getting better all the time. With the lone exception of the Kentucky Derby, he has shown improvement in every race. He set a track record in the Preakness. In a match race, Nashua will push Swaps so hard all the way that he will run away from him at the finish."
HARRY TUCKER, New York
Horseman and stockbroker
"Swaps. I know what I'm talking about. I was a top amateur jockey from 1907-'20. Swaps came within two-fifths of a second of breaking Whirlaway's record in the Derby. Jimmy, I'll bet anyone $1,000 that Swaps will win in a match race. Here's the dough. You can hold the stakes."
ELIZABETH NIGHTINGALE GRAHAM
New York
Owner and breeder
"On equal weights, it's a tossup. It would be a great race. The horse that gets the breaks would win. I can't make a definite prediction. Too much depends on the weather and the jockey. But I know that my horse, Jet Action, could beat them both. It's unfortunate that he hurt his feet."
EDEN KELLEY, New York
"Nashua. Arcaro made the same mistake in the Kentucky Derby that Guerin made on Native Dancer against Dark Star. He let Swaps get too long a lead. Native Dancer licked Dark Star decisively in a subsequent race. Nashua will beat Swaps as decisively."
JOHN A. MORRIS, New York
President
Jamaica Track
"Nashua. Arcaro will not let Swaps run his race. He'll push Nashua from the start. Swaps will have to run hard all the way. A match race is different from one with a large field. No other horse can set the pace while the favorites save themselves for the finish. I don't think Swaps can take it."
CORNELIUS VANDERBILT WHITNEY, Old Westbury, N.Y.
Owner, C. V. Whitney Farm
"It depends on the distance and weight. If both horses carry the same weight, the longer the race, the better chance Nashua has. I haven't seen Swaps run but I know he is a great horse. In a match race, Arcaro on Nashua won't let Swaps get such a commanding lead. I'll be rooting for Nashua."
ISABEL DODGE SLOANE, Upperville, Va.
Owner of Brookmeade Farm
"It depends on many things, but mostly on the track. Churchill Downs is very difficult. Many favorites lose there. Nashua will undoubtedly run better on a great track like Belmont. But Swaps is a very exciting horse. The way he lasted and sprinted away from Nashua makes him the favorite."
MRS. HENRY AUCHINCLOSS COLGATE
New York
"Nashua. He is the stronger horse, will improve with distance and win over a longer course. In a match race, Arcaro will push Nashua all the way. He won't hold back and try for a strong finish, as he did in the Derby. Swaps can't stand the pace. Nashua will win by two or three lengths."
ELEVEN PHOTOS
ILLUSTRATION
NEXT WEEK'S QUESTION:
Is Phil Wrigley right in refusing to install lights for night baseball at Wrigley Field?