Four Mile Slab: Following his victory over the highly regarded Caleb Baldwin last year, much was expected of World Lightweight champion Dutch Sam in 1807. Sadly, at the mid-year mark he has delivered next to nothing.
After an eight-month separation from the ring, Sam took on free-swinging Butcher Lee (9/5/0) and sunk to his low level. After a few rounds of jabbing and landing near-perfect counters, Sam began to chase the Butcher and swing with abandon showing little of the precision that he has become known for. Worse still, the champ resorted to the low tactics of holding and hitting and using his head as a weapon. Although he won handily by a count of eight rounds to four, he lost a bit of luster in the eyes of the fancy as he was warned and penalized repeatedly resulting in three rounds being declared even that should have been safely on his side of the ledger. A better opponent and effort will be required when he next graces the prize ring if Sam expects to continue earning top purses.
LW CHAMPIONSHIP A DISAPPOINTMENT
Wellesley Arabian proved fleet of foot as he led the four-furlong Explorers Sprint at Wolverhampton wire-to-wire. Duroc kept pace for two furlongs but fell back allowing Waxy to take second place. The Arabian earned 400 cup points for what may be his last showing. Many feel that he simply hasn't the bottom to contend in the longer distances that lay ahead.
Whalebone notched his second victory of the racing season at the Epsom Oaks in early June. The mile and a half course suited his style perfectly as he and American star Duroc hung near the back of the pack in the early going. The pair broke to the rail and kicked for home with three furlongs to go easily thundering by then leader Walton leaving the third place finisher nine lengths back. The victory gave Whalebone a commanding early lead in the Cup point tally.