American Notes

Oddsmakers favored Hot to Trot II, but Plain Disgusting and Fluttering Antenna were far from long shots. The competing cockroaches were entrants in Bug Bowl 1991, an event staged last week at Purdue University to promote understanding of one of the most reviled insects. Says Thomas Turpin, a research entomologist: "We build houses, they move in and feed on the stuff that falls from the table."

One hundred fifty fans watched the first running of the Giganteus Stakes. The contestants, all 3-in.-long tropical species, sped along the track. In a photo finish, Hot to Trot II won the cup by a labrum.