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] i , • , MANY UPSETS AT FORT ERIE ■ ♦ Surprises Feature of Semi-Final Day of Present Meeting. Battle Flane Scores for William Irvine In Peace Bridge Purse— Excellent Sport Provided. — . • FORT ERIE, Ont., July 18.— Sporting the silks of W. C. Irvine and scoring his second victory of the season Battle Plane furnished a surprise in the fifth and featured Peace Bridge Purse, a six furlongs test, under claiming conditions, that served as the principal offering at the Fort Erie course of the Niagara Racing Association for the semi-final day of the meeting here. Opposed by six other shifty sprinters the fast chestnut son of Hillman led throughout to account for his success in a thrilling finish to receive a nose verdict over the Royal Stables Bran. Muff in. Third was accounted for by J. E. Small-mans Chips, which was the only three-year-old engaged, and then followed R E. Leslies veteran mare, Meridian Queen, to take the measure of the three others under silks. Held at liberal odds owing to his mediocre record this season, Battle Plane, one of the many surprises of the afternoon, got away at a rapid pace, followed by Bran Muffin. The pair soon drew away several lengths before the others, of which Lullaby II. was holding to third place before Chips. Reaching the turn leading into the home stretch some of the margin enjoyed by the winner was cut down as Bran Muffin drew up to the flying leaders saddle skirts, and Chips was also closing in as she supplanted Lullaby II. Waging a thrilling drive the length of the stretch, Bran Muffin readily engaged the Irvine colt but, despite a bold spurt, just failed to make her goal. With the season scheduled to come to a close tomorrow at the Niagara course a crowd of good size attended the semi-final entertainment, and they witnessed some excellent sport. Choices, however, were in the minority when only one favorite made good in the first five races. Ten sprinter platers measured strides for the introductory offering at six furlongs and it saw E. Teesons veteran gelding Friar Cliff earning his first score of the meeting when he won in a stirring drive. Handled by P. Remillard, the aged Teeson sprinter led Mrs. M. Entwistles Margie Lou past the : line to score by a half length. Third fell to the lot of R. E. Leslies Svelte, another that was mildly considered and then followed C. S. Mitchells Photograph to take the . measure of six others.
