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TIBERIUS OVERCOMES TROUBLE Beats Birch Rod by Neck — Survives Claim of Foul. Nb|es Separate First Three in Juvenile Race r at Belmont Park— Epatant Awarded r_ First Place. NEW. YORK, N. Y., May 22.— Tiberius, owned by Robert Harris, had to outrun four other likely three-year-olds, then* stand upaganist a claim of foul to be recorded as the winner of the Stalwart Purse, principal attraction at Belmont Park this afternoon. He ran the mile in 1:38% to defeat George D. Wideners Birch Rod by a neck as the Falaise Stables War Dog was two lengths away in third place. Trailer was fourth, and Chief Onaway completed the field. One of the smallest crowds of the meeting was present as the weeks sport opened, cloudy and cooler weather undoubtedly being somewhat responsible as well as the absence of an outstanding attraction. The track was fast. The claim against Tiberius was made by Harry Richards, Birch Rods rider, who told the stewards the Harris colorbearer bore out in front of his mount in the stretch. It was quickly disallowed. WINNER WELL BACKED. War Dog and Trailer enjoyed the largest i following in an open wagering contest, but Tiberius likewise was well played, Chief Onaway being the lone outsider. The Falaise colt was hustled into a clear lead right after the start and was carefully rated by Eddie Arcaro, but he tired in the stretch when Tiberius challenged. Basil James rated Tiberius just back of War Dog, until the field reached the stretch, where the gelded son of Carlaris and Gay Kitty went forward gradually to assume command soon after entering the final furlong. Birch Rod, which had been in third position all the while, was strongly urged in the stretch, but he did not begin to overtake Tiberius until the final sixteenth; and his bid fell short. Trailer and Chief Onaway were outrun all the way, failing to show anything when called upon. THRILLING FINISH. One of the most thrilling finishes of the season came out of the four and a half furlong dash for maiden juvenile colts and geldings that was the fourth offering. It was. only a photograph that revealed Epatant, from the Manhasset Stable, the winner by a nose over Millfang, from the Millsdale Stable, with Camp Verde a nose behind that gelding. The three swept over the line four lengths before Devils Crag. Epatant was the favorite at 11 to 10 and a powerful ride by "Sonny" Workman played an important part in the victory. Camp Verde was the one to show the way almost to the last stride. Epatant was well back through the opening furlong. He was racing along on the inside and had a considerable gap to close, but he did it gamely when put to a hard drive by Workman. Millfang had the position between the winner and Camp Verde and to many, not on the line, he appeared the winner as the finish was so close. Camp Verde also hung on gamely right to the end. These three came away from the others in that final battle until the rest of the field was completely forgotten.
