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, , ; [ Sweet Willow Victress In Blackstone Valley R. W. Collins Shifty Mare Beats Doublrab in Front-Running Race PAWTUCKET, R. I., May 9.— Robert W. Collins Sweet Willow, one of the fastest members of her sex division, returned to the turf wars today with an end to end victory in the ninth running of the Blackstone Valley Handicap, ,000 added, six-furlong event, which featured the final day of racing of Narragansetts spring meeting. Out of action since she was injured in Florida last February, the bay daughter of Lee O. Cotner and Sweeping Willow turned in an outstanding performance as she sped the distance in 1:11%, excellent time over the fast but dull racing strip. Closest to the winner as she hit the wire was Mrs. Tilyou Christophers Doublrab, winner of the Spring Handicap and Bristol Handicap at this meeting. Only a length separated the Illinois gray son of Sherab from the mare. The same distance away, E. C. Eastwoods Challamore picked up third money, three-quarters of a length before the White Star Stables Taking Ways. Despite the fact that she hadnt been to the races in some time, Sweet Willow, who also won the 1941 renewal of this handicap, was sent to the post as the favorite. She returned a .70 mutuel. The race was marred by an accident to A. B. Christophers Daily Delivery just in-1 side the eighth pole. At that point the Milkman colt was moving up into contention but stumbled and Georgie McMullen pulled him up. The Miami-owned colt was removed from the track in the horse ambulance and it was later announced that his left ankle had been broken and it was necessary to destroy him. Casualty in Headliner When Buddy Wingfield rung the bell Sweet Willow went right to the front and was never headed, but at the eighth pole she appeared to be tiring as both Daily Delivery and Doublrab challenged. When Daily Delivery stumbled and was pulled up, Doublrab was under a drive, but Red Howell kept the winner under a stiff hand ride and she responded gamely as she held off the gray colts bid. While it seemed that Sweet Willow was tiring at the eighth pole. Red Howell held her together well and there was no doubt of her superiority. The ,350 *hicti she picked up in todays victory ran her earnings for the year up to ,100, although it was her first victory in five starts. Behind the first two, E. C. Eastwoods Challamore made a good showing. She provided what early contention for Sweet Willow the race developed and then hung on to earn show money. Herb Lindberg, who replaced the suspended Billy Thompson on Doublrab, rode a good race, but today was Sweet Willows day. Lindberg reserved his mount off the pace and saved ground all the way on the rail to conserve several lengths, but his mount just wasnt up to the assignment.
