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► Preceder Registers Over Lake Success Augustus and Nahm Ace Gets Up in Final Strides to Nip Calumet Filly at Churchill CHURCHILL DOWNS, Louisville, Ky., May 21. — The Paul Jones Purse, one of the more attractive supporting features to the Churchill Downs Handicap on the afternoons agenda, was accounted for by Augustus and Nahms stretch running Preceder in a driving finish in advance of Calumet farms favored Lake Success. Seven three-year-olds paraded postward in the six furlongs event and at the termination, Preceder was up in the final strides to prevail over the Calumet colorbearer by the narrowest of margins. In third position some four length to the arrear of the closely lapped leaders came Circle M Farms Owlet. C. W. Hows Skyann, Robert Ballens Perfidy, Roymond Whites Flare Monte and Mrs. Albert Roths Kentucky Derby starter, Senecas Coin, completed the formidable group and finished in the order named. Double for Wirth Starter Carl Burns dispatched the Paul Jones field without undue delay and the fleet Skyann sprinted into a slight advantage over Perfidy, who was five lengths before the third closest competitor. Perfidy disposed of Skyann on the far turn while the favorite and the eventual victor had moved into closer contention. When straightened for the stretch drive, jockey Steve Brooks, astride Lake Success, brought his mount to the middle of the track whereas Freddie Wirth, who was completing a saddle double for the day, wisely elected to save ground next the inside rail. Approaching the furlong marker, Perfidy began to display definite signs of weariness and it became apparent that the major honors would rest between Preceder andTjake Success. The latter took a short lead midway the drive while Wirth retained a steady hold on Preceder. During the final stages Wirth called upon his mount for his best effort and in a driving finish outgamed Lake Success. Heavy rains, which fell shortly previous to the first race, transformed the strip from fast to slow for the afternoons sport. Only along the inside rail did the downpour have any decided ill effect on the course, as the remainder of the oval showed signs of mud only in spots. Threatening overcast conditions following the morning precipitation undoubtedly held down the final days attendance to an estimated 20,-000. However, the sun broke through the clouded skies intermittently during the day, adding to the comfort of the turf enthusiasts who ventured to the track, notwithstanding rather inclement weather predictions.
