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Jim Branch Gains Nose Win Over Lucky Codine Turns Table on Sportsmans Park Rival to Annex* Spring Handicap By J. SWEENEY GRANT SPORTSMANS PARK, Cicero, 111., April 29. — A. P. Hensleys Jim Branch, who was defeated by John Wolfs highly regarded three-year-old Lucky Codine in their previous meeting in the Inaugural Handicap, reversed the decision on the latter today as he drove to a nose triumph over his rival in the Spring Handicap. Superbly ridden by the veteran reinsman Gerald Porch, who was completing a saddle double, Jim Branch reached the lead entering the stretch of the mile and one-sixteenth event and held on tenaciously thereafter to earn his victory. Lucky Codine moved up menacingly midway the drive as if certain to overtake the eventful winner, but hung during the final stages and would not go by the Hensley gelding. William Hal Bishops S. McLaughlin was along in time to wrest the show honors from Mrs. John L. Ogles-bys Late Thread one and one-half lengths in the wake of the closely lapped leaders and a similar margin before the latter. Paul L. Kellys topweighted Dobodura, who was coupled in the speculation with J. H. Hutchins Rewarder, failed to enter con-Continued on Page Forty-Four Jim Branch Gains Nose Win Over Lucky Codine Turns Table on Sportsmans Park Rival to Annex Spring Handicap Continued /rom Page One tention and finished far behind the leaders. Rewarder displayed his usual early speed, but quit badly once displaced and finished completely last which was a major blow to the numerous fans who installed the entry a favorite. Under the modest impost of 110 pounds Jim Branch sped the route distance in 1:50 and returned his scattered supporters 5.20, .80 and .20 across the board. Jim Branch, from his advantageous inside post position, led the group into the first turn while saving ground along the inside rail as Rewarder, Lucky Codine, and S. McLaughlin furnished the chief contention. Down the backstretch for the first time jockey Porch wisely elected to remain within striking distance of the leaders as Rewarder opened a commanding advantage. After a half mile Rewarder began to display signs of weariness and as the initial six furlongs was traversed held only a slight margin over the eventual victor who had again entered his appearance. Curving into the final turn Jim Branch was hustled to the front as Lucky Codine and the others with the exception of the beateri Rewarder began to make their belated bids. Once straightened for the final test Jim Branch held a half length lead over Lucky Codine with S. McLaughlin the only logical contender with less than a sixteenth of a mile to be contested. Near-ing the finish Lucky Codine reached near even terms with Jim Branch, but lacked the necessary drive to overtake his conqueror. S. McLaughlin failed to make up appreciable ground and drifted out slightly during the last half furlong. Winterlike conditions again prevailed for the afternoons program, which was witnessed by 13,999 hearty turf enthusiasts. The sun was conspicuous by its absence and brisk winds added to the dismal overhead conditions were instrumental in the temperature remaining near freezing. The track was fast throughout the agenda, but undoubtedly was somewhat dulled due to heavy rains and snow which prevailed in the Greater Chicago area earlier in the week. Patmiboy, from the Chicago-owned unit of Henry D. Maggio, scored his second straight victory of the Sportsmans season as he endured but slight difficulty in turning back a clever group of eight sprinters who matched strides in the sixth race. Alertly handled by Robert Norman, Patmiboy raced Mrs. H. G. Knotts Eternal Za and Helen S. Reinemans favored Happy West into defeat during the early running, and under a mild hand ride reached the termination of the seven furlongs three and one-half lengths in the van of Willard T. Beezleys Jim Boy-H. Happy West held on willingly to gain the minor spoils, an additional one and one-half lengths farther back, Straight bettors on Patmiboy were rewarded 4.00 following the running of the test, which was timed in 1:30%.
