view raw text
Stop Stop Gap Gap Takes Takes Prep Prep for for Peabody; Peabody; Detroit Detroit Track Track Opens Opens Annual Annual Meet Meet Red Top Farm Colt Outruns1 Seven Rivals at Homewood Bernwood Finishes Second as* Favored Royal Mustang Runs Fourth Behind Abbe Sting BY J. SWEENEY GRANT Staff Correspondent WASHINGTON PARK, Homewood, .HI., May 24. — Stop Gap. representative of the Red Top Farm of Irving S. Florsheim, made every post a winning one here today to account for the Peabody Memorial Prep Purse and install himself as one of the most definite threats for the forthcoming 5,000 added sophomore fixture. Confidently ridden by jockey Robert L. Baird, the son of Grand Slam quickly sprintea, into a clear lead and completely dominated his seven rivals thereafter to charge under the wire two and one-half lengths to the good of Brownell Comes Bernwood. Mrs. J. P. Keezeks Abbe Sting was along in time to annex tne minor award a nead to the rear of the runner-up and some six. lengths before Sam E. Wilson, Jr.s, favored Royal Mustang. Comparatively overlooked in the speculation, Stop Gap returned 7.60 in the straight "tote" pool. Running time over the fast but trifle dulled track was 1:36%. Starter Reuben White sent the "Prep" group on its way without undue delay. Stop Gap took the lead from the word "go" and after shaking off repeated challenges from John Marschs Breyite, sprinted into a two-length lead as the group approached the far turn. At this point the Marsch colt signified that he had. had enough and was quickly supplanted by Bernwood, who had improved his position on the outside. Caught in Close Quarters Nearing the three-furlong marker both Royal Mustang and Mrs. Nellie M. Mikels False appeared to be caught in close quarters as the leaders steadily drew clear of their rivals. Curving into the final turn Bernwood moved up menacingly on the outside and it became apparent that the two front runners would becide the final issue. Once straightened for the stretch run, Stop Gap, without the benefit of a whip,, remained diligently at his task and maintained his advantage to the end. Abbe Sting closed resolutely in a sharp effort and undoubtedly would prefer a longer distance. Royal Mustang was guided to the inside following his mishap, but under punishment could not seriously endanger the leaders. Clear skies and somewhat warmer temperatures added to the pleasure of the 8,955 enthusiasts in attendance. The racing strip proper was termed good throughout the afternoon, but gradually approached a fast * state_as the program progressed. Apprentice Earl Van Hook experienced the thrill that comes once in a lifetime to members of the saddle profession" when he guided Mrs. Nellie M. Mikels Hypostyle to victory in the sixth race to annex the first success of his brief career. The youthful reinsman, who hails from Detroit, Mich., rated the Mikel -gelding with the cleverness of a veteran to send his mount to the end of the six-furlong dash two and one-quarter lengths before John A. Kinards Delta Eagle. Hilltop Stock Farms Pad Lock held on willingly enough to earn third honors, a half length to the rear of Delta Eagle, and two and one-half lengths in advance Continued on Page Forty-Five I Stop Gap Leads Throughout In Peabody Memorial Prep Continued from Page One * of Mrs. Emil Denemarks Bullish. Alsab Farms Missab was knocked back- at the start and failed to recover. t Hypostyle waS timed in 1:12, fastest time of the day for the six-furlong distance. The winner paid 3.40, .00 and .60 across the board. The combination of Frank Orsinis Moon Baby, winner of the first race, and Howe and Stuckers Dicks Hay Day, victress in the second, formulated a Daily Double of ,541.60. This highest pay-off of the 1951 Illinois season, was shared by 25 fortunate players. Moon Baby encountered but a minimum of difficulty in annexing his third straight success of the year at the expense of Valley Rose Stables Raider LaRue and Shady Brook Farms Joggins. The winner traversed the mile assignment in 1:41% and returned 8.60. Dicks Hay Day led from flag fall to finish to post a three-length decision over W. A. Mikels Floral Trail and 10 other ordinary platers. The winner rewarded her scattered backers 7:80 straight. Running time for the six panels was 1:14%.
