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Steadfast Annexes Jersey Handicap Garden State Host To 34,301 Patrons Favored Alerted Gives Way To Gray Brookmeade Colt And Is Beaten Two Lengths BY WILLIAM PHILLIPS Staff Correspondent GARDEN STATE PARK, Camden, N. J., May 30.— Mrs. Dodge Sloanes powerful Brookmeade Stable added the Jersey Handicap to the long roster of stakes captured by the familiar white and blue silks here today when Steadfast charged past Hampton Stables Alerted in the final furlong under a flailing whip and then was urged through the last 50 yards to reach the conclusion of the one mile and, a quarter with a winning margin of two lengths. A teeming throng of 34,301 turned out for the climatic program of this most successful of all spring meetings at Garden State Park, and they witnessed a thrilling contest in the Jersey, although only six of the overnight entrants competed. Joseph Gavegnanos Joey Boy, a recent development at this meeting, was closest to the top pair, but three and one-half lengths behind Alerted. T. G. Mays Whirling Bat was another five and one-half lengths behind while taking fourth money, with it being better than six lengths back to Cary C; Boshamers King Clover and Bernadotte Stables Sherry. Third Choice in Wagering Steadfast was the third choice of the crowd and paid 0.80. He was ridden by Hedley Woodhouse, who handled his charge smoothly and confidently and at all times appeared to be executing a ride superior to his rival reinsmen. Steadfast ran the distance in 2:04%. Woodhouse had Steadfast Veil placed behind the first flight, then swung to the outside to move up on the stretch turn in readiness for his victorious bid. Over a track that was drying out rapidly, but still soft underneath and termed "slow," It now appears that the Brookmeade has a powerful double-threat representation for the Belmont Stakes. Steadfast was considered by many observers to be on an equal par with Bold last fall, and his performance today will gain nun many new backers. He is a son of Mahmoud and Forever Yours, who was the favorite mare of the late Mrs. Ethel V. Mars. Although rather slight in build, he is "racy-looking," and he was still racing strong under his 110-pound impost at the end of todays event. This tenth running of the Jersey was the richest in its history, and the biggest purse offered in this state. Steadfast, who won three overnight races last year, earned 3,900 of the gross purse of 4,750. All of the horses were under varying degrees of restraint in the early stages of The Jersey, allowing Joey Boy to set the pace with about a length margin, followed by Alerted, with King Clover abreast of him and Steadfast saving ground and within easy striking distance. Sherry, an extreme outsider, made a surprisingly stout bid when he slipped through next to the rail and drew within a half-length of Joey Boy between calls on the far turn. Alerted was then let out a notch to range up and gradually do away with Joey Boy. Steadfast also was beginning to make his move on the outside, while King Clover steadily began dropping back with Sherry. Whirling Bat, who was perhaps poorly rated under a snug hold while always far back of the field, was put to pressure on the far turn and commenced his rather weak rally.
