view raw text
, : . , , -4 Quick Lunch Scores Smashing Triumph in Aqueducts Shevlin Displays Rare Gameness in * Fixture to Defeat Revolt; Triple Entry One-Two-Three By J. SWEENEY GRANT Staff Correspondent AQUEDUCT, L. Iif N. Y., June 21.— The Wheatley Stables Quick Lunch definitely injected himself into the three-year-old sprint championship picture here today when he scored a smashing success in the 27th running of the Shevlin Stakes. The bay son of Blenheim II. and Picnic Lunch displayed rare gameness as he sped to a neck decision over Hal Price Headleys Revolt. A half length separated the runner-up from James W. Rodgers Due de Fer, who in turn was three-parts of a length before the Wheatley Stables Full Flight, who was coupled in the wagering with his successful stablemate. 22,420 Witness Effort His victory in the seven-furlong event, witnessed by 22,420, was perhaps the most notable triumph of Quick Lunchs career. The race also added to the failure of the Llangollen Farms Porterhouse, the two-year-old champion of last year, to regain the form which established him the leading juvenile of 1953. Porterhouse, coupled with Ordained, had no apparent mishap as he finished eighth in the field of 12. He was bested approximately eight and one-half lengths. In earning his first stake victory of the year Quick Lunch took down the winners share of 2,400 of the gross purse of 1,450. With jockey Sidney Cole doing the booting the winner completed the seven panels over the fast strip in a creditable Continued on Page Forty-Eight Quick Lunch Takes Aqueducts Shevlin Displays Rare Gameness in Fixture to Defeat Revolt; Triple Entry One-Two-Three Continued from Page One 123%. The Wheatley duo returned 1.00 in the straight "tote" pool. Neither Quick Lunch or his stablemate were nominated for the rich Dwyer Stakes to be decided here later in the meeting. Following the return of the winner to the unsaddling enclosure the Aqueduct flag in the centerfield was lowered as is the custom when an Aqueduct-trained horse is victorious in one of the added money events on the tracks agenda. Under the conditions of the Shevlin the winner carried 111 pounds as did most of the entrants including his two closest rivals. The bulky field was unusually well mannered at the gate and the start was affected without undue delay. Quick Lunch forged to the front immediately, but was wisely taken back from the pace as Due de Fer, Card Trick, and Buttevant vied for the initial advantage. During the lengthy run down the backtsretch Due de Fer retained a slight advantage as Card Trick on the outside and Buttevant next to the inner rail contined to be the most prominent contenders. Quick Lunch remained in fifth position a notch back of Menemsha. At the conclusion of the first three furlongs Card Trick began to shorten stride and was replaced by Buttevant, who Remained close to the rail within easy striking distance. Porterhouse, who had begun in the second flight offered no resistance early and it was thought by his numerous backers that he would come forth with a late burst of speed as he did in his first start of the season. Holds Slim Advantage Due de Fer reached the final turn with less than a half length lead as Buttevant secured ample racing room along the rail to continue in the runner-up position. Jockey Cole, astride the eventual winner, let out slightly on his reins and Quick Lunch readily responded to go into third position as Revolt, on the complete outside, started his challenge. Nearing the furlong marker Due de Fer had put Buttevant away, but as Quick Lunch and Revolt inched closer it became apparent that a heated battle would result for top honors. A furlong from home Cole sent Quick Lunch into a head lead; over his two closest rivals as Full Flight received racing room and set sail for the leaders. From the fur-longmarker to the wire Cole subjected his mount to severe pressure as Conn Mc-Creary astride Revolt utilized every ounce of his talent to overhaul the game leader. During the concluding strides Quick Lunch remained the winner by a bit more than the necessary advantage. Revolt held on determinedly after gaining near even terms for the lead during several occasions through the final furlong as did Due de Fer, whb continued next to the inner rail. Once in best stride Full Flight came fast, but rallied somewhat too belatedly to take the top ones. Instead of the expected stretch drive Porterhouse failed to respond when set down for the final test. Buttevant continued to tire during the late stages, but made an interesting race of it for as long as he could, The sudden collapse of Card Trick came as a surprise as it was though that the Greentree colt had found the range after scoring in an overnight handicap in his last start at Belmont Park. James "Sunny Jim" Fitzsimmons saddled a triple entry in the fourth race, which matched a field of 11 two-year-old maiden fillies, and much to the delight of the chalk players his representatives completely dominated the finish. Mrs. Whitney Stones Gallair drove to a front-running three-, quarters of a length score over the Belair Studs First Flower. Ogden Phipps* Searching, third member of the coupling, was third an additional two and one half lengths to the rear of her~sTablemate. Todays conclusion of the five and one-half furlong dash marked the first time since the 1924 renewal of the Astoria Stakes that triple entry completely pre-" vailed over their opponents in a race, at Aqueduct. Thirty years ago in the Astoria Harry Payne Whitneys Maud Muller, Mother Goose, and Swinging finished in the order named for a sweep of the plac-ings for owner Whitney and trainer James Rowe. Gallair, ridden by Jess Higley, completed her five and a lialf furlong assignment in 1:06%. The triple entry returned .00, .50 and .20 across the board.
