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Tahiti Registers With 124 Pounds Up Ti™* Timed a ;« in 1.1 l:10f ha t- 1 Ti™* Timed a ;« in 1.1 l:10f ha For Six Furlongs Jeffords Gelding Defeats Duke Fanelli and Bicarb In Okapi Cap at Belmont BELMONT PARK, Elmont L. I., N. Y., May 13. — Undeterred by a steadying 124 pounds, Walter M. Jeffords Tahiti turned in the fastest six furlongs of the current meeting when capturing the Okapi Handicap in 1:10%. With Tony DeSpirito hustling all the way, the Polynesian gelding charged to the finish two and a half lengths before Flying L Stables Chief Fanelli for second money, with Mrs. Phil Biebers Bicarb third. Belair Studs Game Chance, who finished by way of the Hempstead turnpike, was another three lengths out of the money. Favored by the crowd of 19,684 that turned out in sultry, humid weather, Tahiti paid .40. It may be recalled that Tahiti was heavily supported against Native Dancer in the Flash Stakes at Saratoga when both were juveniles, but the Jeffords colt, who at that time was somewhat swaybacked, proved a disappointment until this spring. He has now won three of his four starts in 1955 and ran in near-record time at Bowie and Laurel. Jockey DeSpirito could not recall after the race having previously won in New York. By Jeepers broke in front in the Okapi, but DeSpirito quickly got Tahiti to the front, opened up a daylight lead at the far turn, where Ruthred, Hyphasis and By Jeepers formed a compact group behind him, followed by Bicarb, with Game Chance far back and racing wide. Chief Fanelli was in sixth place at this point, but moving strongly. Chief Fanelli Makes Stout Bid Tahiti was never seriously threatened, though DeSpirito had to keep after the favorite and topweight to the finish, while Chief Fanelli made a strong bid in the upper stretch, followed by Bicarb. At the same time, Game Chance moved up strongly, but had to circle half a dozen horses who were fanned out across the track. Hyphasis finished fifth, followed by Ruthred, while By Jeepers was a weary seventh. Mrs. Anson A. Bigelows Nail, a white-faced gray colt who was making his debut, qualified for the National Stallion Stakes when he overcame an unfavorable inside post position and went on to score an easy victory in the fourth race. Hedley Wood-house steered the gray son of Nirgal, who was a 0,000 yearling from the Henry H. Knight consignment at Saratoga, out almost to the middle of the track and the youngster, who bears a remarkable resemblance to Maharajah, went on to score by three and a half lengths over Danny Arnsteins Eiffel Blue, who led Hal Price Headleys Pester another three lengths. Woodley Lane Farms Reneged, one of several "good things" in the race beside the winner, who was made favorite, finished a half length out of the money. Nail re-_ turned .00 and coasted the four and a" half furlongs in :51%. Admiral Howard A. Flannigans Two Stars stumbled at the start of the Cinderella Purse, but recovered quickly and went on to snap a long losing streak for jockey Eric Guerin. The Revoked filly reached the end of the six furlongs almost two lengths before Wheatley Stables Long Stretch, who led C. V. Whitneys Hurry By another two lengths. Two Stars paid .30 and was teletimed in a moderate 1:12%. Mrs. Ogden Phipps Landscaping made his debut over hurdles in the Speculate Purse and proceeded to clip a fifth of a second from Extra Points record for about a mile and a half, getting the distance in 2: 42 Vs. Frank "Dooley" Adams rode Landscaping, who set the early pace and let the favored Secant take the lead turning for home, then came on again along the inside to head his rival in the final stride. Mrs. J. R. H. Thourons Lough Ree finished two lengths farther back, closing fairly well. Landscaping paid .50.
