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MomusSuccessf ul in Laurel Handicap Prevails by Nose In Blanket Finish First Aid and Ocean Lane Complete Order of Running Before 17,004 Laurel Fans By PALMER HEAGERTY LAUREL, Md., May 5— In one of the most thrilling finishes seen in Maryland in many seasons, five members of the eight-horse field reached the end of a mile and a sixteenth on almost even terms this afternoon in the 43rd running of the Laurel Handicap. After consulting the photo for many minutes, the judges posted Momus and Ocean Lane, from the North. Downs Farm string of Torontos Eric Cradoc, first and third, respectively, sepa-, rated by Brookmeade Stables First Aid., The three finished noses apart, with Wal- ter M. Jeffords favored. Open Sesame a head farther back and a like distance before Elkcam Stables Ifabody. On an afternoon which was the most pleasant of the entire spring, a rather small crowd of 17,004 took in the proceedings and few of the bettors had the pleasure of realizing a return of 4.40 on their investments on the winning team. Momus, a former Jeffords racer, was timed in 1:44% and picked up 1,800 of the 7,275 gross purse. The busy Momus, who has raced 19 times this season, was winning his third race of the year and was accomplishing his most noteworthy score. The winning rider was Chris Rogers, who turned in a sparkling performance. Subahdar Late Scratch Open Sesame was left to sport the Jeffords silks when Subahdar, last years winner, was a late withdrawal. Subhadar, winner of five of six starts last season, including three stakes events, probably will be saved for other fixtures. Open Sesame was three-to-two in the wagering and turned in a powerful effort. She circled the field and charging from more than a dozen lengths out of contention after having had her head turned at the start. Roslyn Farms Go Lightly, last years Gotham Stakes winner, set about to assure pacemaking honors and accomplished that much of his task, though pressed persistently by Mrs. Ben Cohens Olympia Wiz. The latter weakened on the final turn but Go Lightly failed to attain a clear advantage as he was joined almost immediately by First Aid. First Aid had his head in front at the furlong marker as Go Lightly held a two-length advantage over Momus. Open Sesame, after being 14 lengths off the pace at the half-mile marker, was circling the field boldly under her topweight of 115 pounds. Momus, responding gallantly to the urging of Rogers, drove between horses iu the late stages and sent his nose to the fore right at the wire, as First Aid gamely withstood the remainder of the opposition, with Ocean Lane moving to join his stable-mate. Open Sesames strong surge continued through the final stages and probably would have netted her victory in a few more strides. Distance ran out on her, however, just as it has in many of her important engagements.
