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Ekaba Pays Visit to Charmed Circle Powerful Stretch Run Nets Victory Ott Homebred Defeats Sir Putnam Almost Two Lengths At Downs; Fleet Peet Scores CHURCHILL DOWNS, Louisville, Ky.. May 10. — Mrs. Thelma Otts Ekaba. a homebred son of Volcanic and Charlese. well handled by the veteran Johnny Adams, unleashed a powerful stretch run here this cloudy afternoon and captured the featured Cumberland Gap Purse before a crowd of more than 7.500 spectators. The Ott colt responded readily when set down through the last quarter mile and reached the finish of the seven furlongs with a length and three-quarters to spare over his nearest rival, Mr. and Mrs. William Schwartzs Sir Putnam. Mrs. Harvey C. Fruehaufs Barbarian ran third a length off Sir Putnam and three lengths in advance of Monte Prestons Deck, fourth in the field of eight three-year-olds meeting in the Cumberland Gap. Ekaba carried 115 pounds under the conditions, stepped along over the fast track in a sprightly 1:24*5. He was the favorite in the straight tote pool at 2-to-l to garner his initial 1957 victory. Barbarian went to the front scon after the start and. repulsing early bids by Show Man and Deck, entered the stretch with a length advantage. Ekaba was no better than fourth passing the half mile marker while Sir Putnam raced third and well placed. Adams Applies the Whip Jockey Adams then sent Ekaba to the inside for the drive and, vigorously plying his whip, his mount wore down Deck, Sir Putnam and Barbarian in order. The Ott colt was drawing clear at the wire while Sir Putnam continued courageously to pick up the place award from the tiring Barbarian. Deck, who had flashed early speed, faded during the final furlong but retained a wide margin over Show Man for the fourth end of the purse. Harvey C. Fruehaufs Fleet Peet. with Douglas Dcdson handling the riding chore, raded to a length and one-half accounting in the seven furlongs sixth event which matched eight useful sprinters. Fleet Peet took command soon after the break and retained a clear margin to the finish while F. A. Benners Sticks closed resolutely to nip Thaxter Quisenberrys hard-charging Vehicle for second. Valley View Farms Hoop Ring, who raced prominently until ; inside the home lane, ran fourth. Fleet Peet, a four-year-old homebred Piet-sired colt, completed his winning trip in 1:2445. The Fruehauf colt was a 14-to-5 chance in the tote. Colonel Johnson, who races for Dan B. - Midkiff and Dudley Burker. scored his second success in three engagements when Johnny Adams rode him to a two and one-half lengths verdict in the five furlongs fourth. Colonel Johnson, a winner at the Keeneland meeting, took command after entering the stretch and was not under pressure to trim J. H. Homans Hash Supreme, who was a length and one-half on James L. Paddocks Pigerobe for place honors. Ernest H. Lanes Mr. Aethel. early leader, lasted to save fourth money in the field of 12 juveniles.
