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JOSEPH J. BRUNETTI — Co-owner of Vertex, the handicap horse of the hour, who on Saturday added the Grey Lag to his list of achievements. Indian Indian Heir Heir Triumphs Triumphs in in Nash; Nash; Vertex Vertex Adds Adds Grey Grey Lag Lag to to List List Game Performance With 130 Impost Filly Big Effort Garners Place Ahead of Day Court On Final Jamaica Program By BOB HORWOOD JAMAICA, L. I., N. Y., May 9— Cleverly ridden by Sam Boulmetis, Joseph J. Bru-nettis and Frank A. Piarullis Vertex won todays 5,750 Grey Lag Handicap in the style of a champion. Carrying the record highweight for a winner of this stake of 130 pounds. Vertex was under pressure every step of the iyB miles to reach the finish almost a length before Brookmeade Stables Big Effort. Elmendorf s Day Court was a little more than a length farther back and a neck before Mrs. Ada L. Rices Talent Show. Heavily favored to win his third straight rich stake, Vertex paid .90 to his admirers in the closing-day throng 34,663 and stepped the distance in 1:50 on a track that was deep and tiring, though officially fast. Strong Every Step of the Way: Boulmetis- After the Gery Lag, Boulmetis said, "This was one of the biggest races he Vertex has ever run. He had enough speed to stay out of trouble, but plenty of heart to keep the others from passing him. He felt strong every step of the way." It was touch and go whether or not Vertex would be able to start today, trainer Joe Piarulli saying before the race that he had to tub the champion the last two mornings as his feet gave trouble. Bill Boland, who rode the filly Big Effort, said, "The filly ran a big race. I thought the weight would make a difference in the last eighth, but Vertex was too much horse." Vertex, is a five-year-old chestnut son Continued on Page Six Vertex Captures Grey Lag Handicap Game Performance With 130 Impost Filly Big Efforf Garners Place Ahead of Day Court On Final Jamaica Program Continued from Page One of the Rhymer — Kanace, by Case Ace, who was bred by Frank Piarulli, who now owns him in partnership with Brunetti, having sold a half-interest in the horse two years ago. Earlier this year, Vertex won the Gulfstream Park Handicap and the J. B. Campbell Memorial, two 00,000 added races, in the space of eight days. The previous high weight carried by a Grey Lag winner was the 128 pounds packed by Assault and Nashua, both champions. Todays victory carried a gross prize of 5,737.50, including 50 in fees. Dr. A. McGregor Brent, president of the Auckland Racing Club of New Zealand, and once one of the foremost amateur riders Down Under, presented the trophy to Mr. Brunetti. This 16th running of the Grey Lag was a memorable race and not only because it was the last to be held at Jamaica. A genuine champion displayed the speed and courage of a thoroughbred, while the runner-up ran one of the best races by a four-year-old filly racing against colts in the spring in several years. The Grey Lag was a cleanly contested contest, though Vertex appeared to drop over to the rail in front of Talent Show a little abruptly near-ing-the quarter pole. Day Court, Talent Show and Big Effort were first out of the gate at the start of the handicap, followed by Vertex. Boul-metis went to the whip at once to gain position on the favorite, but was still outside of Talent Show and Day Court rounding the clubhouse turn, while Big Effort was right behind them on the rail. Turning into the backstretch, Eddie Arcaro had Talent Show on the lead, closely followed by Vertex, while Day Court was a length farther back. Big Effort a close fourth at this point, several lengths before Piano Jim. Bing Bang, General Arthur, Cross Channel, Grey Monarch, A Dragon Killer and Dotted Line followed in that order. Despite the fast pace, :23%, :47% and 6 furlongs in 1:11%, none of the stragglers, were ever able to come into contention. Race as Team Down Backstretch Talent Show and Vertex raced as a team down the backstretch, with Big Effort moving up to join them approaching the far turn and the trio were almost abreast in the run to the 3 furlongs pole. Nearing the head of the stretch, Talent Show began to weaken, while Big Effort drew almost even with Vertex. As Talent Show began to drop back, Vertex came over slightly and for a stride it seemed that the early pacemaker might have been, bothered. Turning for home, Vertex and Big Effort were racing head and head and stride for stride and it seemed that the filly, who was receiving 18 pounds, might draw away. But Boulmetis roused Vertex as they straightened away and the big chestnut responded like a true champion, quickly expanding his narrow lead to a half length. Through the stretch, Vertex continued to hold Big Effort safe, though the filly fought on gallantly. In the final furlong, Vertex was only able to add another foot or so to his lead, while under steady pressure, but it seemed that the big fellow was content to hold his rival safe and could have called on additional resources had it been necessary. Day Court appeared to try to bear out out sharply in the stretch, but turned in an excellent race, while Talent Show fought on courageously, though a very tired horse. Boulmetis was the riding star of the day with a triple, following his victory on Vertex by taking the eighth race on Court Affair. He also won the second race of Shuu. The majority of the closing day fans picked the double, which went to the program favorites. Marcel J. Racines Delta Vee and Woolford Farms Shuu provided a 7.30 pay-off.
