Word: backstretch
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Dates: during 1940-1949
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...winter U.S. railbirds have been buzzing about fabulous Count Fleet. Those who saw him run in the Champagne Stakes last fall can never forget the sight of the Hertzes' yellow silks flying down the Belmont backstretch. That was the fastest mile (1:34 4/5) ever run by a two-year-old, and was only 2/5 of a second away from the world's record set by the late great Equipoise when he was a four-year...
When the crowd got its first glimpse of Alsab, pounding past the stands, he was in next-to-last place. In the backstretch, he was still next-to-last. Coming into the home turn, Jockey Basil James gave the Sab the whip. Like the Alsab of old, he began to sweep around the field-past the Orphan, past Apache, past Shut Out, gaining with every stride of his short legs. At the wire, Alsab was a full length in front of Requested and Sun Again. His time: 1 min. 57 sec., a new record for the 52-year-old Preakness...
...hardboots reckoned right. Rounding the first turn, Whirlaway, a notorious latefoot, was in eighth place. Dispose, the pride of Texas, was in front-with Porter's Cap and Our Boots close behind. In the middle of the backstretch, Whirly, still far behind, began to move up. Nearing the home turn, he was on the heels of the front runners. Could Arcaro keep him from bearing out? The crowd held its breath for a moment, then let go in a nervous yell. Whirlaway had shot through an opening, was tearing down the stretch like a tornado...
...flag's fall it was a two-horse race. Our Boots was ridden by little Conn McCreary, who is so small he looks like a pussycat on a horse. Puss McCreary acted like a wise old cat. Leading from the start, he eased Our Boots in the backstretch, let Whirlaway get in front. Then, rounding the home turn, Puss and Boots shot past Whirlaway, three, four, five, six lengths at the wire. Explained disappointed Kentuckians: Whirly won't run unless there is someone in front of him-he loses interest. "Don't count him out," they chirped...
During the first mile, Bimelech looked like a champion. He broke fast, caught up with Joseph Widener's fleet-footed Roman. Down the backstretch, he clung to Roman's heels. Coming around the far turn-where races are usually won or lost-Bradley's green & white silks flashed in front. Roman had faltered. It would be a breeze for Bimelech from...