Taylor’s Special Wins Isaac Murphy Hanidcap at Arlington in Record Time

Taylor’s Special smashed the six-furlong record at Arlington Park Friday when he zipped to a seven-length victory in the $79,100 Isaac Murphy Handicap.

The 5-year-old son of Hawkin’s Special, carrying 118 pounds, was timed in 1:08 without being being pushed by jockey Pat Day. The time was two-fifths of a second faster than the record set by 7-year-old Holding Pattern under 114 pounds in 1978.

Taking the lead early in the race from Sovereign’s Ace, the 7-10 favorite went one-quarter of a mile in :21 4-5, one-half in :44 and five furlongs in :55 3-5.

The winner, owned by William F. Lucas of Louisville, Ky., paid $3.40, $2.40 and $2.10 and added $45,960 to his previous bankroll of $686,201. Carload took second at $2.80 and $2.20, and Colt Forty-Four was third at $2.20.

The day’s other stakes, the John D. Hertz for Illinois-bred 3-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles, was won by even money favorite Hi Oak Silver, who led throughout. Camplin finished second, almost two lengths back.