Admiral Steel Surprises Handiboy

Admiral Steel, fourth in the second leg of the Anaheim Series a week ago, scored a major upset in the $22,500 final by beating the 1-5 favorite Handiboy Wednesday night at Los Alamitos in a lifetime best of 1:54 4/5.

Admiral Steel was driven by Gene Vallandingham for Los Alamitos’ leading trainer Bob Gordon.

Handiboy set blistering fractions, but got parked out in a speedy 27 2/5 first quarter. Handiboy took the lead near the quarter and rolled to the half in 56 3/5 and took the field through three quarters in 1:25 1/5.

Admiral Steel drew even with Handiboy and driver Ross Croghan at the top of the stretch and quickly gained the lead. Sent off at 8-1 by the crowd, Admiral Steel had to hold off the late challenge of Storm On.

Admiral Steel paid $19. Storm On was second and Vacationing finished third. Handiboy faded to fifth at the finish.