Demonstrative wins steeplechase feature at Belmont

NEW YORK (AP) Demonstrative won a second straight major steeplechase stakes, beating long shot Parker's Project by one length Thursday in the $150,000 Lonesome Glory Handicap at Belmont Park.

The winner of the New York Turf Writers' Cup at Saratoga, Demonstrative won for the 10th time in 26 starts over jumps.

He took charge approaching the 12th and final fence in the 2 1/2-mile race. The 7-year-old gelding fended off 17-1 shot Parker's Project in the dash to the wire. The time was 5:01.70 over the firm turf course.

Demonstrative, ridden by Robert Walsh and trained by Richard Valentine, paid $5.40, $5 and $6.50 as the 8-5 second choice. Parker's Project returned $26.20 and $29.80 while Spy in the Sky paid $16.60 to show.

The place and show prices were inflated because the three-horse entry from Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard failed to hit the board as the even-money favorites.

Barnstorming was the best Sheppard finisher, fifth. That was one spot better than entrymate Bluegrass Summer. Divine Fortune, the third member of the trio and defending Eclipse Award winner as champion jumper, fell attempting the final fence. Neither the horse nor jockey Darren Nagle was injured.