31.   Gil Morgan, the two-time defending champion, showed up wearing gilded colors for the stretch run.

32.   Given modest support, Davis is talented enough to carry UCLA in the stretch run, which begins tonight against USC.

33.   He got back into position, then closed strongly along the rail in the stretch run to catch the European colt Eltish and win by two lengths.

34.   He injured a leg in the stretch run of the Travers and was retired to stud.

35.   He spent the league-mandated week off in Jamaica, resting and recharging his batteries for the stretch run, which begins Thursday against Buffalo.

36.   He is merely trying to improve his skills to aid the team during the stretch run.

37.   He was injured through the stretch run and watched the final round from the bench as the Knicks compensated for his lost presence with quickness, speed and heart.

38.   Hicks acknowledged that his performances in the stretch run will define his UCLA career.

39.   Her stretch run through the last three games of the encounter was even more sensational.

40.   However, L.A. is doing all it can to make the stretch run interesting.