Sinatra, Hope, Reagan Deadlocked In Race To Grave

LOS ANGELES—Frank Sinatra’s recent hospitalization has pulled the aging crooner into a virtual dead heat with comedian Bob Hope and former president Ronald Reagan in their hotly contested race to death’s door, it was reported Monday. “We feel good about Mr. Sinatra’s prospects in this competitive graveyard derby,” said Dr. Ben Ellis, Sinatra’s personal physician. “He is largely incoherent and responds poorly to bathing and feeding.” Despite Sinatra’s rapidly deteriorating condition, officials for Hope and Reagan are confident. “Apart from one or two public appearances in the past year, Mr. Hope has been unable to function in any meaningful capacity outside his home,” a Hope publicist said. Reagan, meanwhile, is proving a strong contender with a progressive neurological disease eroding his very wits. Las Vegas oddsmaker Danny Sheridan has Sinatra a slight 5-3 favorite to depart first, with Reagan second at 2-1.