25.70-1 longshot Abbondanza set the pace through quick fractions of 21.23 and 43.47, then was in tight while losing the lead nearing the 3/16 pole and fading to 11th. Speightstown, who saved ground on the turn under John Velazquez, slipped through to make a bid at the top of the lane, edged clear into the final furlong, and held well under strong urging, to win by 1 1/4 lengths over the late rushing Kela who finished well but was left with too much ground to make up. Time for the 6 furlongs on fast ground was 1:08.11. It was 3/4 length back from Kela to the longest shot on the board, 60.70-1 My Cousin Matt in third. Midas Eyes was forced out six wide around the turn and had nothing left for a rally, finishing tenth, while Cuvee found himself last again.
Winning trainer Todd Pletcher said, "Our strategy was to ride him away from there for the first 100 yards and see where we landed. He didn't break quite as sharp as he normally does but he was able to get into position and the hole opened up at the right time. The Eclipse Award will be an argued point. He and Pico Central have one loss but I think if you want to be a champion you have to show up when everyone else does."
Winning jockey John Velazquez said, "I took a little bit of a hold to get into position. I had to take advantage of the inside. When I had the hole I had to squeeze him in there. From then on it was all him. I think he's the best sprinter in North America."
Mike Mitchell, trainer of runner-up Kela said, "Jerry (Bailey) apologized for having to go wide but that's the way the horse wants to run. I was pleased. We ran our race and I am very happy." Bailey added, "We just ran out of ground."
Ramon Dominguez aboard third place finisher My Cousin Matt said, "We had an excellent trip, saved ground on the turn and brought him out into the clear. He showed that he's a capable horse, just not good enough to beat the first two."
Juvenile . Juv.Fillies . Mile . Sprint . Distaff . F&M Turf . Turf . Classic
