Gabriel's Hill led for the first 1 1/2 miles through slow fractions of 51.42, 1:17.44, 1:43.60, 2:09.07, and 2:34.45 over the officially fast track. Entering the stretch, 10-1 Eldaafer, who tracked the pace in 4th three wide the whole way, came through late to gain a short lead at the 1/8 pole and was all out to hold off Prince Will I Am to win by 1 3/4 lengths in a new track record time of 2:59.62. It was another 2 3/4 lengths back to Gabriel's Hill third. However, a stewards inquiry led to Prince Will I Am disqualified and placed 10th due to interference for bumping Romp at the 5/16 pole.
Winning trainer Diane Alvarado said, "Oh my God I'm so proud of him. He's done everything right all year. This means everything to me."
Jockey John Velazquez added, "He broke great and I was able to get good position. When the others started coming back to me at the 1/4 pole I asked him for his run and he just exploded away from them."
Results chart
