A. P. Arrow was a heavy favorite after a strong third-pace effort behind Corinthian four weeks ago in the Gulfstream Park Handicap (G2) and gave jockey Edgar Prado his fifth victory of the afternoon. The son of A.P. Indy also represented trainer Todd Pletcher's second stakes and fourth winner overall on the card. Joseph Allen's Political force finished third in the field of seven, a length behind the runner-up, as the winner was timed in 1:49:70 over the fast track.
Winning rider Edgar Prado said, "He broke really good, but I knew the inside horse (Political Force) had speed, so I just wanted to stay within striking distance. He is like riding a bike, you have to keep pedaling the whole time. They told me to ride him with confidence, and I did, and he got the job done." Anthony Sciametta, assistant to winning trainer Todd Pletcher added, "It was a good spot for him. He's run hard the last couple of races."
Winning owner Michael Paulson said, "We've known all along he's a quality horse, but to be a closer on the dirt on certain tracks can be tough. He can run all day, and he's got some good speed, but he's a grinder and a closer. In the Donn Handicap (third), everybody talked about Invasor and saying how he got cut off. Well look at A.P. Arrow, he got cut off too and had to go wide. We'll talk to Todd (Pletcher) and look at either the Stephen Foster (Churchill Downs on June 16) or the Suburban (Belmont on June 30)."
