Jockey C.C. Lopez sent 11-1 Temporary Saint to the front immediately, and he was allowed an uncontested lead through fractions of 23.92, 48.43, and 1:13.65 while 1 1/2 lengths ahead of Wafi City in second. Entering the stretch, Lopez asked for run and got it, as Temporary Saint opened up a 3 1/2 length lead at the 1/8 pole after 1 mile in 1:38.13. Nite Light, who raced in 3rd early, closed on the outside late but was left with too much ground to make up as Temporary Saint cruised under the line 1 1/2 lengths clear, taking the Excelsior in gate-to-wire style in 1:51.13. It was just a neck back to late-running Angliana in third.
Results chart from DRF
2008 Bay Shore Stakes and Excelsior Handicap
By Cindy Pierson Dulay, About.com Guide
Temporary Saint wins the 2008 Excelsior Handicap
Temporary Saint wins the 2008 Excelsior Handicap at Aqueduct
© Terence Dulay
The $200,000 Excelsior Handicap (G3) saw 8 older horses go the Wood distance of 1 1/8 miles around both turns of the main track. Night Light, entering the race off a four race winning streak including the John Campbell at Laurel and the Gallant Fox at Aqueduct, was sent off as the 5-2 favorite over 3-1 second choice Magna Graduate, fifth in the New Orleans Handicap last time out. Wafi City, winner of an allowance race by 9 1/2 lengths last out, was the 4-1 third choice on the board.
Prev
- J Be K wins the 2008 Bay Shore Stakes
- J Be K in the winner's circle
- J Be K in the paddock
- Second place finisher Gattopardo
- Third place finisher Jockey Ridge
- Temporary Saint wins the 2008 Excelsior Handicap
- Temporary Saint in the winner's circle
- Temporary Saint heads out for the post parade
- Second place finisher Nite Light
- Third place finisher Angliana
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