2007 Bay Shore, Excelsior Breeders' Cup, and Pleasant Colony Stakes

Magna Graduate wins the Excelsior Breeders' Cup

Magna Graduate wins the 2007 Excelsior Breeders' Cup Handicap at Aqueduct

© Terence Dulay

The race started off poorly for 4-5 favorite Corinthian, who reared up at the start losing 12 lengths on the field right away. 9-1 Accountforthegold, meanwhile, took advantage jumped out to an uncontested lead under Mike Luzzi, setting a pace of 23.78, 46.62 and 1:10.34. 5-2 second choice Magna Graduate and John Velazquez stayed chilly and made a move on the second turn and passed the front-runner at the 1/8 pole. He went on to notch his ninth career win from 22 starts in 1:48.10 by 3 3/4 lengths over 22-1 late-runner Naughty New Yorker. Just a neck separated him from pacesetter Accountforthegold in third, and another neck back to Evening Attire in fourth. Favorite Corinthian was wide on both turns after the poor start and showed no rally, finishing fifth.

• Bill Place wins the Bay Shore Stakes
• Bill Place in the post parade
• Third place finisher Les Grands Trois
• Magna Graduate wins the Excelsior Breeders' Cup
• Magna Graduate in the winner's circle
• Beaten favorite Corinthian in the paddock
• Malibu Moonshine wins the Pleasant Colony Stakes