Prussian was sent to the front by regular rider Kent Desormeaux, and set fractions of 23.71, 47.24, and 1:11.14 over the firm course while Moral Compass stalked him in second. Prussian held a one-length advantage over Moral Compass to the 1/8 pole, but Gio Ponti, who raced at the back of the field early, came out 5 wide on the turn and closed with a rush down the center of the course. Gio Ponti passed the frontrunners at the 1/16 pole and drew away to win by 2 lengths over Prussian in 1:35.03. It was another length back to Moral Compass third, and another 1 3/4 lengths more to favorite Hatta Fort, who broke slowly, raced in fourth down the backstretch, but could not improve position late.
Results chart
2008 Brooklyn Handicap and Hill Prince Stakes
By Cindy Pierson Dulay, About.com Guide
Gio Ponti wins the 2008 Hill Prince Stakes
Gio Ponti wins the 2008 Hill Prince Stakes at Belmont Park
© Cindy Pierson Dulay
Closing out Friday's card of racing was the $100,000 Hill Prince Stakes (G3), a 1 mile turf event for 3-year-olds. Godolphin Racing entrant Hatta Fort was sent off as the 2-1 favorite after finishing second by a nose in the Lafayette Stakes at Keeneland in April. In to challenge him were 9-4 second choice Gio Ponti, unraced since finishing 8th in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf, and 3-1 third choice Prussian, second by a nose in the Lamplighter at Monmouth last time out.
Prev
- Delosvientos wins the 2008 Brooklyn Handicap
- Delosvientos in the winner's circle
- Delosvientos in the paddock
- Second place finisher Evening Attire
- Third place finisher Angliana
- Gio Ponti wins the 2008 Hill Prince Stakes
- Gio Ponti in the winner's circle
- Gio Ponti returns after the race
- Second place finisher Prussian
- Third place finisher Moral Compass
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