Gentleman James was quickest out of the chute and led the field after an initial quarter of 22.39 before favorite J Be K, who was close behind, poked his head in front halfway down the backstretch to get the half in 44.73 over the fast surface. Turning for home, J Be K continued to lead, getting 6 furlongs in 1:09.30, but Visionaire, last down the backstretch, unleashed a four-wide sweep on the turn and closed with a rush to win going away by 2 1/4 lengths in 1:21.94. A blanket finish ensued for place, as runner-up Desert Key nosed out I'm So Lucky in third, who in turn nosed out Lantana Mob in fourth. Favorite J Be K faded late to finish sixth beaten 7 lengths.
2008 Travers and King's Bishop Stakes
By Cindy Pierson Dulay, About.com Guide
Visionaire wins the 2008 King's Bishop Stakes
Jockey Alan Garcia celebrates way before the finish line as Visionaire wins the 2008 King's Bishop Stakes at Saratoga
© Vanessa Ng
The sprinting conterpart to the Travers is the $250,000 NetJets King's Bishop Stakes (G1), a 7 furlong event for 3-year-olds only. J Be K was sent off as the 9-5 favorite in the field of ten, coming to Saratoga off a 2-race win streak including the Woody Stephens at Belmont and the Jersey Shore at Monmouth last time out. In to challenge him included the Vinery Stables entry of Kodiak Kowboy and Lantana Mob at 3-1, and Amsterdam runner-up Desert Key at 6-1.
Prev
- Colonel John wins the 2008 Travers Stakes
- Colonel John in the winner's circle
- Colonel John returns after the race
- Colonel John in the post parade
- Second place finisher Mambo in Seattle
- Third place finisher Pyro
- Visionaire wins the 2008 King's Bishop Stakes
- Visionaire heads for the winner's circle
- Second place finisher Desert Key
- Third place finisher I'm So Lucky
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