Fabulous Strike battled for the lead with 8-1 J Be K through early fractions of 21.75 and 44.31. Lucky Island sat unhurried back in 6th early. Turning for home, Fabulous Strike continued to lead as J Be K faded from contention. However, Black Seventeen had raced five wide early just off the pace duel and had plenty left for the stretch. When asked by jockey Clinton Potts, Black Seventeen pulled up alongside Fabulous Strike inside the 1/8 pole and poked his head in front when it counted most, getting the hard fought win in a time of 1:09.77. It was just 3/4 length back to late-running Kodiak Kowboy third. Lucky Island, despite saving ground on the turn, showed nothing in the stretch to finish sixth.
Results chart
2008 Beldame and Vosburgh Stakes
By Cindy Pierson Dulay, About.com
Black Seventeen wins the 2008 Vosburgh Stakes
Black Seventeen wins the 2008 Vosburgh Stakes at Belmont Park
© Cindy Pierson Dulay
The older sprint division competed in the $400,000 Vosburgh Stakes (G1), the major local prep for the Breeders' Cup Sprint. Lucky Island was sent off as the 2-1 favorite in the field of 7 exiting a 6th place finish in the Forego after winning the Tom Fool. In to challenge the Kiaran McLaughlin trainee included 5-2 second choice Fabulous Strike, winner of this race last year as well as the Vincent Moscarelli at Delaware this year, and 9-2 third choice First Defence, winner of the Forego last out.
Prev
- Cocoa Beach wins the 2008 Beldame Stakes
- Cocoa Beach walks down Victory Lane
- Cocoa Beach in winner's circle
- Second place finisher Ginger Punch
- Third place finisher Lemon Drop Mom
- Black Seventeen wins the 2008 Vosburgh Stakes
- Black Seventeen walks down Victory Lane
- Black Seventeen in the winner's circle
- Second place finisher Fabulous Strike
- Third place finisher Kodiak Kowboy
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