The $500,000 Nearctic Stakes (G2) is a 6 furlong turf sprint for older horses looking to gain entry into the new Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint. Hellvelyn, third in the Quick Call Stakes at Saratoga last time out, was sent off as the 2-1 favorite in the field of 12 over 3-1 second choice Heros Reward, winner of this race last year but second in the Turf Monster at Philadelphia last out, and 7-1 third choice Just Rushing, the main local hope, winner of the Play the King before finishing third in the Woodbine Mile.
Starticus battled for the lead with True to Tradition down the backstretch and around the turn, getting the quarter in 22.63 and the half in 44.99. Starticus stubbornly lead the lead to mid stretch, getting 5/8 in 56.43, with longshot Rouse the Cat steadily closing on the leaders. In the final yards, True To Tradition dug in to prevail by just a nose over Rouse the Cat, who in turn was just 3/4 length ahead of pacesetter Starticus. The running time was 1:09.11 over the firm course. Favorite Hellvelyn raced in 6th early but could not improve position through the stretch and finished 6th beaten just 2 3/4 lengths.
Results chart
