Karelian wins Maker's Mark Mile in record fashion
April 10, 2010LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) -Karelian held off a late charge from favorite Court Vision to win the $300,000 Maker's Mark Mile on Friday at Keeneland.
The 8-year-old gelding took the lead with a quarter-mile to go, then dug in late to pick up his first Grade 1 victory by 1 1/4 lengths. Karelian, with jockey Julien Leparoux aboard, covered the mile on the turf in a stakes-record time of 1:34.33 and paid $7.60, $3.20 and $2.80.
Court Vision appeared to be in prime striking position in the deep stretch but couldn't quite get to the front. Ridden by Robby Albarado, the 5-year-old returned $2.60 and $2.20. Society's Chairman paid $3.20.