Palace sprints to Vanderbilt victory

Palace passes by Happy My Way to score the
G1 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap | WMML Photo

SARATOGA SPRINGS - At the top of the stretch, it appeared that Happy My Way was going to win his fourth straight race, and fifth out of six starts.

But Palace had other plans.

Happy My Way gunned to the lead in the Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap, churning out fractions of 22:1 and 44:2 before approaching the top of the stretch with a three length lead over Palace.  Without any other front pressure, it was looking like Happy My Way was ready to draw distance on the field.

But Palace came to the outside, and started making up ground on the favorite before passing him deep in the stretch, and prevailed to win the Grade 1 race by a length.  Palace stopped the timer for six furlongs in 1:08:56, just over a half-second off Speightstown's record at this distance.

It is the 10th win for the City Zip-sired horse, and seventh out of 12 starts at the distance of six furlongs.  Cornelio Velasquez rode the victor for trainer Linda Rice.

It's likely Palace's next target will be the Grade 1 Forgeo at seven furlongs during closing weekend at Saratoga Race Course.