Haynesfield, the only New York-bred in the field, won the $300,000 Suburban Handicap on Saturday at Belmont Park.
The 4-year-old colt trained by Steve Asmussen improved to 8 for 11 with the richest victory of his career. Ramon Dominguez was aboard as Haynesfield ran the 1 1-8 miles in 1:48.52 on the fast track.
Haynesfield collared the pacesetting Regal Ransom on the turn and held off a challenge from I Want Revenge, who was making his first start in 15 months.
Haynesfield paid $9.90, $4.40 and $2.70. Convocation came on late to get second, returning $4.20 and $2.50. I Want Revenge, coupled in the wagering with Pictural, paid $2.10 to show as the even-money favorite.
Much of the pre-race focus centered on I Want Revenge. He was the morning-line favorite for the 2009 Kentucky Derby following impressive wins in the Gotham Stakes and the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct.
He never made the Derby, scratched on the morning of the race with an ankle injury that was expected to end his career. The horse recovered, and found himself in a new home. IEAH Stable, best known as the owner of 2008 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown, bought out David Lanzman, who owned and bred the colt.
As a result, I Want Revenge was transferred from trainer Jeff Mullins to Rick Dutrow.
