NEW YORK (AP) House Rules, the 2-5 favorite, needed a prolonged stretch rally Saturday to win the $200,000 Top Flight Handicap for fillies and mares at Aqueduct.
Shayjolie and Before You Know It battled for the lead at the top of the stretch with House Rule about four lengths behind. Junior Alvarado angled House Rules outside for a determined run down the middle.
The 4-year-old trained by Jimmy Jerkins kept coming, getting up by a half-length for her sixth win in 16 starts. It was her third stakes victory this year, following the Bal Harbour and Rampart at Gulfstream Park.
The time was 1:52.41 for 1 1/8 miles on the fast track.
House Rules paid $2.80, $2.20 and $2.10. Before You Know It prevailed by a head in the battle for second, returning $4.20 and $3. Shayjolie paid $3.80 to show.
