SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (AP) Royal Posse won the $100,000 Evan Shipman at Saratoga Race Course on Friday, dueling with Saratoga Snacks through the stretch before getting his nose down at the wire.
This was the 23rd lifetime start but first in a stakes for Royal Posse. The 4-year-old was making his third start, all at Saratoga, since being claimed by trainer Rudy Rodriguez in May.
Under jockey Javier Castellano, Royal Posse ran 1 1/8 miles in 1:49.91 over a fast main track in the race for New York-breds. The winner paid $13, $5.60 and $4, increasing his career earnings to $272,245.
Multiple stakes winner Saratoga Snacks led from the gate until losing by a head bob at the finish, returning $3.90 and $3.10. It was 2 1/4 lengths back to Empire Dreams, who paid $3.50 to show.
Zivo, making his first start since the Breeders' Cup Classic last fall, was fourth as the 4-5 favorite in a field of six.
