SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (AP) — Fort Larned rallied strongly in the final quarter-mile to win the $750,000 Whitney Invitational Handicap by 114 lengths over favorite Ron the Greek at Saratoga on Saturday.
The 4-year-old Fort Larned stalked a strong pace before launching a decisive move that carried him to the wire in 1:47.76. The Ian Wilkes-trained winner paid $16.40, $7 and $4.30. Ron the Greek paid $3.90 and $2.90. Flat Out was third and returned $3.40 to show.
Fort Larned, ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr., has won four of seven races this year and earned $450,000 for owner Janis R. Whitham.
Earlier, Emma’s Encore ($12.40) won a tight photo-finish over Judy the Beauty in the $300,000, Grade 1 Prioress Stakes for 3-year-old fillies. The winner is trained by Hall of Famer Allen Jerkens.
