NEW YORK (AP) — Royal Currier overcame an awkward start to pull off a 7-1 upset on Thursday in the $83,300 Diablo Stakes at Belmont Park.
The 4-year-old gelding lunged at the break, slamming into the left side of his stall in the starting gate. With the aid of jockey Rajiv Maragh, Royal Currier quickly regrouped to get back in the hunt. He grabbed the lead heading into the turn and steadily drew clear, beating 7-5 favorite This Ones for Phil by 334 lengths.
The time was 1:08.42 on the drying-out track rated fast.
Royal Currier paid $16.20, $5.80 and $2.70. This Ones for Phil returned $2.90 and $2.20 while Que Posse paid $2.60 to show.
