SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (AP) — Longshot Poseidon’s Warrior held off Justin Phillip in deep stretch to score a stunning upset in the $400,000, Grade 1 Vanderbilt Handicap Sunday at Saratoga Race Course.
Irad Ortiz Jr. rode the 4-year-old, who ran 6 furlongs in 1:09.40 and was a neck in front at the wire as heavily favored Shackleford, winner of the 2011 Preakness and the prestigious Metropolitan Handicap this year, finished last of eight after breaking slowly.
The Robert Reid Jr.-trained Poseidon’s Warrior, who had failed to win a race in two prior starts this year and had never before won a graded race, paid $74.50, $25.60 and $8.10.
Justin Phillip returned $6.10 and $3.50 and Emcee paid $3.40 to show. Poseidon’s Warrior earned $240,000 for his owner, the Swilcan Stable.
