Redeemed romps in Belmont’s Brooklyn Handicap

NEW YORK (AP) — Redeemed rolled to a front-running victory Friday, beating Eldaafer by 10 lengths in the $200,000 Brooklyn Handicap at Belmont Park.

The Brooklyn is one of the few major dirt races run at the same 1 1/2-mile distance as Saturday’s Belmont Stakes.

Redeemed, the 2-1 favorite, looked comfortable in his first try beyond 1 1/8 miles. Ramon Dominguez, aboard for trainer Rick Dutrow, let the 4-year-old colt dictate the pace for his seventh win in 12 starts. The time was 2:28.89.

Redeemed paid $6.50, $4.50 and $3.10. Eldaafer, the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Marathon winner, returned $21 and $11.20, and Arthur’s Tale paid $4.90 to show.

Jockey Mario Gutierrez finished seventh on Boxeur des Rues in what was supposed to be his Belmont dry run. Gutierrez was the rider on I’ll Have Another, the Triple Crown contender who was retired Friday.

One race earlier, Upgrade held off Right One by three-quarters of a length in the $150,000 Jaipur Stakes. John Velazquez rode for trainer Michelle Nihei as the 5-year-old gelding improved to 5 for 17, paying $12 to win.