Aikenite rallied furiously in the final strides to just edge out Apriority for victory in the $300,000 Churchill Downs Stakes (gr. II) at Churchill Downs this afternoon.
Under John Velazquez, the four-year-old colt sat a few lengths off of the early pace set jointly by longshots Captain Cherokee and Delong Road. The early fractions were moderate -- :22.56 and :45 flat.
Turning for home, Captain Candyman Can took over the lead and appeared to be on his way to a third straight victory, but Aikenite closing resolutely. Apriority was also looming a serious threat, and Ibboyee was also charging fast.
It was a photo finish, but Aikenite got his nose in front at the last possible moment to win the race by a very short nose. Apriority finished 2nd, followed by Ibboyee and Captain Candyman Can. The final time was 1:21.40.
-Keelerman
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