Kensei rallied strongly on the far outside and held off a late charge from Soaring Empire to win the $200,000 Salvator Mile Stakes (gr. III) by three-quarters of a length.
Under Edgar Prado, Kensei settled into the three-path in the early stages, sitting in third behind a moderate pace set by Rule and Morning Line. The latter, sent off as the 9-5 favorite, broke a step slowly and was hustled hard by jockey Eddie Castro to get into contention early. Friesan Fire was on Kensei's inside racing fourth, followed by Cactus Charlie, Motovato, and Soaring Empire.
On the far turn, Eddie Castro asked Morning Line for everything and the colt took the lead from Rule as Kensei ranged up into contention. Turning into the homestretch, Morning Line had every chance at victory but could not sustain his run. Surprisingly, Rule was not yet done and came with another rally to take the lead back briefly.
But Kensei was charging strongly and took over the lead nearing the eighth pole. Rule fought hard, and Soaring Empire was coming late, but Kensei held on gamely for the victory.
The final time was 1:36 4/5. Soaring Empire finished second, a neck in front of Rule. Motovato, Morning Line, Cactus Charlie, and Friesan Fire completed the order of finish.
-Keelerman
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