Suburban Handicap belongs to Invasor

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Elmont, NY (Sports Network) - Saturday's $400,000 Suburban Handicap at Belmont Park may have been an early indicator for the Breeders' Cup Classic. Pimlico Special winner Invasor appeared to toy with his competition in winning the 1 1/4 mile race.

Breaking sharply from the gate was 2004 Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Wilko, who has not won since then. Taking the early lead was Noble Causeway with Wilko close behind on the inside. Invasor was running third up the backstretch with jockey Fernando Jara.

On the turn for home Invasor moved to the outside to join Noble Causeway and Wilko on the lead. Entering the stretch Invasor took the lead by himself and began to open up.

In mid-stretch Invasor was all alone while Wild Desert mounted a rally. Invasor won the Suburban by 3 3/4 lengths over Wild Desert with Andromeda's Hero third and Noble Causeway fading to fourth. Rounding out the finish was Tap Day, Rathor and Wilko.

The time for the Suburban Handicap was 2:01.23.

Invasor is owned by Shadwell Stable and trained by Kiaran McLughlin, the same connections of Belmont Stakes winner Jazil. Jara, Jazil's regular rider, was aboard Invasor for the first time.

Invasor was bred in Argentina where he was undefeated in five starts. Saturday's win was worth $240,000 and brings the colt's career earnings to The $754,070. This year Invasor has won two of three starts and overall has seven victories in eight career starts.

Invasor returned $4.50, $3.10 and $2.50. Wild Desert paid $4.80 and $3.40, and Andromeda's Hero paid $5.40 for show.