Invasor rallies to win Donn Handicap

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Hallandale Beach, FL (Sports Network) - Breeders' Cup Classic winner Invasor found room along the rail down the stretch on his way to a two length victory in Saturday's $500,000 Donn Handicap at Gulfstream Park. It was the first start of the year for the recently crowned 2006 Horse of the Year.

With regular rider Fernando Jara in the saddle, Invasor raced most of the 1 1/8 mile Donn in seventh place almost 10 lengths behind the pacesetter Barcola. Pressing the pace on the outside was Halos Sailing Sain.

Invasor began to rally on the inside around the turn for home, but had to be checked entering the home stretch. Jara finally found room to run along the rail and Invasor powered his way to victory.

"I thought he was stopped," said the winner's trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. "He showed what a superior horse he is. He finds a way to win every time. I was worried when Fernando came up the inside, because when you're 1-to-5, everybody knows who you are, and nobody want to open the door for you."

Invasor stopped the timer at 1:48.43 on a fast track.

Finishing second was Hesanoldsalt, finishing a head in front of A.P. Arrow in the eight horse field. Rounding out the order of finish was Chatain, Halos Sailing Sain, Tap Dancing Mauk, Barcola and Magna Graduate. Strong Contender was scratched.

Owned by Shadwell Stable, Invasor adds $300,000 to his earnings which now stand at more than $4.2 million in his career. He has won 10 of 11 lifetime starts and is perfect in five North American races. Invasor is expected to start next in the $6 million Dubai World Cup.

Invasor returned $2.80, $2.40 and $2.10. Hesanoldsalt paid $5.80 and $2.10, and A.P. Arrow paid $2.10 for show.

In the supporting stakes on Saturday, 16-1 longshot Giant Wrecker took the $100,000 Canadian Turf Handicap, while Breeders' Cup Mile winner Miesque's Approval was fifth.

In a pair of stakes races for three-year-olds, 7-10 favorite Nobiz Like Shobiz won the $150,000 Holy Bull and Adore the Gold captured the $150,000 Swale.

Even-money favorite Naissance Royale rallied down the stretch to win the $100,000 Suwannee River Handicap for fillies and mares on the turf.