King David reigns in Jamaica Stakes

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Elmont, NY (Sports Network) - Longshot King David got rolling in late stretch to capture Saturday's $400,000 Jamaica Handicap for 3-year-olds at Belmont Park. The colt covered the 1 1/8-miles on Belmont's inner turf course in 1:52.91.

Leading the seven-horse field was 17-10 favorite Dullahan, winner of the Pacific Classic. Trainer Dale Romans was using the Jamaica as a final test before deciding which Breeders' Cup race to start the 3-year-old.

Breaking sharply from the gate and taking the lead in the Jamaica was 23-1 longshot King Kreesa and jockey Eddie Castro. Prompting the pace was Howe Great at 7-2 and 28-1 longshot King David. Dullahan, ridden by Joel Rosario, was racing in fifth up the backstretch.

King Kreesa had the lead through the backstretch, around the final turn and into the stretch. Continuing in second was Howe Great with King David right there in third. The favorite remained several lengths off the lead, but was within striking distance.

At the top of the stretch King Kreesa still had the lead with 5-2 second pick Summer Front moving into second along with King David. Dullahan offered no challenge as the field came through the stretch.

King David, ridden by Rosie Napravnik, caught King Kreesa and was able to post a half-length victory. Finishing third was Summer Front followed by Cogito, Dullahan, Shkspeare Shaliyah and Howe Great. Unbridled Command was an early scratch.

Trained by Mike Maker, King David recorded his first stakes victory and added $240,000 to his bankroll. The colt, owned by Scarlet Stable, has won six of 11 career starts for $333,435.

King David returned $58.00, $18.80 and $6.70. King Kreesa paid $21.20 and $8.00, and Summer Front paid $3.30.