War Of Will edges out Parlor in Maker's Mark Mile cracker at Keeneland
War Of Will recorded his second top-level success when narrowly beating Parlor in the Grade 1 Maker's Mark Mile Stakes at Keeneland on Friday.
Last year's Preakness winner ran on powerfully under Tyler Gaffalione to take the lead in the final strides and win by a nose, with 6-5 favourite Raging Bull a neck back in third.
"Getting a start into him last time really helped get the nerves out and taking the blinkers off helped," Gaffalione told BloodHorse. "He relaxed beautifully. When I called on him, he finished up nicely."
Last year, War Of Will won the Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes and Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds before winning the Preakness. He then came a troubled seventh in the Kentucky Derby.
This was his fourth Graded victory and his first on grass, and David Carroll, assistant trainer to Mark Casse, said: "It was an unbelievable race, and we're elated. It was a big win for the whole team."
Read more:
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Published on 11 July 2020inInternational
Last updated 09:51, 11 July 2020
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