Diabolical (outside) overtook the pacesetting Talent Search to score at Pimlico (Mathea Kelley/Horsephotos.com)

Puglisi Stables and trainer Steve Klesaris' DIABOLICAL (Artax) earned a much deserved graded stakes win by wearing down pacesetter Talent Search (Catienus) in the stretch to capture the $198,500 Maryland Breeders' Cup Sprint H. (G3) at Pimlico on Saturday. Breaking alertly from post 2 under Mario Pino, the chestnut colt was soon moved to the outside of the pacesetter in the two-path, tracking brisk early splits of :22 2/5 and :44 3/5 for the opening half-mile. As the duo turned for home there was little separation and it stayed that way for much of the stretch, but Diabolical surged in the final yards to secure the three-quarters of a length win. The final time for the six furlongs was a course record-tying 1:09. Sent off as the even-money choice, the winner paid $4, $2.60 and $2.10 while topping the $15.40 exacta, $50 trifecta and $196.60 superfecta (2-7-1-5).

"We had to win today," Jeff Puglisi said. "He's faced a lot of tough competition in his last two races. It's been one war after another.

"Steve (Klesaris) had a little fender-bender yesterday -- actually a little more than that," Puglisi added. "He's pretty banged up and sore today. I'm sure he'd have liked to have been here."

Talent Search went to the front immediately after the start and was resilient in defeat, paying $4 and $3.20 at 9-2. Semaphore Man (Formal Gold) was well back early but closed with good energy to finish a clear third, 1 1/2 lengths shy of the runner-up. Show was $3.40 for the 5-1 shot. First Word (Chester House) was next by five lengths, capping the super at 13-1, and was trailed by Celtic Innis (Yarrow Brae), Fleet Valid (Montbrook) and Euro Code (Forestry). Sir Classic Chris (Catienus) was withdrawn.