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Ashkal knows the Way in Kelso Godolphin Stable's ASHKAL WAY (Ire) (Ashkalani) put in his customary late run down the center of the track and fought off a resilient Free Thinking (Unbridled) to the wire en route to a tally in the $250,000 Kelso Breeders' Cup H. (G2) over the Belmont turf on Saturday. The Saeed bin Suroor trainee broke well and rated in midpack through the early going under Mike Luzzi, while Baron Von Tap (Pleasant Tap) and Friendly Island (Crafty Friend) disputed splits of :22 4/5 and :45 2/5 for the opening half-mile. As the group turned for home, Free Thinking, who was just off the leading pair, took a brief lead but was soon passed by the eventual winner. Free Thinking showed great heart in fighting back to the wire, falling just a short head shy of the top prize at 11-1. The final time for the mile on firm turf was a superb 1:32. Slow starter Art Master (Royal Academy) closed well to get the show at 8-5 and was followed by Meteor Storm (GB) (Bigstone [Ire]), Drum Major (Dynaformer), Baron Von Tap and Friendly Island, while Old Forester (Forestry) was scratched. Ashkal Way was sent off the 2-1 second choice and gave back $6.20, $3.50 and $2.40, while topping the $52.50 exacta and $145.50 trifecta. Free Thinking returned $8.80 and $4.30 while Art Master was worth $2.50. Ashkal Way earned his fifth win from six starts since coming to the United States, including scores in the Bernard Baruch H. (G2) and Elkwood S., and a second in the Fourstardave H. (G2). From a 15-7-3-2 career mark, the four-year-old chestnut has amassed earnings of $513,349. "We're very happy with the way he finished the race," bin Suroor said. "I think the mile really suits him. Firmer ground really suits him, and if Ashkal Way is sound after this race, it will be possible for him to to go to the Breeders' Cup (Mile [G1])." The Gainsborough Stud Management Ltd.-bred Irish gelding is out of the winning Golden Way (Cadeaux Genereux) and has an unraced three-year-old half-sister named Enlightened Way (Indian Ridge).
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