Marilyn's Guy holds off San Pablo in Excelsior

But Marilyn's Guy began to tire noticeably inside the final sixteenth of

mile, shortening stride as San Pablo suddenly re-rallied into contention, but

wire came too soon for the runner-up. Marilyn's Guy scored as the 9-2 fourth

choice among six rivals, completing 1 1/8 miles in 1:52 2/5 over the fast track.

"I was impressed and happy with what I saw today," Dutrow said. "My biggest

concern was coming back in four weeks after such a long layoff. I thought he fit

with these horses; I gave him a chance. He looked like he went to the lead at

the three-eighths pole with plenty of horse and looked strong in the stretch,

then the last sixteenth of a mile he was desperate.

"Looking ahead, I do want to let him tell us when he's ready. He's

accomplished a lot in the last four weeks and I want to give him a little break.

But he'll stay in New York."

San Pablo, off at 7-2, wound up 1 3/4 lengths clear of third-placer Norman

Asbjornson, who was in turn a head better than 5-2 favorite Redding Colliery in

fourth.

Inherit the Gold and Birdrun completed the order of finish.

Bred in Kentucky by Chesapeake Farm and Mary Odom, Marilyn's Guy is out of

the winning Unbridled's Song mare Marilyn Merlot, a half-sister to multiple

stakes queen and Grade 2-placed Beau Blush. This is the female family of Grade 1

vixen Marley Vale and multiple Grade 2 heroine Indian Vale.