23-1 shot Black Seventeen captures Vosburgh

ELMONT, N.Y. - Black Seventeen pulled off a major upset Saturday, winning the Grade 1, $400,000 Vosburgh at six furlongs on a very sloppy track at Belmont Park.

The longest shot in the seven-horse field at 23-1, Black Seventeen outdueled Fabulous Strike for the biggest win of his career.

Those two hooked up in a fierce speed duel, with Black Seventeen ($49.60) prevailing by head.

It was the second graded win for Black Seventeen to go with his Grade 2 victory in the Carry Back Stakes at Calder in July 2007.

"It was a long way to come to be 23-1," said California-based trainer and co-owner Brian Koriner. "When he won at Calder, he won on this kind of a racetrack. He's a big horse who has been rounding into form."

He was also a long way from his home base at Santa Anita, which presented the Grade 1 Ancient Title, also at six furlongs, on Saturday.

"They have the new synthetic surface, and I didn't want to have to guess what it was going to be like," Koriner said. "There is a lot of quality speed in California, and when I saw my draw here, I was happy."

From the outside post, jockey Clinton Potts was able to sit off the early speed battle between Fabulous Strike, J Be K, and First Defence.

Potts moved his colt on the turn, eventually engaging Fabulous Strike in a fierce battle to the wire.

"He always tries really hard for me," Potts said.

Fabulous Strike, who won last year's Vosburgh, ran a terrific race, overcoming the rail, a speed duel into a very hot pace, and a shoe that he tore in the paddock.

"He ran with a shoe that was sprung on him the whole way," said trainer Todd Beattie. "Considering that, it was a good effort. It sure looked like he gave me as much as he could."

It was only the second start of the year for often injured Fabulous Strike.

"He ran hard," said jockey Ramon Dominguez. "He was pressured all the way. He sure did try hard to not get beat."

Black Seventeen was timed in 1:09.77.

Kodiak Kowboy was third, followed by Rockerfeller, J Be K, Lucky Island, and First Defence.