Belmont: Royal Currier cruises in Diablo Stakes

ELMONT, N.Y. - Royal Currier isn't a graded stakes winner, but there have been times in his career when he has run well enough to win one.

Thursday was one of those times as Royal Currier sped off to a 3 3/4-length victory in the $85,000 Diablo Stakes at Belmont Park, running six furlongs in a quick 1:08.42.

Under Rajiv Maragh, Royal Currier pressed the fast-breaking Comedero out of the gate through an opening quarter in 22.68 seconds. Royal Currier put a head in front around the far turn, and cruised to a clear advantage after running a half-mile in 44.86 seconds.

With Maragh giving Royal Currier only a vigorous hand ride through the lane, the 4-year-old gelding cruised to the easy victory. He returned $16.20 to win.

"Big performance," said Michael Farro, husband of and assistant to trainer Patricia Farro. "I thought he was going to run good, but he ran better than I thought. I thought we had a little chance, but it was a tough race. I didn't think it was impossible. He's bled a few times on us here and there. Last race, he didn't bleed and last work he didn't bleed, so I thought maybe we had a chance if we could control the bleeding."

Royal Currier has won 10 times - including six ungraded stakes - from 23 races. He also won the Grey Planet Stakes here in Oct. 2010.

Farro said that Royal Currier - who is a track record-holder at Parx for six furlongs - would likely try to win his first graded stakes in the Grade 2, $400,000 True North Handicap here on June 9.

"He's 2 for 2 here and I'm a guy that believes in horses for courses," Farro said.

This Ones for Phil finished second, three-quarters ahead of Que Posse. Comedero and Travelin Man, who stumbled a couple of strides out of the gate, completed the order of finish.

Jersey Town and Flat Bold scratched.