Calder: Imperial Czar takes sloppy, off-the-turf Miami Mile

Imperial Czar drew in from the also-eligible list after the Miami Mile was switched from turf to dirt because of heavy rain, then benefitted from a good trip stalking a fast, contested pace, scoring a three-quarter length victory in the $100,000 race at Calder.

Winner of a $25,000 starter-allowance race in his most recent start, Imperial Czar raced fourth in the early going as Decisive Moment, then Ducduc, set fractions of 23.25 seconds for the first quarter-mile and 46.93 for the opening half. Ducduc stayed on gamely for third after being worn down by the winner, who took over at the stretch call and held clear a late run from Numb Lips. Imperial Czar, trained for owner Jessica Colon by Saul Matos, and ridden to victory by Jesus Rios, paid $19.80, and was timed in 1:39.86 for a two-turn mile over a sloppy, sealed main track.

The Miami Mile was supposed to be a Grade 3, but could be downgraded because of the surface switch.