Certantee can win on dirt, too

Certantee made the jump from turf to dirt with an impressive score in the $150,000 John D. Schapiro Memorial Breeders' Cup Handicap on Saturday at Laurel Park in Maryland. The race was reduced to five runners after being moved from the grass to the main track because of soggy conditions. The speedy Elberton led early for nearly six furlongs, with the Shug McGaughey-trained New York shipper, 7-5 favorite Polish Miner, sitting about a length behind. At that point, Certantee made his move, surging to lead Polish Miner by a head after six furlongs, by a half-length in the stretch, and by a length at the wire. Full Brush finished another two lengths behind in third.

Trained by Murray Lawrence, Certantee ran the 1 1/8 miles in 1:49 over a fast track and paid $10.60 to win. The exacta paid $47.40.

Certantee, a 5-year-old who has won or run second in 9 of 17 turf starts, was making only his fourth start on dirt.