Chief's Lake wins on DQ

Chief's Lake is alive for the Big Apple Triple after winning the $163,000 New York Derby on a disqualification at Finger Lakes.

Chief's Lake ($7.50) can take home a $250,000 bonus with a victory in the $150,000 Albany Stakes at Saratoga on Aug. 22. He won the Mike Lee Stakes last month at Belmont Park to kick off the three-race series for 3-year-olds bred in New York.

To move into position for a shot at the bonus, Chief's Lake and jockey Channing Hill needed a little help. Turning for home in the 1 1/16-mile race, Berry Bound was on the lead as Chief's Lake, a close-up stalker all the way around, began to make his move. Berry Bound repeatedly bore out, making contact with Chief's Lake.

After Berry Bound held on by a nose, Hill claimed foul, and the stewards agreed.

Chief's Lake, trained by Steve Asmussen, moved up with Berry Bound dropped to second. Stunt Man got third.

The time was 1:44.54 on the fast track.

Chief's Lake has two wins and a third in three starts this season, all statebred stakes. Overall, the gelding is 5 for 8.

* Cool Paradigm ($4.70) beat 3-5 favorite Talking Treasure by 3 1/4 lengths to win the $50,000 Niagara Stakes, the companion event for New York-bred 3-year-old fillies. Klassic Kayla was third.

The time was 1:10.94 for the six furlongs.