Comic Truth wins Pioneer Stakes

Bossier City, La. - Making his first start for leading trainer Cole Norman, Comic Truth pounced on the early leaders late in the turn and drew off impressively down the lane to win Sunday's Pioneer Stakes. Crowned King turned a mild rally well out in the strip and outfinished Aledo Pass for the place spot. Heavy favorite Mighty Merlin dueled for the lead for a half mile and faded through the stretch to report home last in the field of six 2-year-olds.

Owned by K. & V. Jayaraman and ridden by Anthony Lovato, Comic Truth ($23.60) won for the second time in five starts and comes off an unplaced effort in the $100,000 Criterium Stakes at Calder when dismissed at 50-1. He covered the six furlongs in 1:11.60 over a decidedly dull strip rated as fast and picked up $24,000 for his connections.