Dr. Kashnikow by a nose in River City

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Dr. Kashnikow, whose most recent victory came in this race last year, used a fortunate head-bob to defeat 53-1 shot Foster's Landing by a nose Sunday in the at Churchill Downs.

With Robby Albarado riding again, Dr. Kashnikow, a 5-year-old Canadian-bred gelding, rallied from 10th in a field of 11 before gaining a slight advantage in deep stretch. But then Foster's Landing, who always had been near the pace, rallied back, and it was a timely bob of the head that preserved the repeat triumph for Dr. Kashnikow.

"I knew it was real close," said Albarado.

Dr. Kashnikow returned $8.60 as second choice after finishing 1 1/8 miles in 1:51.44 over yielding turf. The son of El Gran Senor is owned by Erdenheim Farm

and trained in Maryland by veterinarian John R.S. Fisher. His second win in the Grade 3 River City came after seven defeats in the interim.

"It had been a long time between drinks," said Fisher.

Dr. Kashnikow foiled what would have been the first Churchill stakes victory for apprentice rider John McKee, who rode Foster's Landing for trainer Dale Romans.

Moon Solitaire, the 117-pound highweight and 7-5 favorite, stalked the pace under Pat Day before fading to 10th.