Evolutionist takes advantage of stalking trip

Evolutionist got a perfect stalking trip under James Graham, and gave trainer Bill Mott his second stakes win of the young Fair Grounds season with a decisive and popular victory late Saturday afternoon in the $58,200 .

Bred by Kinsman Farm and owned by Kinsman Stable, Evolutionist sports an excellent pedigree by A.P. Indy, and out of Dream Supreme and off a close fourth-place finish in the Grade 3 Perryville Stakes around one turn on Keeneland Polytrack, Evolutionist was made the overwhelming favorite in the Woodchopper, a one-mile grass race.

He did not disappoint, either, taking up a position stalking pacesetting Marquee Event, who set mild splits of 24.71 seconds for the opening quarter-mile, and 49.82 to the half. Graham, always in the clear in a short field of six, asked for run at the top of the stretch, and though Evolutionist did not immediately open up, he steadily widened his lead through the final furlong, prevailing by 2 1/2 lengths. Marquee Event held on for second by a neck over Southern Anthem.

Evolutionist, who paid $3.40 to win, was timed in 1:39.39 over firm turf. Atlantic Slich was scratched.