Forewarned rallies to edge Untreated in Excelsior Stakes

Forewarned was a game winner of the $139,500 Excelsior Handicap at Aqueduct Saturday. He paid $11.40 for his hard-fought victory over Untreated in the 1 1/8-mile race for 3-year-olds and up.

Ridden by Dexter Haddock, Forwarned broke from the outside post in the four-horse field, was last early, moved into a stalking position coming out of the first turn, took over the lead turning for home, was passed by Untreated at the eighth-pole, but fought back to win by a head.

Untreated was last when his stablemate First Constitution posted a half-mile time of 48.66 seconds, saved ground until he swung out to make what appeared to be a winning move heading into the stretch, but hung late after taking over the lead.

The race appeared to be First Constitution’s when the only other speed, Splicethemainbrace, scratched. However, First Constitution, who was sent off as the 1-2 favorite, broke awkwardly and had to be coaxed to the lead. He held a half-length advantage over Son of An Ex at the six-furlong mark before tiring in the stretch to finish third.

Forewarned posted a final time of 1:50.76.

A 7-year-old horse by Flat Out, Forewarned is out of the mare Fortune Play. The Ohio-bred is owned and trained by Uriah St. Lewis.

The $82,500 winner’s share of the purse brought his career earnings to $870,883.

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