'Ghost' upsets Valley Forge

It took Mazoolian Ghost six tries to score his maiden victory. He needed just one more race, however, to become a stakes winner.

Mazoolian Ghost ($28.80), fresh from a decisive maiden win at Delaware Park last month, came from far off the pace to score a four-length victory over six rivals in the $50,000 Valley Forge Stakes for 2-year-olds at Philadelphia Park.

After the first quarter-mile of the one-mile stakes, Mazoolian Ghost had only one horse beaten. Jockey Javier Santiago started to ask his mount to pick it up with about a half-mile remaining. Mazoolian Ghost, a gray colt trained by Randy Nunley, began a long, sustained four-wide run to reach the leaders at the top of the stretch. He drew clear through the final two furlongs, covering the mile in 1:40.

Duvalier, a 17-1 shot, crossed the finish line second, but was disqualified and placed fifth for interference near the quarter pole.

Coach Knight, the 1-2 favorite who was never a factor while caught three wide throughout, was moved up to second. Up a Notch was elevated to third.