Key to Power rallies to win Guilliams Handicap

Key to Power capitalized on a swift pace when rallying to a two-length victory Monday in the traditional meet-ending feature at Ellis Park, the $50,000 Cliff Guilliams Handicap.

Giving jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. his third of four winners on closing day of the 31-day meet, Key to Power paid $9 as the third choice in a field of nine older horses when finishing 1 1/16 miles in 1:40 over a firm turf course. One Touch finished second, and Evan’s Calling was third.

Early fractions of 45.83 seconds and 1:09.38 were contested by Keg Party and Spark Kit, after which Rerun, the 123-pound highweight and 9-5 favorite, looped to the lead. But Rerun, making his first start in more than four months, quickly yielded to Key to Power, who had all the momentum in the center of the course.

Key to Power, a 6-year-old horse by A.P. Indy, was winning for the 10th time in 33 career starts. He was claimed earlier this year for $35,000 by trainer Brendan Walsh on behalf of Premier Stables Unlimited.

The $2 exacta (3-8) paid $81, the $1 trifecta (3-8-2) returned $399.70, and the 10-cent superfecta (3-8-2-1) was worth $325.42.

Didiel Osorio finished the meet as the leading jockey, and Brad Cox was the leading trainer.