Kharafa, 9, wins West Point in fourth attempt

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – After failing to win the $150,000 West Point Stakes at Saratoga in three previous attempts dating back to the summer of 2013, Kharafa finally broke through at the most unexpected of times – at the age of 9. He surged from far back to a half-length decision over the 3-5 Offering Plan in the 1 1/16-mile turf fixture for New York-breds.

Kharafa came into the West Point winless in his last 11 starts dating back to a victory in Belmont Park’s Ashley T. Cole 23 months earlier. He finished third, beaten a length, after leading through midstretch when trying this race for the first time in 2013. He was second, beaten a nose by arch-rival King Kreesa, three years later, and third again after rallying from far back in this event last summer.

With Dylan Davis aboard Friday, Kharafa settled at the rear of the 10-horse field as Black Jet, as expected, cut out a lively pace. Kharafa advanced to closer contention approaching the stretch, surged between horses to take command approaching the furlong marker, then withstood final rallies from both Offering Plan and Rapt, who finished another half-length further back in third.

King Kreesa, the other 9-year-old in the field and the winner of both the 2014 and 2016 editions of the West Point, finished last while making his fifth start in the race.

Kharafa, a gelded son of Kitalpha owned in partnership by Paul Braverman and Timothy Pinch, has been trained throughout his career by Tim Hills. The win was the 13th in 50 career starts for the veteran turf specialist whose lifetime earnings now exceed $1.2 million.

Kharafa covered the distance over a firm course in 1:40.44 and paid $37.40.

“He’s been training really well, he’s 9 years old, but he just doesn’t train like an old horse,” said Hills. “He loves what he does and he got a real good trip this time. I’m so happy for Dylan. His dad Robbie is one of my all-time favorite riders. He’s up-and-coming. He’s going to be all right.”

Hills said Kharafa has never done his best at Saratoga because he tends to get keyed up because of the big crowds.

“It was nice to finally break through here,” said Hills. “We’ve been talking about retirement, but I guess his vote today is that he wants to keep doing what he’s been doing.”