Kip Deville finishes strong in Poker

Winning like a 2-5 shot should, Kip Deville ($2.80) alternated for the lead with 19-1 shot Sensational Humor through moderate early fractions, then unleashed a powerful finish under Cornelio Velasquez to win Sunday's $106,300, Grade 3 Poker Handicap by 2 3/4 lengths.

Kip Deville put a head in front at the quarter pole after six furlongs in 1:10.20 and widened impressively through a final quarter in 22.74 seconds to win the mile race in 1:32.94 on a sun-baked Widener turf course rated firm.

Tam Lin outkicked Operation Red Dawn for second in the field of five, producing a $2 trifecta that paid $8.80.

Kip Deville won for the third straight time and received a Beyer Speed Figure of 108 that equaled his previous best for winning the 2007 Breeders' Cup Mile. Overall, the gray 5-year-old has won 11 of 23 starts, and the $64,980 winner's share increased his career earnings to $2,685,402 for IEAH Stables.

Trainer Rick Dutrow said Kip Deville's next start will be the Woodbine Mile on Sept. 7.