Laurel: Battle Chant romps

Under a ground-saving ride by Ryan Fogelsonger, Saratoga shipper Battle Chant turned the $150,000 John D. Schapiro Memorial Breeders' Cup Handicap at Laurel Park into a 4 3/4-length romp.

Breaking from post 4 in the 1 1/8-mile turf race for 3-year-olds and up, Fogelsonger guided Battle Chant, the 7-5 second choice, to the rail. They settled in fourth up the backstretch, behind pacesetter Baron Von Trap and pace-pressers Triple X. and Tam's Terms, all of whom went off at 8-1 or longer.

Battle Chant hugged the rail around the turn, tipped out one path straightening for home, then blew past the leaders and began pulling away.

Dr. Kashnikow, the longest shot on the board at 22-1 and last of seven most of the way, rallied for the place. Fellow closer Proud Man got up for third at 12-1. Mr O'Brien, the 6-5 favorite under Mario Pino, was outrun early, swung five wide on the turn, and had nothing, finishing sixth.

"No excuses," said Pino. "I got him to relax like he likes it, but when we tipped out at the top of the lane, he didn't finish."

Battle Chant was timed in 1:46.00 and paid $4.80.

A 5-year-old gelding owned by Cheveley Park Farm and trained by Graham Motion, Battle Chant was making his fourth start in the United States since arriving from England in the spring. He now has two wins, a second, and a third in this country.

Battle Chant's entrymate Funfair was scratched.