Oaklawn: Beau's Town prevails

Beau's Town edged Stolen Time by a head to win the $50,000 King Cotton Stakes at Oaklawn Park.

The 8-year-old Beau's Town ($5.20) stalked the pace set by Top Commander, who led the field through fractions of 22.07 seconds for the opening quarter, pushed along by Rodeo's Castle. Top Commander continued to lead the field through a half-mile in 46.28 while under pressure, as Beau's Town began his bid approaching the quarter pole.

Beau's Town took the lead in the stretch, then worked to hold off Stolen Time, who shot through along the rail. Beau's Town covered the six furlongs in 1:11.64.

Calvin Borel rode Beau's Town for trainer Cole Norman, who also trains third-place finisher Joe Six Pack.

Beau's Town earned $30,000 for the win, which was his 13th in 23 starts. His earnings now stand at $697,850. The King Cotton was Beau's Town's second start back from a 14-month layoff. He finished second in the $250,000 Duncan F. Kenner Breeders' Cup at the Fair Grounds meet at Louisiana Downs on Jan. 14.

Beau's Town, who races for David Hulkewicz, also won the King Cotton in 2003.