A. P. Indian proves best in LeVine Memorial

Favored A. P. Indian proved best Saturday in the $100,000 Donald LeVine Memorial Handicap at Parx Racing, but he had to work for it as second choice Stallwalkin’ Dude pushed him hard while bidding for the lead on the far turn.

A. P. Indian, the even-money favorite in the seven-furlong race, set the early pace under jockey Daniel Centeno on a short lead between horses with Stallwakin’ Dude to his inside and Dream Saturday pressing from the outside. Stallwalkin’ Dude moved up to look A. P. Indian in the eye on the turn, and the top two put distance between themselves and the rest of the field.

A. P. Indian gained the lead entering the stretch and slowly edged away to win by 2 1/4 lengths. Stallwakin’ Dude held second by a half-length over Fabulous Kid, who closed ground belatedly.

A. P. Indian now has won 3 of 4 starts since being transferred to trainer Arnaud Delacour last fall. In his start prior to the LeVine, A. P. Indian had won his stakes debut in the Decathlon at Monmouth Park.

A. P. Indian, a 5-year-old son of Indian Charlie, was bred and is owned by Green Lantern Stables. He had been off for more than a year before resuming his career with Delacour in February at Tampa Bay Downs. On Saturday, he paid $4 to win and was timed in 1:23.40. The LeVine fractions were 22.89, 45.42, and 1:09.93

A.P. Indian now has a 9-5-4-0 record and earnings of $200,600.