Rest pays off for Interpatation

A two-month vacation and a return to Philadelphia Park helped Interpatation end a long losing streak Saturday.

Far back in his most recent start two months ago, the 5-year-old Interpatation closed strongly to post a one-length victory in the $200,000 Larry Riviello President's Cup.

Ridden for the first time by Jose Espinoza, Interpatation ($18.40) had lost nine straight since taking last season's President's Cup on Sept. 23. He had previously shown the ability to run well fresh, however, just missing in a high-priced optional claimer at Belmont in late May following a break of nearly two months, the same amount of time off trainer Robert Barbara gave him before Saturday's race.

Another New York-based shipper, Giant Wrecker, had made what looked like a winning move from third entering the stretch to take the lead with a furlong remaining before Interpatation, last of nine after the first half-mile, came flying at the finish, winning despite getting briefly caught in traffic and having to swing six wide into the stretch.

Giant Wrecker, the third choice at 7-2, held second. In a three-way photo for third, 14-1 shot Ballonenostrikes was a nose ahead of 35-1 pacesetter Ra Der Dean, who nosed out 2-1 favorite Dreadnaught for fourth.

The winning time for 1 1/8 miles on firm turf was 1:51.45.