'Splendor' nips Avery Hall

Karakorum Splendor nosed out Avery Hall at the wire to win the $250,000 at Saratoga on a steamy Thursday afternoon.

Avery Hall, who was racing on the rail, jumped an "imperfection" left by the harrow just before the wire, according to her rider, Tony Black.

"A beat like that . . . I'm sure that cost her the race," Black said.

Karakorum Splendor, the favorite under John Velazquez, took the lead from pacesetter Avery Hall around the far turn. In midstretch, Avery Hall regained the lead and had a half-length advantage with a furlong remaining.

Karakorum Splendor ($3.70) covered the 1 1/8 miles in 1:53.85 over a fast track in the Statue of Liberty, a race for the progeny of New York-based stallions.

Avery Hall was 7 1/4 lengths clear of the third-place finisher, Fountain'sprincess.

Karakorum Splendor, a 3-year-old daughter of A. P Jet, is trained by Jimmy Jerkens and owned by Karakorum Farm.