Sat Jun 30 21:54:16 2007

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Political Force gallops to victory in Suburban Handicap

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Elmont, NY (Sports Network) - Political Force, ridden by Cornelio Velasquez, took the lead at the top of the stretch on his way to winning Saturday's $400,000 Suburban Handicap at Belmont Park. The four-year-old covered the 1 1/4 miles in 2:00.50.

The Suburban was expected to be the return to racing for 2006 Horse of the Year Invasor after his win three months ago in the Dubai World Cup. However, an injury during training necessitated his being retired last week.

The six horse Suburban field was led by 3-2 favorite Corinthian, coming off a 3/4-length triumph over Political Force in the Met Mile. Political Force was sent off as the 5-1 fifth pick. Corinthian is trained by Jimmy Jerkens and Political Force by Allen Jerkens, Jimmy's father.

Setting the pace was Fairbanks with former New York jockey Richard Migliore. Hesanoldsalt was running second up the backstretch followed by Corinthian, Political Force, Evening Attire and Malibu Moonshine.

Heading into the far turn Corinthian joined Fairbanks on the lead with Hesanoldsalt and Political Force right behind. On the final turn Fairbanks still had the lead with Political Force just to the outside.

Political Force took the lead at the top of the stretch with Fairbanks second and Corinthian unable to advance. Political Force held off Fairbanks down the stretch and went on to win by 1 1/4 lengths.

Fairbanks held second followed by Malibu Moonshine, Evening Attire, Hesanoldsalt and Corinthian.

Political Force is owned by Joseph Allen and registered his third win of the year in six starts. The $240,000 winner's check brings Political Force's career earnings to $517,232. Overall he has won four of 15 lifetime races.

Allen Jerkens was not too concerned about the 1 1/4 miles prior to the race.

"I don't think it will be a big problem for him," Jerkens said. "He seemed to rate well in the Met and finish up good. His breeding is good. Hes by a son of Unbridled out of a mare (Glitter Woman) who won at a mile and an eighth."

Political Force returned $12.00, $4.70 and $4.50. Fairbanks paid $3.50 and $4.50, and Malibu Moonshine paid $10.60 to show.