Saratoga Springs, NY (My Sportsbook) - Jockey Cornelio Velasquez made a sweep of the weekend's major stakes races at Saratoga with Evening Attire's victory over Funny Cide in the $250,000 Saratoga Breeders' Cup Handicap.
Velasquez was the winning rider Saturday when he guided Society Selection to the winner's circle in the Alabama Stakes. He completed his stakes double with a confident ride aboard Evening Attire.
The Saratoga Breeders' Cup featured 2003 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Funny Cide, who was sent off as the even-money favorite for the 1 1/4 mile race.
The field of eight older horses was taken through the first part of the race by longshots The Lady's Groom and Congrats.
Funny Cide, ridden by Edgar Prado, was running on the outside in third while Evening Attire settled in mid-pack. Around the second turn Bowman's Band gained ground on the inside with Funny Cide. At the top of the stretch Bowman's Band had a slight lead over Funny Cide while Evening Attire gained ground on the outside.
Evening Attire assumed the lead with a furlong to go as Bowman's Band tired. Funny Cide finished second, five lengths behind the winner. Bowman's Band was third followed by Alumni Hall, Sarava, Congrats and The Lady's Groom.
The time for 1 1/4 miles was 2:00.83.
Evening Attire is owned by Joseph and Mary Grant, and T.J. Kelly. Trained by Pat Kelly, the six-year-old added $150,000 to his bankroll. Evening Attire captured the Saratoga Breeders' Cup Handicap in 2002 and is now 5 for 8 at Saratoga. This was his first win in seven starts this year.
Evening Attire returned $17.00, $5.20 and $3.30. Funny Cide paid $3.00 and $2.30, and Bowman's Band paid $3.10 for show.