Saturday’s victory sends Pioneerof the Nile into next month’s Kentucky Derby for trainer Bob Baffert, a three-time Derby winner who hasn’t had a starter in the Run for the Roses since 2006.
Pioneerof the Nile ran 1 1-8 miles on the artificial surface in 1:49.17. He was sent off as the 4-5 wagering favorite after main rival The Pamplemousse was scratched because of a soft tissue injury in one of his legs.
Chocolate Candy was second, followed by Mr. Hot Stuff and Take the Points.
