ELMONT, N.Y., Oct. 29 (UPI) -- Stevie Wonderboy charged down the stretch to capture the $1.5 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Belmont Park Saturday.
The 2-year-old colt, named after singer Stevie Wonder and owned by Merv Griffin, covered the 1 1/26 miles in 1:41.64 with Garret Gomez aboard.
Stevie Wonderboy weaved his way through traffic to finish ahead of Henny Hughes by 1 1/4 lengths. First Samurai, the heavy favorite, was third.
The win makes Stevie Wonderboy the instant favorite for the Kentucky Derby -- even though no Juvenile winner has ever gone on to win the Run for the Roses.
The colt, trained by Doug O'Neill, has won his last three starts, earning $980,000 for the year.
Stevie Wonderboy paid $11.00, $5.90 and $3.80; Henny Hughes, $8.80 and $4.90; and First Samurai, $2.50.
