Stately Victor in Blue Grass Shocker

Stately Victor, a 40-1 outsider, ran down a game Paddy O'Prado to capture the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland Race Course on Saturday.

The winner, a three-year-old colt by Ghostzapper, out of Dynaformer mare Collect The Cash, stopped the clock in 1:48.69 and paid $82.20 under Alan Garcia. He is trained by Michael Maker.

Odysseus took advantage of his inside draw and set splits of :23.89 and :47.96. Paddy O'Prado crusied to the fore after six furlongs in 1:12.33 and set sail for home after a mile in 1:36.63, but Stately Victor was commencing his wide rally and won going away.

First Dude was in the hunt throughout and landed the show in a solid effort. 3-1 betting favorite Interactif finished an even 4th and was followed by Codoy, Make Music For Me, Pleasant Prince, Aikenite, and Odysseus.

Stately Victor earned $450,000 for his upset tally and is assured a spot in the starting gate on the first Saturday in May.

Paddy O'Prado picked up $150,000 in graded earnings. He was exiting a win in the Palm Beach (G3), and he placed in another graded turf event last year, so he will probably have enough dough to make the big dance.