Risen Star undercard: 3 graded stakes support Ky. Derby prep

Highly regarded 4-year-old colt Hall of Fame surged late to get his head in front of 14-1 long shot Komorebino Omoide at the wire to win Saturday in the 40th running of the $250,000 Mineshaft (G3)

Owned by Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg, Gandharvi and Brook Smith, Hall of Fame was ridden by José Ortiz for trainer Steve Asmussen. The son of Gun Runner covered 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.89 to secure the fourth victory of his career.

After an even beginning, Ortiz positioned Hall of Fame in third, tracking Maycocks Bay who led Komorebino Omoide through an opening quarter in 24.46 seconds. After a half-mile in 48.60 seconds, Komorebino Omoide began to find his best stride and drew even with the leader at the quarter pole.

As they reached the middle of the homestretch, Ortiz angled Hall of Fame three wide, and Komorebino Omoide began to draw clear of Maycocks Bay. Inside the final sixteenth of a mile, Hall of Fame began to find his best stride but Komorebino Omoide fought back along the rail. At the wire Hall of Fame prevailed by a head.

After the race jockey Jansen Melancon lodged an objection against Ortiz for interference in the stretch, but stewards disallowed the claim.

“He broke great and put me in a great position down the backside,” Ortiz said. “Steve and his team did a really good job with him, and it showed with him having to battle down the lane after a slow pace early.”

Maycocks Bay held third, finishing 1 3/4 lengths ahead of Batten Down. Heroic Move, Tuscan Sky, Catching Freedom and Warrior Johny completed the order of finish.

Hall of Fame, the 8-5 favorite, returned $5.40, $4.20 and $3. Komorebino Omoide paid $9.40 and $5. Maycocks Bay, under Ben Curtis, returned $7 to show.

With the victory Hall of Fame improved his career record to 7: 4-1-0, boosting his earnings to $322,960.

A Kentucky-bred son of Gun Runner out of the Giant’s Causeway mare Flag Day, Hall of Fame was bred by Earle Mack.