In the best and quirky traditions of Saratoga racing, Colonial Affair confused the race for year-end honors for senior horses today when he beat Devil His Due to the wire by a nose in the $350,000 Whitney Handicap.
It was only the second victory in 10 starts for Colonial Affair since he won the Belmont Stakes last year, but it was a major one. He ran next to last for half a mile, while Contract Court, stalked by Williamstown, was setting the pace. Then Colonial Affair kicked back into the race with a powerful move as they turned for home. He pulled clear by two and one-half lengths as he and Devil His Due swept past the leaders and staged a sizzling duel to the wire.
Colonial Affair got there first by the length of his nose, with Devil His Due closing fast but running out of room, and nobody else close. Four lengths back in third place came West by West, the consummate late runner, and then Pistols and Roses and the favored Thunder Rumble in a parade of senior warriors jostling for titles.
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