Listed Status for Via Borghese Reinstated After Review

It is the policy of the American Graded Stakes Committee that a race that is scheduled for the turf course but is moved to the dirt track after the closing of nominations because the turf course is unsuitable for racing is automatically downgraded one level for that running only.

The American Graded Stakes Committee will, however, promptly review the running of any race that is automatically downgraded as a result of this policy and may reinstate its former status.

The AGSC recently reviewed the H. Allen Jerkens Handicap and Via Borghese Stakes, which were scheduled to be listed stakes race on the grass at Gulfstream Dec. 17. Due to rainy weather, they were run on Gulfstream's Tapeta surface and automatically downgraded to non-listed black-type status.

The AGSC reviewed the H. Allen Jerkens and determined that the original listed status would not be reinstated for this renewal. However, the AGSW did reinstate the original listed status for Saturday's renewal of the Via Borghese.

Listed stakes fall below the grade 3 category and are deemed stronger than non-listed black-type events.

Dede McGehee's Viburnum , trained by Kelsey Danner and with Irad Ortiz Jr. in the saddle, defeated seven rivals in the $100,000 Via Borghese. Later on the card, Michael Hui and Phil Forte's Value Engineering  triumphed over eight foes in the $100,000 H. Allen Jerkens for trainer Mike Maker and jockey Jose Ortiz.