Fandom Shakes Off Rust in Palisades Victory

Fandom  shook off the rust over the Keeneland turf April 7 when he returned from a near 10-month hiatus to take the $250,000 Palisades Stakes, overtaking an impressive group of runners at the finish.

The 3-year-old son of Showcasing  was making his first start since a disappointing effort in the Coventry Stakes (G2) at Royal Ascot last summer. After rating midpack, Fandom closed with a strong late surge, moving from fifth to first at the finish to overtake No Nay Mets , who set the early pace, and Mansa Musa , who held for second. 

No Nay Mets faded to finish fourth. Refuel , who was third early on, held that position to take show honors. 

Owned by Stonestreet Stables and trained by Wesley Ward, Fandom was returning to the site of his maiden triumph, having won by 6 3/4 lengths at first asking last April. The bay colt prevailed by a neck over Mansa Musa, paying $17.50 to win.

Racing under Jose Ortiz, Fandom was able to rate during the 5 1/2 furlong turf contest through fractions of :21.59, :44.53, and :56.55 en route to hitting the wire in 1:02.83 over a track rated good.

With the victory, Fandom now has two wins in three career starts with a bankroll of $145,375.

Fandom was bred by Chasemore Farm out of the Pivotal  mare Brogan .