Kiaran McLaughlin trainee Like Now, winner of the 2006 Gotham Stakes (gr. III), earned his first victory since March 18 of 2006 when he bested a field of four in an allowance optional claimer at Saratoga July 27.
Under Kent Desormeaux, the gelding pressed the pace, took charge in the upper stretch, and edged clear to win the third race by 4 1/2 lengths.
A 4-year-old son of Jules, Like Now finished fourth in two previous starts this year after coming back from knee chip removal surgery in March. His last race was the July 14 R.R.M. Carpenter Jr. Memorial Handicap at Delaware Park, in which he was last in a field of four.
He has five victories from 12 career starts with earnings of $334,732 for owner John J. Dillon.