Rodeo's Castle at Home in Duncan Kenner BC

Rodeo's Castle caught Beau's Town in the final strides to capture the $274,100 Duncan F. Kenner Breeders' Cup Handicap, the first of four stakes Saturday at the Fair Grounds meet at Harrah's Louisiana Downs.

Trained by Beverly Fowler for owner Byron House III, Rodeo's Castle was fourth through the first half-mile of the six-furlong event before jockey John Jacinto asked for more in the turn for home. Beau's Town took the lead in the stretch, but Rodeo's Castle overtook Beau's Town to win by a neck in 1:10 2/5 for the six furlongs.

Beau's Town, a grade II winner, was making his first start in 14 months.

Rodeo's Castle paid $11, $6.40, and $5 with Beau's Town returning $5.60 and $5.20. Dreamandvisions, $9.40, took third.

The entry of Top Commander and Grand Bank, sent off as the 8-5 favorite, finished second-to-last and last, respectively, in the field of nine.

Rodeo's Castle, a 5-year-old Florida-bred bay horse by Rodeo, took home $167,760 for the biggest win of his career – and his eighth victory overall in 15 starts – while improving his earnings to $356,260. His last win came in the Kings Court last May at Louisiana Downs, where he has won four of six with two seconds.

(Chart, Equibase)