Last in the early stages of the 1 3/16-mile allowance race, Soul Search rallied between rivals at the top of the stretch and drew away to a 7 1/2-length victory as the 7-10 favorite.
Howard, 56, was joined in the winner's circle by longtime owner William S. Farish, the former ambassador to St. James Court. Farish owns Soul Search along with Mrs. W.S. Kilroy.
"Not everyone is fortunate enough to train for the Farish family," said Howard, a 56-year-old native of Riverdale, N.Y. who now resides in Louisville, Ky. "If I'm not winning, it's not because I'm not getting the stock."
Howard accepted a silver julep cup from Keeneland President Nick Nicholson. The conditioner has trained a long list of outstanding horses including 2003 Horse of the Year Mineshaft but, he said, "Run Up The Colors was the most memorable for me.
"She was a real hard trying filly. Watching Mr. Farish welcome her back after the Alabama (at Saratoga) was really something special. He was so proud of her. It made me feel like I gave something back to him for all the things he has done for me."
Soul Search paid $3.40 after defeating a field of seven fillies and mares.
(Chart, Equibase)