Just Allen returned $120.50, $24.60, and $6.90. Personable Pete paid $3.80 and $2.60. Native Heir was worth $2.70 to show. The winning exacta combination returned $391. Earlier on the card at Aqueduct, Turnofthecentury drilled state-bred company in the Alex M. Robb Handicap, winning by four lengths, and Say Florida Sandy won an overnight handicap by 1 1/2 lengths. (Charts, Equibase)
Just Allen, the longest price on the board at 59-1, drew away to a two-length victory in Aqueduct's Saturday feature race, the Count Fleet Stakes. Second wagering choice Personable Pete, a New York-bred half-brother to Gazelle Handicap (gr. I) winner Critical Eye, finished second, a neck in front of 11-10 favorite Native Heir. Muskrat Ramble, Confalgasion, Welcome Matt, and Niner's Echo completed the order of finish. Griffinite was scratched.The win was the third in five starts for Just Allen, a Pennsylvania-bred son of Allen's Prospect. The Robert Seeger-trained colt won for the first time at Calder in November in his second career start while trained by James Hatchett. Switched to Seeger's barn following his initial win, Just Allen then finished third in a restricted stakes at Philadelphia Park before earning a four-length allowance win at the same track. The win in the one mile and 70 yards Count Fleet came in Just Allen's first start in a two-turn race. He completed the distance in 1:43.30 on a fast track under jockey Steve Campanas.Just Allen earned $49,215 for owner Ray Ivory with the win. He was bred by Caroline Stearns.