Fistfite KO's Cowdin Rivals

Peter Callahan's Fistfite moved up to the lead on the turn and edged away in the stretch to win the $108,800 Cowdin Stakes (gr. III) by 2 1/4 lengths Sunday at Belmont Park. Under Richard Migliore, Fistfite completed the 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:15.63 on a fast track.

Fistfite (Two Punch--Elderberry, by Strawberry Road) won a Saratoga maiden race by 8 1/2 lengths in his second career start and earned $65,280 for the Cowdin win. The bay colt, trained by William Badgett Jr., has a career mark of two wins in three starts and was bred in Kentucky by North Cliff Farms Inc.

Windsor Castle closed down the center of the track to win a three-horse photo for second place. American Century was third, followed by Light of Justice, Hunt Gold, and Solitary Vision.

Fistfite paid $10.80, $5.60 and $3.30. Windsor Castle paid $11.60 and $3.70. 13-10 favorite American Century was worth $2.40 to show. The winning exacta combination paid $122.50. (Chart, Equibase)