ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL – Oakview Stable’s Lanier, claimed just last November for $40,000, paid dividends on his connections’ faith by dominating Saturday’s $100,000 Hanshin Cup Stakes (G3) at Arlington Park.

Breaking from post 10 under Declan Cannon at 5/1 odds, Lanier sat in a close stalking position while Richiesinthehouse and Gone Ghost dueled through opening fractions of :23.99 and :47.56. Given his cue in the far turn, Lanier tipped out to run three-wide and was the first competitor to take a run at the top pair.

Taking command at 1/4 pole, Lanier drew off sharply in the stretch to win by 4 lengths. The Brett Santangelo trainee’s winning time was 1:35.84 for the mile-long event over the all weather main track.

While no match for the winner, What’s Up Dude was able to get up at the wire and neck out the 2/1 favorite Nun the Less for second. Sir Anthony finished fourth ahead of Revved Up, while Richiesinthehouse and Gone Ghost faded to sixth and seventh, respectively. Eckersley, Machtree, and Gita’s Lad completed the order of finish. Reride was a stewards scratch.

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Lanier’s win was his first in any stakes event and improved his overall record to 32-9-8-3. The 7-year-old gelded son of Lewis Michael took home $57,000 for the win to increase his lifetime bankroll to $297,364.

Lanier returned $13.20 to win, $7 to place, and $4.60 to show. What’s Up Dude brought back $30.20 to place and $10 to show, while Nun the Less paid $3.40 to show.