Page McKenney Charges Home Late to Win G3 Salvator Mile

OCEANPORT, NJ –  Veteran Page McKenney took advantage of a hot pace with a late charge to win Saturday’s Grade 3, $100,000 Salvator Mile Stakes at Monmouth Park.

Page McKenney has been a fan favorite for several years now, and just continues to produce thrills even at the age of eight. The win was the 22nd of his career in his 56th start. The Salvator Mile Stakes was the geldings first appearance at Monmouth Park. Ridden by Horacio Karamanos, Page McKenney was victorious at odds of 7-1.

“I was hoping for a little bit more speed early but we got what we got,” said trainer Mary Eppler. “He just tries so hard. He’s all heart, just an amazing horse.”

After dropping back off the pace in the fourth spot early on he saved ground with an inside move on the turn, and then came wide in the stretch with a furious rally to win by a half length. Pace setting Shaft of Light was a stubborn foe to get by as he held the lead into deep stretch, but just could not hold off the late charge of Page McKenney. Sunny Ridge got first run at the leader, but could not mount a late rally while having to settle for third.

The win gives the ageless Page McKenney $1,870,940 in career earnings.

Page McKenney returned $17.60 to win, $6.80 to place, and $3.60 to show. Shaft of Light brought back $4.60 to place and $2.80 to show, while Sunny Ridge paid $2.20 to show.