Apart gets up to win Schaefer Stakes

PIMLICO - Apart gets up to win the William Donald Schaefer Memorial Stakes.

Apart overtook Colizeo in deep stretch to win the $100,000 William Donald Schaefer Memorial Stakes.

Ms. Dilschneider, jockey Garrett Gomez and trainer Al Stall, who all shared today's victory, won last year's Schaefer with eventual 2010 champion older male Blame.

“I told Garrett, he’s been on the money lately so ride him with confidence. He’s sound. I think he’ll be a better horse by the end of the year and the farther he goes. This is a good spot. I like where the race sits on the calendar, besides the fun we have in Baltimore," said Stall.

The 2011 Schaefer was won by a neck. Apart who paid $4.40, had to circle three wide into the lane to overtake Colizeo, who had led from the start.

“I wanted to sit back a little and just make one run with him. When the pace slowed down a little to my liking, I was able to edge up a little closer to him (Colizeo). I always felt I had him within range. He traveled well. When we turned for home, I felt pretty good. I just had to reach down and give him a little love tap to make sure he didn’t fall asleep," said jockey Gomez.

Icabad Crane finished third. Apart's winning time for the 11/16 miles was 1:43.70.

Apart is now four-time stakes winner. Previously he won the Prelude and Super Derby at Louisiana Downs and the Ack Ack at Churchill Downs.