Lee Einsidler’s T Kraft capitalized on a controlled early tempo and narrowly fended off a late surge from Crazy Mason to win Thursday’s Grade 3 Vosburgh Stakes at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y., by just a nose. This victory marked T Kraft’s first graded stakes triumph and secured him an automatic spot in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint via the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series.
Ridden by Junior Alvarado, T Kraft broke quickly from the inside post and took the lead after the expected early frontrunner, Contrary Thinking, did not show his usual speed. The 4-year-old Connect colt set opening fractions of :23.26 and :46.16, pressured by El Grande O, before pulling slightly clear after six furlongs in 1:10.24.
Holding a clear advantage entering the final sixteenth of a mile, T Kraft was strongly challenged by Crazy Mason, who came rapidly from near the back of the nine-horse field. Trained by Gregg Sacco, Crazy Mason swung wide in the stretch and quickly closed ground, but T Kraft hung on to win in 1:22.78 over seven furlongs on a fast track.
“That was incredibly close,” said Alvarado. “I wasn’t sure if we’d get it. The other horse came on really strong at the end, but my horse fought hard.” Senior Officer finished third, 1 ½ lengths behind Crazy Mason, followed by Buttah, Doc Sullivan, El Grande O, Moonlight, Contrary Thinking, and Bring the Smoke.
T Kraft, conditioned by Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott, returned $13.88 as the fourth betting choice. Bred in Kentucky by Dr. John Eaton and Dr. Steve Laymon, the colt, out of Johannesburg mare Margarita Friday, has now won five of 16 career starts with earnings reaching $518,554.
“He’s definitely improving,” Mott remarked. “We’re happy with his development. Since this win guarantees a Breeders’ Cup spot, Lee will probably aim for that next.” Einsidler confirmed that they are considering the Breeders’ Cup Sprint as the next race, despite the shorter six-furlong distance, saying, “He’s getting better with each race. Six furlongs is a little sharp, but he has shown he belongs at this level.”
This report was originally published by Paulick Report on October 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. You can add Paulick Report as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Fan Take: This thrilling photo finish underscores how competitive sprint racing continues to captivate fans and highlight emerging talent. T Kraft’s win not only shakes up the Breeders’ Cup Sprint field but also promises an exciting showdown that could elevate the sport’s excitement and visibility.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
