Pioneer of the Nile Overcomes Trouble to Take Robert B. Lewis Stakes

By Profitus Maximus
February 7, 2009

Pioneerof the Nile got the type of experience a Kentucky Derby contender needs in winning his 3-year-old debut in the $200,000 Robert B. Lewis Stakes (gr. II) after overcoming a bit of traffic trouble on the far turn.

Piloted by Garrett Gomez, Pioneerof the Nile broke from the two post and settled off the rail. His journey was a smooth one until just past the three-eights pole, longshot Charlie’s Moment took the spot that Pioneerof the Nile wanted causing him to lose a bit of momentum. Gomez then elected to go 5 wide into the stretch and avoid traffic, but found himself 3 ½ lengths behind the leaders at the top of the stretch.

The son of Empire Maker, however, unleashed a powerful late kick, running down second choice I Want Revenge and longshot Papa Clem and stamped himself as a legitimate 2009 Kentucky Derby contender.

The final time was clocked in 141.90 seconds.

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Here is some alternate footage of the Robert B. Lewis Stakes winner Pioneerof the Nile