Animal Kingdom had never raced on a dirt track before.

First time’s a charm.

Ridden by veteran John Valasquez, a last-minute replacement, Animal Kingdom got in a perfect spot in the middle of the pack and, and in a brilliant last 1/16 of a mile, saw daylight and went  for it.

“Johnny V” manuevered him with ease to a win.

Animal Kingdom’s trainer Graham Motion, in an interview before the race, saw it coming:

“Animal Kingdom, although he’s only run on the turf and synthetics, is really a brilliant horse in the morning.  He’s probably one of the most impressive work horses I’ve ever had. For different reasons, this horse has taken me there.”

Indeed, he has.

Folks are saying this horse will love Pimlico…

Finish order:

Animal Kingdom

Nehro

Mucho Macho Man

Shackleford

Rosie Napravnik and Pants on Fire ran out of steam and finished 9th.