Cherokee Colony Wins Flamingo by One Length

HIALEAH, Fla. —  Cherokee Colony, ridden by Jorge Velasquez, took the lead 15 strides from the finish line Saturday and pulled away for a one-length victory in the $250,000 Flamingo Stakes at Hialeah Park, the first test of 1988 for Kentucky Derby hopefuls.

The brown colt, sired by 1981 Kentucky Derby winner Pleasant Colony out of Cherokee Phoenix, paid $9.40, $4, and $3.60. Sorry About That finished second and paid $4.60 and $4.20. Cefis, trained by Woody Stephens, finished a head behind Sorry About That and paid $7.60.

Cherokee Colony covered the 1 1/8 miles in 1:49 4/5.

The victory was the second in six career starts for the John Campo-trained colt, and the $150,000 first-place check raised his earnings to $272,200. The colt is owned by Thomas Evans.