Phil the Power takes Kelso Stakes in front running fashion

John R. Perrotta's Phil the Power led every step of the way before notching a 2 3/4-length triumph in the $100,000 Kelso Stakes at Delaware Park.

With Anthony Black aboard, the 4-year-old son of Red Bullet cut early fractions of 1:16.19 for the three-quarters mile and 1:41.50 for the mile before completing the mile and a half in 2:31.86 over a fast main track. The Kentucky-bred trained by Joe Orseno returned $6.00 as the second choice in the field of seven.

Critical Acclaim, with Joseph Rocco Jr., finished second a neck in front of the 6-to-5 favorite Menacing, with Pablo Morales, in third.

Phil the Power raised his career mark to four wins from 19 starts with earnings of $215,550.