Aikenite got his head down on the line to nip Apriority in a thrilling renewal of the Churchill Downs Stakes (Grade 2).
The pace was contested with Captain Cherokee, Delong Road, and Le Grand Cru battling for early supremacy.
It was wide open turning for home with Apriority, Aikenite, Capt. Candyman Can, and Ibboyee knocking heads in deep stretch.
Aikenite, trained by Todd Pletcher, just got the job done with John Velazquez aboard and paid $28.60.
Ibboyee edged Capt. Candyman Can for the show. Noble's Promise, Smiling Tiger, Here Comes Ben, Captain Cherokee, Mythical Power, Delong Road, Le Grand Cru, and Chocolate Candy rounded out the order of finish.
The winning time for the seven panel contest was 1:21.40.