Purdue King Routs Rivals at Del Mar Despite Rough Start

Purdue King, ridden by Chris McCarron, brushed with another horse in the initial strides but later drew away and won by 5 1/2 lengths in the $55,100 Graduation Stakes Wednesday at Del Mar.

Mr. Game Player, with Bill Shoemaker aboard, finished second, a neck in front of What A Diplomat, ridden by Eddie Delahoussaye.

Purdue King covered six furlongs in 1:10 2/5 and $32,600 in the race for 2-year-olds bred in California. The winner paid $3, $2.40 and $2.10. Mr. Game Player returned $8 and $3.80, while What A Diplomat paid $4.40 to show.

Mr. Game Player challenged Purdue King at the quarter pole but lacked the needed response in the drive. What A Diplomat lacked early speed, came into the stretch four-wide and just missed getting second place.