Rapport to victory in the $250,000 (include $50,000 from B.C.) Grade III Kent Stakes at Delaware Park today. This was Dominguez’s first mount of the season in Stanton, who was a five time leading rider at Delaware Park from 2003 through 2006 & 2008 and this was his fourth career Kent Stakes victory

Grand Rapport won by a half length and returned $5.80 as the favorite in the field of eight. Workin for Hops, with Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr., finished second. The Canadian invader Stormy Lord, with James McAleney cut early fractions of :49.66 for a half and 1:13.05 for the three-quarters before fading to third a length behind the winner. The final time for the mile and an eighth over a firm turf course was 1:48.77.

“I was little worried about the slow early fractions, but it looked like he was well within himself,” said winning trainer Gary Contessa. “Plus, we had Ramon (Dominguez), who knows this course as good anybody. Once we made the turn for home and we started moving, I felt good. I have to talk to Mr. Mack, but right now I think we are looking at the Hollywood Derby for his next start.”

“Coming back to Delaware Park was great and to win this race made it even more enjoyable,” said winning rider Ramon Dominguez. “When I asked him, he really responded. I really like him and he is nice one.”

In his previous outing, Grand Rapport, a Kentucky-bred ran second beaten a nose in the Grade II Hall of Fame Stakes at Saratoga. The Kent Stakes is the first career stakes victory for the son of Grand Reward. He has a career record of three wins from six starts with earnings of $262,139.