Red Rifle wins Belmont's Yankee Affair Stakes

NEW YORK (AP) Red Rifle held off Reflecting by 1 1/4 lengths Saturday in the $100,000 Yankee Affair Stakes on the turf at Belmont Park.

Elnaawi set the pace in the 1 1/2 mile race with Red Rifle and jockey John Velazquez sitting second. Red Rifle, a 4-year-old gelding trained by Todd Pletcher, took charge at the top of the lane as Reflecting, the 7-5 favorite, launched his bid.

Red Rifle prevailed for his fourth win in 11 starts, paying $5.40, $2.80 and $2.20 as the 8-5 second choice.

Reflecting returned $2.70 and $2.10, and Elnaawi paid $2.30 to show.

The time was 2:27.49 over the course rated firm despite some afternoon showers.