Long-shot Irap won the $1 million Blue Grass Stakes for his first career victory and 100 points toward the Kentucky Derby, holding off Practical Joke by three-quarters of a length Saturday as favorite McCraken made a late charge at Keeneland.
The Doug O'Neill-trained bay colt paid $64.60 as a 31-1 long shot, getting in the mix quickly from the No. 6 post and battling Wild Shot as unbeaten McCraken gave chase at the far turn. Irap took charge at the stretch and held off runs from Practical Joke and McCraken to pull off the upset in the Grade 2 race after finishing fourth in his previous start.
Jockey Julien Leparoux guided Irap over 1 1/8 mile in 1:50.39 on the Kentucky track.
Practical Joke, the third choice, paid $5.60 and $3.20 and earned 40 points in the Derby standings. McCraken, who entered 4-0 and was the 8-5 favorite, returned $2.40 and received 20 points. J Boys Echo got 10 points for fourth.
