Aaron and Marie Jones's Shaniko lived up to his status as even-money favorite as he got a perfect stalking trip from jockey Rafael Bejarano before powering through the stretch to a 4 1/2-length victory in the $342,500 Kentucky Cup Classic Stakes (G2) on Saturday at Turfway Park.The four-year-old A. P. Indy colt appeared to thrust himself into contention for the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) on October 29 at Belmont Park as he covered 1 1/8 miles in 1:49.74, establishing a track record for the distance on the new Polytrack surface.

Handled expertly by Bejarano, Shaniko tucked in early behind pacesetter Ball Four, who took the field through a quarter-mile in :24.20 and a half-mile in :48.44.

Narrowing the gap to a half-length, Shaniko took over in the turn, charging to a one-length lead in early stretch and drawing off to a comfortable victory.

Ball Four was no match for Shaniko in the lane but held gamely for second, 2 3/4 lengths in front of two-time stakes winner Silver Axe.

The victory was the third from five starts this season for the Todd Pletcher-trained colt, who captured his first stakes triumph. Overall, Shaniko has won five of 14 starts and earned $371,610 over three seasons.

Bred in Kentucky by William Carl, Shaniko is out of the Pleasant Tap mare Sapphire N' Silk.

Please see chart courtesy of Equibase at http://www.equibase.com