by Ron Parker

E. Paul Robsham’s Trippi’s Storm, outrun early, was full of run in the stretch en route to a half-length victory over After Market in the $249,200 Kelso Handicap (G2) Saturday at Belmont Park.

Trippi’s Storm, with regular jockey Javier Castellano in the irons, crossed the finish line of the one-mile contest in 1:32.36 on firm turf. Palace Episode, who was steadied in traffic, closed for third, 1 1/2 lengths behind After Market.

The victory was the first in a graded stakes Trippi’s Storm, a four-year-old Trippi gelding who earlier in the year finished second to Sunriver in the Bowling Green Handicap (G2) at Belmont Park and third to Grand Couturier (GB) in the Sword Dancer Invitational Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course.

“We never really knew this horse’s best distance,” winning trainer Stanley Hough said. “Obviously, a mile fits him pretty well. If I had to guess, I would say a mile to a mile and an eighth suits him best.”

The victory snapped After Market's four-race winning streak in Southern California.

“I thought [After Market] showed a lot today, shipping across the country and running the way he did,” jockey Alex Solis said.

Hough will see how Trippi’s Storm comes out of the Kelso before deciding upon a trip to the NetJets Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1), on October 27 at Monmouth Park.

Trippi’s Storm has won of four of 16 career starts and has earned $370,618. He is out of the Storm Bird mare Pocket Beauty.

For an Equibase chart, click here.

Ron Parker is a Thoroughbred Times contributing writer