by Kyle Fitzgerald, for Colonial Downs

New Kent, VA — Temptation burnished his Horse of the Meet credentials with his fourth straight victory at Colonial Downs on Sunday afternoon (October 14) just six days after pacing a record smashing 1:49.1 mile.

Temptation cruised on a much softer pace in Sunday’s winners over handicap, winning by three-quarters of a length in 1:51.4.

Megabucks N beat Temptation off the gate to seize the early advantage through an opening quarter in :26.4. Driver Chris Page sent Temptation after Megabucks N, easily claiming the lead. Page was able to slow the pace down, getting the second quarter in a leisurely :29.2 to complete the half in :56.1.

South Park Kid made the first challenge to Temptation’s reign with a first-over move on the turn. South Park Kid cruised up into second midway through the turn and was just a nose behind Temptation after the three-quarters in 1:24.

Temptation responded to South Park Kid’s challenge, edging away from that rival in the upper stretch. Bromac Maravu N launched a strong rally along the rail and a resurgent Megabucks N eased between Temptation and South Park Kid to make it a four-horse race to the wire inside the eighth pole.

Temptation outfinished all three rivals in the final strides to secure the victory over a fast-finishing Megabucks N, who just nailed Bromac Maravu N in the final stride. South Park Kid was just 1-1/4 lengths back in fourth.

Sunday’s win was the ninth of the season for Temptation. The 4-year-old Dragon Again gelding is four-for-four since owner Robert Cooper Stables sent him to Virginia in trainer Manley Brown, Jr.’s care.