In Rossi Gold Stakes, Rumor Has It

James F. Glenn and William S. Patterson's Rumor Has It held off a surging Major Rhythm by a neck in Saturday's feature, the $54,200 Rossi Gold Stakes for 3-year-olds and up, going 1 3/16 miles over an Arlington Park turf course rated "firm."

Jockey Eduardo Perez put the David Hinsley trainee on the lead and never looked back, covering the distance in 1:59.56.

"He's seems to be getting better as he gets older," said Hinsley. "He's eight now. We're just going to along with our program and hope everything works out."

The Rossi Gold Stakes earned the Awesome Again gelding his second stakes win of the meet; he also won the $52,500 Polar Expedition on June 27. Rumor Has It now has a bankroll of $291,156 and a career record of 6-5-0 from 29 starts.

Major Rhythm finished second while Public Speaker completed the top three. My Happiness, Demarcation, Greycliff Exchange, Stream Cat, and Lemonade Kid rounded out the rest of the field.

"We ran on the outside where it seemed like the turf was a little softer," said jockey Chris Emigh, riding beaten favorite Demarcation. "It seemed like on the rail it was a little firmer and that hurt us a little bit. He is a nice horse. We will get them next time."

Rumor Has It returned $25.40, $13.40, and $7.20. Major Rhythm paid $7.60 and $5.20, and Public Speaker paid $4.60.