Van Cortlandt paid $9.80 to win Sunday's fourth race, a starter allowance at 1 1-8 miles on turf. Bettors were well within their rights to have expected a higher payoff.

Van Cortlandt was 7-1 as the field was being loaded into the gate and 9-2 when the race began. He was knocked down to 7-2 in the final round of bets, which are not reflected on the tote board for approximately 15 seconds after the race started.

Ridden by Stewart Elliott, Van Cortlandt closed from off the pace to win by 1 1-4 lengths over 4-1 Run Like Rhett. This was Van Cortlandt's first start for trainer Vladimir Cerin and owners David and Holly Wilson since the 3-year-old gelding was claimed for $50,000 at Del Mar on Aug. 20.

Van Cortlandt was the second choice in the field of nine behind Red King, the 3-1 favorite who finished third.