Things didn't look too good for 1-2 favorite Legit down the backtretch of the featured first-level optional claimer at Pimlico on Thursday, as he was lagging near the back of the field on the sloppy track and jockey Tyler Gaffalione seemed to be encouraging him to pick up the pace in the 1 1/16-mile race.

But once Legit got the message, he put in a sustained late run to take the lead outside American Lincoln entering stretch and edged away for a clear cut decision.

Legit, trained by Todd Pletcher and owned by Mike Repole, is now 2 for 2. He won a one-mile Gulfstream maiden race on April 19 by 7 1/4 lengths in the same style and earned a 85 Beyer Speed Figure.

American Lincoln, who surprisingly was lathered up going to te gate despite the cool Thursday temperatures, finished second.

Moonlight Shadow, who was last early, finished with interest for third. He could be a horse to watch down the road.