Tracking slow fractions all the way was no issue for 3/5 favorite McWicked in the $500,000 Ben Franklin as he proved much the best in 1:49 3/5. The early fractions were set by Filbuster Hanover, who was allowed to set splits of 26 2/5, 55 flat and 1:22 2/5 which looked as though it might play into the leader's hands, but when the winner tipped at the top of the lane, he zipped past the leaders quickly on route to a popular win with chalk bettors.

Mcwicked was taking his fourth win from six 2018 starts for owner SSG Stables of North Boston, New York. The Casie Coleman trainee - steered by Brian Sears tonight - has noiw earned more than $2.6 million. Rockin Ron rallied for second and Macs Jackpot was third.