ELMONT, N.Y. -- Affirmed Success took control soon after the start and then had enough class to hold off the late-running In Frank's Honor to win the $110,400, Grade 3 Poker Handicap by a neck. It was another half-length back to Union One in third.

	Affirmed Success won for the Poker Handicap for the second straight year.

It was the second straight year that Affirmed Success won the Poker. Carrying highweight of 121 pounds under Bailey, Affirmed Success maintained a measured half-length advantage through fractions of 23.49 seconds and 46.53. Turning for home, Bailey opened up on the field and had just enough to hold off In Frank's Honor, to whom he was conceding seven pounds.

"The key was getting a pretty comfortable first half," Bailey said.

Affirmed Success ran the mile in 1:34.60 over firm turf and paid $3.20.