Pioneerof the Nile swept into the stretch under Garrett Gomez and unleashed a powerful, sustained closing bid to reel in runner-up Papa Clem and I Want Revenge in the closing strides and win the $200,000 Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G2) on Saturday.

Pioneerof the Nile solidified his credentials as a contender for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) and increased his graded stakes earnings to $623,250, which should be more than sufficient to ensure he makes the field for the first jewel of the Triple Crown.

The winner paid $5.40, $3.80 and $2.60 at 8-5 odds. Papa Clem returned $14 and $6.80, while I Want Revenge was another one length back in third and paid $2.60 to show.