Nakatomi (g, 7, Firing Line–Applelicious, by Flatter), winner of the 2024 GI Alfred G. Vanderbilt H. at Saratoga, went from last to first to deliver a well-timed, repeat victory in Friday's 'Win and You're In' GII Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix S. on opening day at Keeneland.It was the first victory for jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr., who had been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury on Aug. 8 at Saratoga.Last of eight as Mad House (Vekoma) sped through opening quarter in :21.67, Nakatomi had his work cut out for him at the top of the stretch. The 2-1 chance began to rally along the inside down the lane and kept on coming with a rail run while finishing up in a field-best :12.61 to get the money by a length.Little Thunder (Noble Bird) tagged the pacesetting Mad House for second.Nakatomi also finished second in this race in 2023 and 2024. His resume also includes a longshot third-place finish in the 2023 GI Breeders' Cup Sprint at Santa Anita. He made two previous starts this term, finishing fifth in the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen at Meydan Mar. 28 and fourth as the favorite in an optional claimer at the Spa Aug. 22.“Longevity,” winning trainer Wesley Ward said. “We turn him out at Fergus Galvin's Hunter Valley Farm. (Galvin is racing manager for co-owner Qatar Racing.) His daughter (Elle-Marie) feeds him every day, gives him carrots and candy, rides him there. He's just a wonderful horse to be around. That bunch of months off where they're not training is key to longevity. He comes back fresh in the spring and he's still winning.”Breeders' Cup Sprint next?“Hope so,” Ward replied. “I'll talk it over with Fergus and (the connections) and see if that's what they want to do. He shows he's still got it.”Ortiz added, “It was great. I felt like I had horse every step of the way. He gave me a good kick. I'm happy to be back. It feels good to be in the winner's circle.”Friday, KeenelandSTOLL KEENON OGDEN PHOENIX S.-GII, $368,238, Keeneland, 10-2, 3yo/up, 6f, 1:09.93, ft.1–NAKATOMI, 121, g, 7, by Firing Line1st Dam: Applelicious, by Flatter2nd Dam: Annie's Apple, by Shawklit Won3rd Dam: Maid for Steele, by Rare Performer($18,000 Wlg '19 KEENOV; $25,000 Ylg '20 FTKOCT; $205,000 4yo '23 FTKHRA). O-Qatar Racing LLC & Mrs Fitriani Hay; B-Arnold Zetcher LLC & Crestwood Farm (KY); T-Wesley A Ward; J-Irad Ortiz Jr. $238,700. Lifetime Record: GISW-US, MG1SP-UAE, 28-8-4-7, $2,297,426. Werk Nick Rating: A++. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.2–Little Thunder, 121, g, 4, Noble Bird–Circular Rainbow, by Circular Quay. 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($12,000 RNA Ylg '23 OBSOCT). O-Blazing Meadows Farm & Thomas K Equels; B-Thomas Equels (FL); T-Timothy E Hamm. $57,750.3–Mad House, 121, g, 4, Vekoma–Stifled Heiress, by Munnings. ($47,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR). O-James Thares; B-Jean White, Wavertree Farm & SGV Thoroughbreds LLC (FL); T-David VanWinkle. $28,875.Margins: 1, NO, 2 1/4. Odds: 2.32, 7.99, 5.05.Also Ran: Booth, Classic of Course, Jack's Promise, Verifire, Here Mi Song. Scratched: C K Wonder, Hymn, Viking. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel Racing. NAKATOMI STILL HAS IT!Seven-year-old #10 Nakatomi defended his title in the $400,000 Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix Stakes (G2) under @iradortiz. Can he win the @BreedersCup this year? pic.twitter.com/4keoxtPGwz— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) October 2, 2026The post Still Got It: 7-Year-Old Nakatomi Goes Last to First to Successfully Defend Phoenix Title appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.