Mandarin Hero had already made history as the first NAR-trained horse to run in a US G1. Despite a titanic battle in the home straight, the son of Shanghai Bobby failed by just a nose to claim a famous win. Mandarin Hero was positioned in midfield, a few lengths behind the leader and challenged the eventual winner, Practical Move, entering the straight.

Trainer Terunobu Fujita reflected, "I thought it would be great if he could finish within the top five, but I could hardly contain my excitement when I saw him finish second." Mandarin Hero is expected to compete in the G1 Kentucky Derby on May 6th.