LAUREL -- He Is Risen wore down Robert's Choice in the final sixteenth of a mile to win the $21,000 feature at Laurel Race Course by a head yesterday.

The 3-year-old boosted his career record to 3-for-4. Ridden by Donnie Miller, he eased off the rail for the stretch drive, then finally caught Robert's Choice.

He Is Risen, a Triple Crown nominee, paid $5.20 as favorite in a field of six allowance runners. He ran the 1 1/16-mile distance in 1 minute, 45 1/5 seconds.