I'll Take A Stand, ridden by Edgar Prado, led from the start in winning the $18,500 feature at Pimlico Race Course yesterday.

The 3-year-old colt ran the 1 1/16-mile distance in 1 minute, 43 1/5 seconds, defeating Blue Ridge Runner by six lengths.

I'll Take A Stand, trained by Vinnie Blengs, was second choice in what was thought to be an evenly matched field -- none of the five entrants was higher than 4-1.

Prado, with 57 winners, is one victory behind Mike Luzzi atop the Pimlico jockeys standings.