American Courage made a decisive brush to the lead approaching the first quarter and held off the pocket sitting Town Gossip to prevail in the $104,250 MGM Springfield Stakes by a half-length margin in 1:53.3.

American Courage remains unbeaten in three lifetime starts for trainer Travis Alexander, driver Matt Kakaley and the Fiddlers Creek Stables of West Bloomfield, Michigan.

The two-year-old colt by American Ideal is the first foal out of the Art Major mare Nota Fool Bluechip.

The heavy favourite in the race, American Courage paid $2.40 to win. Crystal Beach was six and three quarter lengths back in third.

(Yonkers Raceway)