Annapolis Marches to Saranac Score

Bass Racing’s Kentucky Cross Annapolis turn every pole into a win in the $186,000 Saranac Stakes (G3T), a 1/16-mile turf test for sophomores, September 3 at Racecourse Saratoga.

Trained by Todd Pletcher and driven by top racer Irad Ortiz Jr., War front Colt led the compact four-man field through soft openings of :25, :49.79, and 1:13.65 over the company before a comfortable 5 1/2 length win in the final time was 1:42.57. He returned $2.30 on a $2 winning bet as a game favorite.

“You don’t take anything for granted,” says Pletcher. “We were just hoping for a clean ride, and it was like a paper race with no real locators so we just inherited the lead. Looks like he traveled comfortably. transparent roof”.

Ortiz said he drove with confidence in the graded multi-stakes winning boat.

“There wasn’t too much speed in the race, so he was in control of the race,” Ortiz noted. “He was very nice and comfortable being out there the whole time and was there when I asked him to go. He was the best horse in the race. It was a workout for him. He was pretty good. good. He was just beaten by some nice horses last time and came back today in great form and has been there the whole time.”

Joel Rosario took over riding duties from Javier Castellano – who injured his ankle in a previous race – on board Celestial City and use a ground-saving ride from third to second place with driver Manny Franco Fuerteventura who regrouped to the lane after passing the last turn. The path of purity track throughout. Piqua scratched.

Annapolis, 2nd place winner of Belmont ParkPilgrim Stakes (G2T) as a minor, started his second year campaign as runner-up in the June 3 Penn Mile Stakes (G2T) competition before attending Manila Stakes on June 4 July. He entered Saranac with 2nd place finish National pride in the Caesars Saratoga Derby Bets (G1T) in Saratoga, won 1st place Classic Road for honor.

Pletcher says Annapolis will now take on older horses for the first time in the $1 million Coolmore Turf Mile Stakes (G1T) on October 8 at Keenelandbrings a “Victory and You Are” landing for FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1T).

“He performed and performed well in each of the early stages of his life. We just felt he was a pony in good physical condition,” says Pletcher. “We thought about training to the Coolmore Turf Mile in Keeneland but decided he was playing very well and perhaps a race in between would suit him.

“We (appreciate him) and feel like a mile might fit him perfectly, and so we’ll see where we fit in, but he’s a horse big, physically strong,” added Pletcher. “He seemed like the type of guy that would handle that step of age.”

Annapolis made $110,000 in the win, bringing his career total to $592,600. He has improved his record to 4-2-0 in six starts.

Raised in Kentucky, Annapolis was the second pony among the 2nd level winners and Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) came in second My Miss Sophia . The mare, daughter of Unbridled’s Song, has also produced runners Nevisian Suprise and a lustful pony, both blood brothers to Annapolis.