Spendthrift . Farm Major who was once the hopeful Kentucky Derby (G1) and among the nation’s top 3-year-old turf horses, invaded Penn National Racecourse June 2 for the $400,000 Penn Mile (G2T).
Pilgrim Staking (G2T) Winner 2022 in Aqueduct race track and Kitten’s Joy Stakes (G3T) this year at Gulfstream Parkthe son of Bolt d’Oro far behind the runner-up Kentucky Derby Two Phil on March 25 Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) on Synthetic Tapeta, and then returned to finish in a close third on May 6 American Turf Stakes (G2T) on Kentucky Race Day in Churchill Downs.
He ran in the second race when it looked like he would qualify for the Kentucky Derby due to a lack of qualifying points.
“On entry day, we wanted to know we were in the body of the American Turf,” says Pletcher. “He’s a very solid horse on all surfaces, but in the end, we know he’s the best on the pitch.”
Irad Ortiz Jr. will be traveling to Grantville, Pa., for a trip on May 8 Major Dude.
The other competitors in the one-mile turf race are the bet winners Behind the enemy line And Candidate . Decided to trade a second with Major Dude in two starts in Florida earlier this year.
“We’ve seen him a few times and he’s also a good horse,” says Pletcher. “Racing can use more opponents.”
The candidate, 5-2 in the morning, was most performing at or near the lead until April 7 Transylvania Stakes (G3T) in Keeneland, where he finished sixth.
Coach Arnaud Delacour said: “Last time at Keeneland it was not well set up. “He’s a little behind and he’s a free-running horse. We tried to judge a bit. (The track) is more about speed, but it just didn’t suit him, that’s all.
“We’ve given him some time since Keeneland, and it looks like he’s ready to take it a step further.”
Pletcher was also represented in the $150,000 Penn Oaks on Friday with a bet win by Donald Dizney Princess Bettina who chose Flavien Prat in the former California driver’s first race for Pletcher.
After winning China Doll Stakes on March 18 at Santa Anita . Park for coach Peter Eurton, the dirty name was transferred to Pletcher for a campaign on the East Coast.
Pletcher said: “We’ve had her for over a month and have had some great productions at Churchill Downs. “We feel this is a good position for her. We’ll see how she handles this and maybe pull her out in other races.”
She was the favorite on May 9 in the one-mile race through the Klaravich Stables’ interest a 5-2 hit after a debut win for coach Chad Brown in March at Tampa . Bay.
Item: Penn Mile S. (G2T)
Penn National RacecourseFriday, June 2, 2023, Race 6
- Class II
- 1m
- pitch
- 400,000 USD
- 3 years old
- 19:45 (local)
Item: Penn Oaks
Penn National RacecourseFriday, June 2, 2023, Race 5
- STK
- 1m
- pitch
- $150,000
- 3 year old sister
- 7:10pm (local)
