SARATOGA SPRINGS – Trainer Todd Pletcher’s 2-year-old colt Chapel Royal cost $1.2 million last February and looked worth every penny yesterday at the Old Spa, winning the Grade 2, $150,000 Sanford by 5 3/4 lengths to remain unbeaten in three starts.
The victory gave Pletcher a sweep of Saratoga first two stakes. On opening day, his 2-year-old filly Ashado took the Schuylerville.
Sent off the even-money favorite under Johnny Velazquez off runaway scores in his maiden debut and the Flash Stakes at Belmont Park, Chapel Royal broke sharply but soon settled in down along the rail, tucked behind the furious speed duel (:21.2, :44.4) being waged by Boston Brahmin, Flushing Meadows and Heckle.
Turning for home, Velazquez swung Chapel Royal off the fence, asked him to run, and the son of Montbrook responded, flying past horses on the outside to take command at the top of the stretch. He kicked clear down the lane to win as he pleased in 1:10.3 for six furlongs over the sloppy track, despite leaping puddles at the furlong pole and again 70 yards from the wire.
“It was his first time in the slop, he was all by himself, saw the water spots and jumped,” Velazquez said. “He was just being green.”
Pletcher, whose colt More Than Ready won the Sanford in similar fashion four years ago, said, “He’s just a young horse, talented and learning. The key to this colt is, he has tons of ability and the disposition of a lead pony. That makes him extra-special. He’s been as impressive as any 2-year-old we’ve ever had.”
Chapel Royal, whose pedigree suggests distance limitations, will be tested next going seven furlongs in the Grade 1 Hopeful here Aug. 30. He paid $4, with 19-1 shot Blushing Indian rallying to complete a $63 exacta. Flushing Meadows held for third.