Overdriven under a strong drive landed Sanford Stakes at Saratoga to make it two of two and eyes the Grade 1 Hopeful to make it three of three
Impressive maiden winner 2-year-old Todd Pletcher’s colt Overdriven easily bagged his second race among five other juveniles in the $150,000 Grade 2 Sanford Stakes at Saratoga on 24 July.
Trainer Todd Pletcher said after the race that it is too early to say that Overdriven is going to be the next Uncle Mo and prove to be a 2-year-old champion by the end of the year, just like Uncle Mo was last year, but he might not be able to stop others
from comparing the two.
Uncle Mo owned by Mike Repole and trained by Todd Pletcher was the two-year-old champion last year, but due to a rare liver disease, Uncle Mo has been sidelined since May, but he has now recovered well and ready to get into his stride.
Though to compare the two would be hard to resist with Overdriven following Uncle Mo’s footsteps, it’s highly likely that Mike Repole has another superstar in the making.
Jockey John Velazquez sat on the 2-year-old Overdriven and the pair broke from the outside, tailing the pace setter Black Rhino.
The 3 to 10 favourite Black Rhino jumped into the lead, maintained his position reaching the quarter pole in the six furlong event.
With a 100 Beyer, many had put Overdriven on top of their lists going into the race and he did not made them look silly, as he took firm command of the race, entering the upper stretch.
Franticly approaching his goal, Overdriven reacted well to John Velazquez’s brisk handling.
Meanwhile, ridden by Edgar Prado, Power World tracked both Black Rhino and Overdriven, with the Grade 2 Futurity Stakes upset colt Jack’s in the Deck stalked the whole lot in fourth position.
John Velazquez with the help of his whip showed a strong drive exiting the mid stretch to claim the six furlong dash in 1 minute and 10.60 seconds.
It was a race of six in this year’s Sanford edition after Bless the Soldier got scratched at the gates, Maan was an early scratch.
Bred in Kentucky, Overdriven is the son of Tale of the Cat out of Air France by French Deputy. Repole Stable’s next best thing, Overdriven has shot his bankroll up to $90,000 after the Sanford victory, unbeaten so far in his racing endeavours.
Next up for Overdriven is the Grade 1 Hopeful Stakes, with reaching new levels every race Overdriven looks to take over his older stable mate Uncle Mo, unless the 2010 champ has to say something about in the Grade 1 King’s Bishop Stakes on 27 August.
Mo entering the race is a probability but surely a goal for team Pletcher, but for now they can rejoice over at Saratoga.
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