Rose Junction and Onetwentyeight aim for the big win in the Sanford Stakes at Saratoga
Todd Pletcher’s juveniles are expected to blossom at Saratoga this year, which will not be surprising considering Pletcher has been named the leading trainer at ‘The Spa’ eight times. Now, he comes with a string of brilliant two-year-olds including
Rose Junction and Onetwentyeight.
These two runners will compete in the Grade 2, $200,000 Sanford Stakes which will be held on 22nd July, 2012, over a distance of six furlongs.
The trainer is optimistic about these two runners and, comments that they are equal and one does not have any leverage over the other.
Pletcher commented:
"They're both in the same position as they broke their maidens in their first start at Belmont."
The Florida bred, Onetwentyeight, was ridden by Javier Castellano in his maiden at Belmont Park, where he dominated the 5 ½ furlong track on 28th June, 2012, and bagged the victory in 1 minute and 04.33 seconds.
Owned by Starlight Racing, the son of Dixie Union, out of mare Sandra's Rose, excelled in his maiden on 8th June, 2012, at Belmont Park when he defeated, Lignite, by 3 lengths under, John Velazquez.
Since both these runners prevailed in their maidens at Belmont Park, they are now eligible for the New York Racing Association's new $100,000 juvenile bonus. Referring to this, the trainer commented:
"We'll see where they fit. We would like to collect the bonus."
Rose Junction will race as a favourite with rider Javier Castellano on his back, carrying 119 pounds. He has a 5-2 chance of winning and will break from post 5.
Onetwentyeight will be teamed with jockey Rajiv Maragh and will enter the race from post position 8 with 119 pounds as well.
Rose Junction was bought for $310,000 at the Keeneland September yearling sale, while Onetwentyeight came under Pletcher’s care after he was bought for $150,000 in March at the Ocala Breeders' Sale.
These runners are expected to excel on this track but, it will definitely not be an easy race since the other runners in the line-up seems to have an immense amount of potential.
Handsome Jack, Special Jo and Bern Identity are some of the runners these two will have to watch out for.
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