Bitumen headlines G3 Sanford

by Najja Thompson

Looking to build off a stellar debut which he won by an impressive 6 ¾ lengths, Bitumen headlines a field of five 2-year-olds in the Grade 3, $150,000 at six furlongs on Saturday at Saratoga Race Course.

A $280,000 Ocala Breeders Sale purchase this March by Joseph W. Sutton, the son of Mineshaft has impressed trainer Eddie Kenneally since entering his barn and winning first out on June 30 at Churchill Downs.

"He ran a huge race," said Kenneally. "He had trained really well before that and acted like a nice horse. We liked him quite a bit that day and he ran a real professional race for a first timer."

Slightly bothered at the break, Bitumen finished well clear from the field of eight and earn an 86 Beyer Speed Figure.

"He didn't break real sharp in his first start but he was quickly up on the pace," added Kenneally. "I think he's pretty versatile. He didn't have to be up on the lead so I'm just to leave it up to Javier [Castellano] depending on the break on where he needs to be or where the horse wants to be. We're just going to play it by ear."

Expected to attract a lot of support, Bitumen will leave from post positon 5 with Javier Castellano aboard.

Trainer Todd Pletcher, who has won six straight consecutive training titles at Saratoga will saddle Bronson for Mathis Stables. A $350,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase, the son of Medaglia d'Oro won his debut on June 18 at Monmouth Park.

"It was a good debut," said Pletcher. "He's been a pleasant surprise to us because we felt as a colt, it might take him a little more time to come around. He also has a lot of turn in his pedigree so his dirt form has kind of been a bonus."

With Hall of Famer John Velazquez in the irons, Bronson will depart from post 4.

Entering off a field-high 90 Beyer Speed Figure for trainer Rick Violette and owner Ralph Evans is Random Walk. A son of Super Saver, he debuted on June 3 at Belmont Park where he was in hand most of the way before drawing clear to win by 5 ¾ lengths.

With Jose Ortiz Jr. returning for the mount, Random Walk will leave from post 2.

Rounding out the field for the 102^nd running of the Sanford are Zartera, for trainer Steve Asmussen and Winchell Thoroughbreds, who won his debut on June 16 Churchill Downs and Bay Numbers for trainer Eddie Pleasa, Jr. and Live Oak Plantation.