Coglianese / NYRA Photo Photo

By Your Side wins comfortably in G3 Sanford

by Najja Thompson

Making only his second career start and sent off as the 7-5 post time favorite, Anderson Stables' By Your Side didn't disappoint his backers, besting a field of five to win the Grade 3, $150,000 Sanford on Saturday at Saratoga Race Course.

Breaking from post 5 with Irad Ortiz, Jr. aboard, By Your Side stalked in second position as Tomato Bill, with Kendrick Carmouche up, set fractions of 22.60 seconds for the opening quarter-mile with the half in 46.19.

Moving to the outside of Tomato Bill at the half-mile pole, By Your Side comfortably rallied past the leader at the top of the stretch. Extending away for a three-length win, he completed the six-furlong sprint on a fast main track in a final time of 1:10.22.

"I got a perfect trip," said Ortiz, Jr. "I had the outside post and he put me in a good spot early. He broke well on top. The speed went and he was second. He was acting like a professional. He relaxed so well and when I asked him to go, he just turned on."

Returning $4.80 for a $2 win wager, the Constitution colt bred by Columbiana Farm and purchased for $240,000 at the 2018 Keeneland September Yearling Sale remained unbeaten in two starts for conditioner Eddie Kenneally. The victory boosted his career earnings to $137,348.

"He's shown that he's the real deal for a while," said Kenneally. "He's a very professional horse. He just does everything right and relaxed nicely after breaking quick. Irad allowed the speed horses to go out, and the horse was content to relax on the outside. Perfect position [and] beautiful ride. He's good but might be even better going long."

Following Tomato Bill in second was Raging Whiskey, piloted by Javier Castellano with Cucina and Memorable completing the order of finish. A stewards' inquiry, as well as a jockey's objection from Castellano, into the stretch run for possible interference by Tomato Bill on Raging Whiskey was denied.

After capturing the first graded stakes race for juvenile colts this summer at Saratoga, Kenneally said he was excited for what may come from him going longer.

"He came to me at Keeneland in April and just continued on from there," said Kenneally. "He never did anything wrong. He has a very efficient, long stride, and his pedigree says that he wants to go longer. The way he relaxed will help the horse go longer as well."