Promising Juveniles Look to Build on Success in Sanford

Several up-and-coming 2-year-olds look to build off the perfect starts to their careers in the July 13 $175,000 Sanford Stakes (G3) at Saratoga Race Course. 

Of the eight juveniles entered in the six-furlong dirt race, five are undefeated. Two showed a desire to set the pace in their maiden victories. 

If history means anything, then all eyes should be on Mo Plex , who will have Irad Ortiz Jr. in the irons. Ortiz has won three of the last six editions of the Sanford. The 31-year-old native of Puerto Rico also has led the Saratoga standings five times, including each of the past two years.   

Mo Plex, who is by Complexity   and out of the Uncle Mo   mare Mo Joy, is owned by R and H Stable and won on debut by 10 lengths June 20 at Aqueduct. He will break from post position 8.

On the opposite side of the gate is Repole Stable’s homebred Mentee . He had to work harder to get his first win, by a nose, June 15 at the Belmont at the Big A meet. It was a gate-to-wire victory where Mentee held off a late challenge.

Others looking to keep their record free of a blemish are Baby Dukes , Mr. Squeaky Wheels , and Studlydoright , who has two wins.