Pletcher Strikes Out After 4-Bagger

I know that Todd Pletcher had won with his first four runners on Tuesday's Belmont card, coming consecutively, in the second through fifth races.

But 9-5 on Keyed Entry in the Dwyer? Even with opponents that had questions surrounding them, such as Da Stoops and Strong Contender, and even with the gift of hindsight of his last place finish, I think I can question the wisdom of my fellow New York horseplayers on this one. Coming off his last place finish in the Derby, continuing questions about his distance ability, and the presence of other speed in the race, this one hardly seemed like a wager at odds like those.

Strong Contender merely observed the proceedings as Da Stoops and Dontfearthereaper moved to challenge the favorite, and John Ward said "This is probably a style that is more suitable for him. Just laying back and not being in contention early." [Brisnet]

Two of Pletcher's winners on the day were first-time starters. In the second, Spring At Last was the second choice to Frankel returnee Brilliant Cut, and was lagging behind as that one set the pace to the half mile mark. But Spring At Last swept four wide on the turn and, as related by the race chart, drew clear after one left handed slap [by John Velazquez], and won by five. This three-year colt is by Silver Deputy, and is a half-brother to the Grade 1 winner Sharp Lisa, third to Hollywood Story in the Vanity on Sunday.

In the 5th, a two-year old maiden affair, Pletcher sent out an even-money favored entry of two first-timers, and got the money with Soaring By (Deputy Minister), a similarly easy five length winner. Out of a mare by Northjet, Soaring By is a half to two Japanese stakes winners.

Soaring By's time was almost two full seconds faster than Pletcher's Tremont winner Out Of Gwedda. But that can probably be explained by the fact that the latter stumbled and almost went down coming out of the gate. Velazquez explained: "He got up, I gave him a little slap and he just started running. I just sat against him and he responded." There were only three overmatched rivals, one of whom also stumbled at the start, so it was more like a public workout. As described by Bloodhorse.com,
it was an effort with no effort. The G2 Saratoga Special on August 17 is likely his next race.

Pletcher's 4th winner was Advisor, a $350,000 Tale of the Cat colt who debuted unsuccessfully for a mere $25,000 tag at Monmouth before stepping up and winning for $35,000 here. Even the trainer's "failures" find the winner's circle, this one with Mike Luzzi battling back on the inside after surrendering the lead.