SARATOGA SPRINGS — In a workmanlike performance, 2-year-old colt Overdriven pressed the quick pace (:22.40, :45.67) set by Black Rhino, bid for the lead turning for home under John Velazquez, then took command at the top of the stretch and drew clear to win yesterday’s Grade 2, $150,000 Sanford Stakes at Saratoga by four lengths.
The Tale of the Cat colt, purchased as a yearling by Mike Repole for $350,000, ran the six furlongs in 1:10.60 to pay $2.60 as the heavy chalk in a field of six. It was his second win in two starts, following a dazzling 3½-length score in his debut at Belmont.
Of course, watching a 2-year-old trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by Velazquez carrying the Mets-blue-and-orange silks of Repole Stable to a daylight victory at the Old Spa recalls last summer’s dazzling debut of Uncle Mo, when he romped by 14 lengths on Travers Day — his first step toward the 2-year-old championship.
“They’re two different horses, two different personalities,” Velazquez said. “Last year Uncle Mo was far ahead, more professional. [Overdriven] is still a bit green, he’s still learning.”
“A year ago, Uncle Mo was still a maiden,” said Pletcher. “[Overdriven] is obviously a very mature 2-year-old, physically and mentally, precocious and gifted with some natural talent. The [Sept. 5] Hopeful is the next logical goal.”
