Competitive Edge breezes half-mile for Hopeful

Impressive debut winner Competitive Edge returned to the

worktab for the first time since his runaway victory on July 26 at

Saratoga.

Working in company with three-year-old filly Our Amazing Rose,

the juvenile son of Super Saver breezed four furlongs

in :48 over the fast main track on Tuesday under exercise rider Isabelle Bourez.

Todd Pletcher, who trains Competitive Edge for owners Nancy

Favreau and Kathy Psoinos, said the bay colt remains on target for the Grade 1,

$350,000 Hopeful at seven furlongs on the Spa's closing day, September 1.

"It was more of the same," Pletcher said. "He's a very,

very impressive work horse. He went :47 and change effortlessly, and he came out

of it well. He's on schedule for the Hopeful."

In his unveiling, Competitive Edge led from the start and

extended his advantage at every call before hitting the wire 10 1/4 lengths in

front under a hand ride from Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez after running

six furlongs in 1:09 4/5 on the main track.

"You never know when you run one for the first time," Pletcher

remarked. "We were impressed but not surprised. He's continually shown us he's a

very talented colt."

Entering Wednesday's card, Pletcher had run 29 juveniles at Saratoga,

accounting for six wins, seven seconds and three thirds. One of the most

impressive was Competitive Edge, whose sire gave Pletcher his first career

Kentucky Derby victory

in 2010.

"I was happy with the way he finished (his debut), happy

with the way he galloped out," Pletcher said. "He has speed, but it looks like

he has stamina.

"It's very exciting for us to have a son of Super Saver with this

much talent. We're excited about his stud career and excited to have one of his

sons in our barn that appears to be this talented."

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