Crudo easily wins first stakes test in Sir Barton

After romping in a Keeneland maiden special weight second time out, Crudo continued to impress while making his stakes debut in Saturday’s $100,000 Sir Barton at Pimlico, seizing control at the start and drawing off to a 7 1/2-length decision. Todd Pletcher trains the Justify colt for Bobby Flay and James Ventura, and John Velazquez had the call.

Fancied Keeneland maiden winner Invictus, a $1.2 million Into Mischief yearling and the first foal to race out of 2019 Kentucky Oaks (G1) and 2020 Ballerina (G1) winner Serengeti Empress, never made an impact after pressing Crudo through opening splits in :23.32, :46.86, and 1:11.82, weaking to be a well-beaten third as the 1-2 favorite.

Crudo left the starting gate as the 7-2 second choice and completed 1 1/16 miles in 1:44 while under a hand ride in deep stretch.

Just a Fair Shake, runner-up to Preakness (G1) entrant Pay Billy in the April 19 Federico Tesio S. at Laurel Park, rallied wide from last to be a respectable second as the 6-1 third choice, 3 1/2 lengths better than Invictus. Bear Claw Necklace, Authentic Gallop, Bestfriend Rocket, and Bold Diversion followed.

Crudo is the fourth stakes winner out of the unraced Deputy Minister mare Blossomed and counts Grade 1-winning filly Sippican Harbor as a half-sister. Bred in Kentucky by Orpendale/Chelston/Wynatt, Crudo sold for $350,000 as a weanling at the 2022 Keeneland November sale.

Now 2-for-3, Crudo is eligible to target major three-year-old stakes this summer after winning his last two starts by a combined 15 lengths, and the promising bay colt will bring speed to future engagements.