By Your Side sharp in Sanford

By Your Side confirmed himself as an exciting two-year-old winning Saturday’s $150,000 Sanford (G3) at Saratoga, drawing away to a three-length victory. The bay colt from the first crop of Constitution improved to two for two for owner Anderson Stables and trainer Eddie Kenneally.

After breaking on top, By Your Side settled nicely under Irad Ortiz Jr. and tracked Tomato Bill through opening splits in :22.60 and :46.19. The 7-5 favorite swung wide into the stretch and overhauled the pacesetter in midstretch, drawing away sharply under the wire while completing six furlongs in 1:10.22.

"I got a perfect trip," Ortiz said. "I had the outside post and he put me in a good spot early. He broke well on top. The speed went and he was second. He was acting like a professional. He relaxed so well and when I asked him to go, he just turned on."

By Your Side was exiting a nose maiden triumph in his June 14 career debut at Churchill Downs.

"He's shown that he's the real deal for a while," Kenneally said. "He's a very professional horse. He just does everything right and relaxed nicely after breaking quick. Irad allowed the speed horses to go out, and the horse was content to relax on the outside. Perfect position, beautiful ride.”

Tomato Bill, a 3 3/4-length first-out winner at Delaware Park on May 22, dug in gamely when challenged and easily held second by nearly two lengths at 9-2. Christophe Clement trains the More Than Ready colt.

Raging Whiskey came next in third and was followed by Cucina and Memorable.

https://youtu.be/WXZHxlx5Was

Bred in Kentucky by Columbiana Farm, By Your Side commanded $240,000 when selling at last year’s Keeneland September sale. He’s out of the Dixie Union mare Revered and Kenneally is excited to stretch the youngster out in distance.

“He's good but might be even better going long,” Kenneally noted. “He has a very efficient, long stride, and his pedigree says that he wants to go longer. The way he relaxed will help the horse go longer as well."