Grade III Sanford Features Up and Coming Two Year-Olds

The Sanford, inaugurated in 1913, features the unbeaten Cinco Charlie (2/1 ML) who was ultra impressive winning his first two starts at Churchill Downs.  In the latter start, Cinco Charile overwhelmed the field in taking the Grade III Bashford Manor Stakes; now he looks to become a multiple graded stakes winner for trainer Steve Asmussen.

Pletcher, Assmussen, Ward:  two year-old aces 

Perhaps Asmussen is rivaled only by Todd Pletcher in terms of trainers renowned for conditioning precocious two year-olds.  Fittingly, Pletcher sends out the second choice, Nonna’s Boy (5/2), who impressed beating maiden special weight company in his only start June 13 at Belmont Park.  Wesley Ward, also known as a two year-old guru, saddles Bessie’s Boy (5/1 ML) who is the only other stakes winner in the race. 

Bessie's Boy also looking for second graded stakes score 

Bessie’s Boy won his debut at Pimlico in impressive fashion at four and a half furlongs before stretching an additional furlong in the Grade III Tremont Stakes at Belmont to win by six lengths.  Interestingly, international riding legend LanFranco Dettori is listed as the rider on Bessie’s Boy.  The Sanford, a race of great historical importance, launched the careers of Secretariat and Affirmed who went on to become Triple Crown winners.  Afleet Alex won the race in 2004 before going on to win the Preakness and Belmont Stakes.