After a front-running victory in Saturday’s $400,000 Kelso H. (G2) at Belmont Park, Graydar, a 4-year-old Unbridled’s Song colt, is headed to Santa Anita Park for either the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) or Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).
Graydar, who has won five of six lifetime starts, dictated the pace from the outset of the one-mile Kelso, carving out a half-mile in :47.11 and three-quarters in 1:10.47 while maintaining a one-length lead. Edgar Prado kept the gray colt to the task in the lane, coming home by three parts of a length in 1:34.08.
“He didn’t break super sharp but Edgar was able to get into the position we wanted to be in and the fractions were reasonable,” said trainer Todd Pletcher. “He was able to hold off some challenges. It was good.
“We’re going to the Breeders’ Cup, but I don’t know that we’ve decided which race just yet. We’ve got plenty of time to sort it out.”
Graydar, who races in the colors of Twin Creeks Racing Stable, increased his career earnings to $841,560. He had scored major victories in the Grade 1 Donn H and Grade 2 New Orleans H. earlier this year.
Taylor Made purchased an interest in Graydar earlier this year, where he“The entire Thoroughbred community suffered a big loss with the passing of Unbridled’s Song, and we felt it was time to announce some good news. We’re extremely excited and carry big hopes for Graydar,” said Taylor Made President & CEO Duncan Taylor soon after the purchase.
Unbridled’s Song legacy is strong this year with a top-10 General Sire List ranking and $6.8 million in progeny earnings. Leading the list is the 3-year-old colt Will Take Charge, who will also make his next start in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.