Pletcher doubles up for Saturday’s Pulpit
At 0h01, on December 9, 2022 • By GULFSTREAM
Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher will double up for Saturday’s $75,000 Pulpit at Gulfstream Park with Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners’ Ari Gold and Harrell Ventures LLC’s Sendero.
The Pulpit, a 7 ½-furlong turf race for 2-year-olds, will co-headline Saturday’s 10-race program with the $75,000 Wait a While, a 7 ½-furlong turf race for juvenile fillies.
Ari Gold is coming off a front-running maiden score at 1 1/16 miles on turf at Aqueduct in his third career start.
“I think that was the kind of performance we’ve been expecting from him,” Pletcher said. “He seemed to enjoy being up close and on the pace. It was his most professional race so far. He’s one that has a lot of talent. I just took him a start or two to get it all figured out.”
The son of Medaglia d’Oro, who was purchased for $250,000 at the 2021 Keeneland September sale, had finished fourth in his two prior races before graduating with the addition of blinkers.
“He’s a big strong colt. He’s got a very good physical,” Pletcher said. “I think he’s kind of mentally getting it together to go with that big strong physical. Hopefully, he continues to advance.”
Sendero, who is coming off an even fifth-place finish in the Oct. 29 Awad Stakes at Aqueduct, will race with blinkers for the first time in the Pulpit.
“All his races have been good. In a couple of his races, he was a little bit green. That’s why we decided to add the blinkers for this,” Pletcher said. “I think that will help him concentrate a little bit.”
Luis Saez has the call on Ari Gold, while Irad Ortiz will ride Sendero.
