Force the Pass’ win in the $1.25 million Belmont Invitational Derby (G1), coupled with Speightster’s stellar victory in the $500,000 Dwyer S. (G3), vaulted Speightstown’s 2015 progeny earnings past the $5.5 million mark, sixth on this year’s General Sire list. Speightstown’s nine stakes winners have also racked up a second-best 14 stakes victories for the year.
In addition, Force the Pass became his sire’s seventh millionaire with the Derby’s winner share of $670,000, upping his lifetime take to $1,030,084.
Sitting just off the pace in third early, Joel Rosario sent Force the Pass up the rail to the lead on the final turn. After straightening for home, he spurted away from the field to win by 3 ¾-lengths in 2:01.16 for the 1 ¼-miles on the firm turf.
“Good trip, perfect trip,” said Rosario. “He broke a little slow and then we were covered right away. It looked like we were going to be fourth going into the first turn, but we ended up being second or third. He was getting out a little bit going forward and I just tried to stay near the rail. As soon as I got to the three-eighths pole, I got room to go on the inside and just went forward and controlled the race from there.”
Winner of the Penn Mile (G3) and Cutler Bay S., Force the Pass is 4-2-0 in six outings for owner Richard Santulli. The chestnut colt was bred in New York by Colts Neck Stable and is out of multiple graded stakes winner Social Queen.
Speightster record remains unblemished in Dwyer
With only three starts, Speightster may be a newcomer on the scene, by the WinStar Farm homebred has already made a name for himself. He reached a new milestone on Saturday with his 2 ½-length score in the Dwyer under Jose Lezcano.
After an impressive maiden score in April at Keeneland and allowance win at Belmont a month ago, the Bill Mott trainee handled the class jump Saturday like a seasoned pro. Facing a field that included last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) winner Texas Red, Speightster stalked the early pace set by Hollywood Angel before taking over the top spot after six furlongs.
Texas Red put in a strong stretch run, but Speightster kept him at bay throughout to stop the clock in 1:35.13 for the mile on a fast main track.
“I got a very good trip. I had a clean break and I sat in second,” Lezcano said. “When I asked him, he really took off. I don’t know how good he is. Every time I ask him for more, he gives it to me. Even galloping out, he galloped out in front of everybody. He did it easy.”
After the race, Mott indicated Speightster could be pointed to the $500,000 King’s Bishop S. (G1), going seven furlongs, at Saratoga Aug. 29.
“That would be something we’d sure consider right now.” Mott said. “He’s gone seven furlongs, 6 1/2, and up to a mile, and he’s undefeated.”
Speightster is out of the top producer Dance Swiftly, dam of stakes winners West Coast Swing and Paiota Falls. Dance Swiftly comes from one of the best female racing families in recent memory that includes Canadian Triple Crown winner Dance Smartly, Grade 1 winners Smart Strike and Full of Wonder, and Grade 2 winner Strike Smartly.
