Competitive Edge works for Hopeful Stakes

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Competitive Edge, a very impressive debut winner here July 26, worked five furlongs in 1:00.13 on Tuesday as he continues preparations for the Grade 1, $350,000 Hopeful here Sept. 1.

Trainer Todd Pletcher had Competitive Edge start off behind stablemate Blame Jim – a debut winner July 19 – before having jockey John Velazquez tip him out wide and finish in the stretch. Competitive Edge started two lengths back and finished about a length in front. He galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.09 and seven furlongs in 1:27.87.

“I wanted to let him get a little dirt in his face because he didn’t have any in his first race,” Pletcher said. “He seemed to handle that well, finished up good. Very pleased with his gallop-out as well. All is going according to plan so far.”

Pletcher said Blame Jim would be entered as a main-track-only runner in next week’s With Anticipation Stakes, but if that race does not come off the turf, he would run in the Hopeful.