DQ of Magna Light gives Sanford win to Uncle Vinny

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - The $150,000 Sanford Stakes ended in controversy Saturday at Saratoga following the disqualification of Magna Light, who led throughout, only to be placed third for allegedly bothering Percolator in late stretch of the Grade 3 dash for 2-year-old colts and geldings.

The stewards’ debatable decision made a winner of Uncle Vinny, who surged late outside horses to cross the finish line second, three parts of a length behind Magna Light and a half-length in front of Percolator. He’s Comin in Hot, the tepid favorite in a field of 11, weakened late to finish fifth.

Magna Light broke in stride to control the pace under jockey Jose Ortiz. Magna Light, a son of Magna Graduate, settled into the stretch with a seemingly comfortable advantage before ducking out suddenly from heavy left-handed whipping, while remaining clear of his nearest pursuers, inside the eighth pole. Magna Light continued on willingly while lugging back in again inside the sixteenth pole before easily outlasting Uncle Vinny’s late bid.

Uncle Vinny raced forwardly while caught wide after breaking from the extreme outside post, responding to late urging from jockey John Velazquez to wear down Percolator for the all-important second position. Percolator prompted the pace throughout with jockey Kendrick Carmouche continuing to drive on his mount behind Magna Light before checking very briefly about 50 yards from the wire.

Awesome Slew, who hesitated at the start breaking from the rail, giving up several lengths at the start, turned in a big effort once recovering to finish fourth while never threatening the leaders. Tremont winner Cocked and Loaded, had little excuse finishing sixth as the 2-1 favorite.

Uncle Vinny, a son of Uncle Mo, is owned by Starlight Stable and trained by Todd Pletcher. The Sanford was the second important stakes won by Starlight and Pletcher this season as a result of a controversial stewards’ decision. The team was also awarded the victory in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth last winter at Gulfstream Park via the disqualification of Upstart.

Uncle Vinny completed the distance in 1:10.92 and paid $10.

“The decision they made, it’s ridiculous. You can hear by the crowd, they are booing,” said Magna Light’s trainer, Rudy Rodriguez immediately after the Sanford became official. “The horse was much the best. He’s a baby. He’s allowed to do that. There was no contact. Nobody stopped riding. I’m very, very disappointed about what they did. I could see if they fined the rider for hitting him. But they shouldn’t punish the owners or the horse. Everybody could see he was much the best.”