Kenneally looks to break through in Sanford

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Trainer Eddie Kenneally could be in a position to win his first graded stakes at Saratoga when he sends out Bitumen in Saturday’s Grade 3, $150,000 Sanford Stakes for 2-year-olds.

The Sanford, run at six furlongs, drew a field of only five, including supplemental entrant Bay Numbers. The race will be carded as the third on an 11-race program that also includes the Grade 1 Diana for fillies and mares on turf.

Bitumen, a son of Mineshaft, won his debut June 30 at Churchill Downs by 6 3/4 lengths, running six furlongs in 1:09.49 and earning a Beyer Speed Figure of 86.

“He trained like a really good horse before we ran him and acted real good in the paddock, the post parade,” said Kenneally, who is 0 for 23 in graded stakes at Saratoga. “Did everything right in the race like a seasoned horse, not like a young horse making his first start. He showed a lot of class from the beginning. He has a lot of the qualities you look for in a good horse.”

Javier Castellano picks up the mount on Bitumen, who drew the outside post.

Random Walk, trained by Rick Violette, won a 5 1/2-furlong maiden race by 5 3/4 lengths at Belmont on June 3, earning a 90 Beyer. He drew post 2.

Zartera, a maiden winner at Churchill, drew the rail. Bay Numbers, a second-out winner at Monmouth, is in post 3, followed by Bronson, also a debut winner at Monmouth.