Lost Ark gives Pletcher second Sapling Stakes win in a row

Trainer Todd Pletcher won the Sapling Stakes for the second year in a row as Lost Ark drew away to an easy win under Javier Castellano on Saturday at Monmouth Park.

The even-money favorite off a debut sprint win at Belmont Park, Lost Ark followed the Pletcher-trained Double Thunder in 2021 onto the roster of Sapling winners. He did so with aplomb, storming to the lead in upper stretch and going on to a 7 1/2-length victory over Bourbon Spirit, who did well to hold second over Major Dude after setting a pressured pace along the rail. Lost Ark was timed in 1:37.20 for the two-turn dirt mile and paid $4.

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Castellano eschewed riding at his Saratoga base on Saturday to climb aboard Lost Ark in the Sapling. Castellano said after the Sapling he was impressed with how Lost Ark slipped inside V Mart midway around the first turn to take up a stalking position along the rail, as Bourbon Spirit led V Mart and the Pletcher-trained Major Dude through a half-mile in 47.51, a fairly strong pace for August 2-year-olds racing over a route of ground. Castellano hugged the rail until he passed the three-furlong marker, swinging Lost Ark outside and getting a strong response.

By Violence out of Marion Ravenwood, by A.P. Indy, Lost Ark is a half-brother to Grade 1 winner Nest, the leader of the 3-year-old filly division, and Idol, who won the 1 ¼-mile Santa Anita Handicap. Lost Ark’s front legs fly all over the place, but he has the long, rumbling stride of a true route horse.

“I like the way he did it, the way he stretched out,” said Castellano. “He’s a good, developing horse. I liked the way he finished.”