Materiality runs himself into a Kentucky Derby prep

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Materiality kept his record unblemished and earned a shot at a Kentucky Derby prep race with an impressive 5 3/4-length victory over stablemate and even-money favorite Stanford in the 1 1/8-mile Islamorada overnight stakes here Friday. Materiality was ridden by John Velazquez.

Stanford was disqualified from second and placed last after ducking out suddenly upon entering the backstretch and interfering with several other horses.

Materiality stalked Stanford’s early pace, then drew off with authority through the stretch. Materiality, a son of Afleet Alex owned by Alto Racing, registered a 4 1/4-length victory going six furlongs in his only previous start, which came over a sloppy track Jan. 11.

“I thought he was very impressive,” trainer Todd Pletcher said of Friday’s race. “We were concerned going the mile and one-eighth in his second start, and he seemed to handle it very, very well. We anticipated, coming out of sprints, both horses would be involved early. Stanford was a little keen, and obviously he saw something on the backside.”

Pletcher said he’d likely look at one of the Kentucky Derby preps for Materiality’s next start.

“He handled this better than I could have hoped for, and I think he certainly earned a shot at a Derby prep,” said Pletcher. “The only question is which one? We’ll see how he bounces out of this race and decide after that.”