Pletcher leaving options open for Pirate

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Trainer Todd Pletcher is leaving his options open as it pertains to his sharp debut-winning 2-year-old Pirate, who earned a sharp Beyer Speed Figure for his three-length win at Saratoga on Saturday.

The Grade 2 Saratoga Special on Aug. 12 would mean running back in 27 days. The Grade 1 Hopeful on Sept. 4 would mean waiting 51 days to run him back.

“It’s going to depend on what he tells us,” Pletcher said. “We’ll breeze him back in two weeks and leave all the options open.”

Pirate, a half-brother to Preakness winner National Treasure, dueled with Arteta, put that one away, then turned aside a challenge from Just Steel, who had to settle for second. Pirate ran 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:04.89 and earned a 77 Beyer Speed Figure.

“Any time you break from the one hole with a first-time starter you’re concerned, but he seemed to do everything right, he took on some early pressure, shook that one off and still had something left,” Pletcher said.

Meanwhile, Pletcher said he is pointing Haul, a three-length debut winner at Belmont on July 9, to the Saratoga Special.

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