Pletcher strikes again

Friday was just another day at the office for trainer Todd Pletcher, who won with two of three starters at Saratoga including Finality, who won the $115,200 West Point Handicap for New York-breds by one length.

Celtic Sky, last year's West Point winner, finished second, one length ahead of Private Emblem.

It was the fifth consecutive racing day - and ninth time in 15 days at the meet - that Pletcher has won at least two races. He now has 22 wins, two shy of Syl Veitch's meet record of 24 set in 1954 when the meet was 24 days. It was his fourth stakes victory of the meet.

Finality, who won the Grade 2 Jamaica Handicap last year, was making just his second start since undergoing surgery to repair a torn tendon. In his return, he finished last in the Grade 3 Poker Handicap.

Friday, as the favorite under John Velazquez, Finality ($8.10) stalked the pacesetting Captain Nicholas for seven furlongs, took over at the top of the stretch, and drew clear down the lane. He covered the 1 1/8 miles in 1:50.21 over good ground.