Pletcher strikes with three juvenile debut winners over the weekend

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – You can never have too many good 2-year-olds in the barn. Just ask Todd Pletcher, who trains the likely favorite for the Grade 1 Hopeful in the undefeated Wit, and this past weekend sent out three more juveniles to win their maiden at first asking, including the ultra-impressive My Prankster.

My Prankster, a son of Into Mischief owned by Robert and Lawana Low, took no prisoners when launching his career with a 10-length victory going 6 1/2 furlongs over what appeared on paper to be a loaded field of maidens in Saturday’s seventh race, earning a 92 Beyer Speed Figure. My Prankster is out of My Wandy’s Girl, who won a pair of Group 1 races in Puerto Rico early in her career before coming to the U.S. to become a Grade 2 winner and Grade 1-placed for trainer Michael Hushion.

“He trained like a horse who had speed,” Pletcher said of My Prankster. “We thought he’d run well, but obviously he exceeded our expectations. It was a really impressive performance.”

Major General won his maiden at first asking earlier on the same card in a game performance. He disputed the pace from the outset before fending off a determined bid from the more-experienced Bourbon Heist despite drifting out and bumping with that rival in late stretch. Major General, by Constitution, is owned by WinStar Farm and Siena Farm. He received a 77 Beyer.

Pletcher said Major General was not as professional as My Prankster and that he probably wants to go longer than the 6 1/2 furlongs he ran on Saturday.

“But I liked the fact when that other horse came to him he dug in and fought back, which I thought was encouraging,” Pletcher said.

Pletcher completed his 2-year-old hat trick for the weekend in Sunday’s opener when the Red Oak Farm homebred Goddess of Fire ground out a neck decision going 6 1/2 furlongs. Goddess of Fire is by Mineshaft and a half-sister to the two-time Grade 1 winner Mind Control, who is also in the Pletcher stable.

:: Get Daily Racing Form Past Performances – the exclusive home of Beyer Speed Figures

“It wasn’t easy,” Pletcher said. “She had to keep finding more, but she did, and I think she’s another who wants a little more ground.”

Goddess of Fire earned a Beyer Figure of 67.

Pletcher said it’s too early to map out future plans for any of his three latest young prospects.