Pletcher sweeps juvenile stakes when Silver Mission takes Tremont

ELMONT, N.Y. - Trainer Todd Pletcher completed a sweep of the two juvenile stakes decided prior to the Belmont Stakes when Silver Mission cruised to an easy 6 1/4-length triumph over Hey Mike and just two other rivals in Friday’s $200,000 Tremont.

Pletcher won the Astoria in similar fashion Thursday afternoon with Bode’s Dream.

The Tremont scratched down to just four starters after Lady Stardust, the only filly in the field and the 4-5 favorite at the time, was declared after flipping in the gate and tossing her rider, Irad Ortiz Jr.

Silver Mission broke in stride and quickly assumed command under John Velazquez, who also rode Bode’s Dream to victory Thursday. Silver Mission set splits of 22.00 seconds and 45.89 over the fast track, while under a rating hold, then readily extended his advantage when roused.

Hey Mike, the even-money favorite following the scratch of Lady Stardust, saved ground while well-placed, but proved no match for the winner while easily second best. Pachi Cruze and Saratoga Two Step completed the order of finish.

Silver Mission, a New York-bred son of Mission Impazible, had won his only previous start earlier this spring at Aqueduct. He completed six furlongs in 1:03.78 and paid $6.60.

“Like I said yesterday, in these types of races everybody has done the same thing once, most have won once and won wire to wire, so you’re kind of searching out who’s the quickest. He caught a great start, and it was his race to have from there.”

Pletcher said even though the late scratch enhanced his chances, he felt for trainer Wesley Ward and the other Lady Stardust connections.

“You hate to see anybody have bad luck like that,” Pletcher said. “It’s hard to get these horses ready for any race, much less a stakes like this. Fortunately, it looks like Wesley’s horse is okay.”

Pletcher said being that he’s a New York-bred, Silver Mission could come back again later in the meet in the Rockville Centre.

“The Rockville Centre is possible,” Pletcher said. “I’m also really excited that Mission Impazible had his first stakes winner and is off to a good start as a stallion.”