Requite's debut puts him in Hopeful picture

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Trainer George Weaver had high expectations for Requite on Saturday, and the 2-year-old son of Warrior’s Reward did not disappoint, winning at first asking by 3 1/2 lengths. He ran 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:04.44 and earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 77.

“He acts like he can run, and he acts like he’s quick,” Weaver said. “Any time you run one first time out 5 1/2, how you get away from the gate those first 30, 40 yards dictates a lot whether you’re going to have a good chance to win. I thought he was quick, and he was. He broke well, and he established a quick lead early. Once I saw that, I thought I was going to be tough to beat, though you never know.”

Weaver said he would consider stretching Requite out to seven furlongs in the Grade 1 Hopeful here Sept. 1.

“My gut tells me it might be back a little bit quick,” he said. “At the same time, we’re here, we don’t have to ship. If he’s doing well, I’d be inclined to try it.”

Weaver also could send out W V Jetsetter in the Hopeful. W V Jetsetter finished third to I Spent It in Sunday’s Grade 2 Saratoga Special in his first start after being purchased privately by R. A. Hill Stable and Reeves Thoroughbreds. W V Jetsetter had gone 2 for 3 at Lone Star, winning a Texas-bred stakes in his start before the Saratoga Special.

“With a horse coming from Texas, one of the things you worry about is how they class up,” Weaver said. “I thought it was a deep field yesterday. He represented himself well. I thought he classed up for us.”