SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Bolshoi Ballet won the first leg of the New York Turf Triple last month in the Belmont Derby, and was even-money on the board as the field loaded into the starting gate for the second leg, Saturday’s Grade 1, $1 million Saratoga Derby Invitational. But less than two minutes later, it was anybody’s race. Less than five lengths separated the entire field of 11 in upper stretch, with only heads between the leaders. Longshot State of Rest was the one who emerged from that pack, forging clear to a one-length victory. State Of Rest ($44.20), who is based in Ireland for trainer Joseph O'Brien, won for the first time since taking his debut in June 2020. Since then, he had gone winless in six outings, although he was group stakes-placed, finishing second in the Group 2 Champagne Stakes last September in England. In his 2021 debut, he was third, beaten less than a length, in the Dubai Duty Free Celebration Stakes at the Curragh. That race was at a mile, the farthest the son of Starspangledbanner had ever run. He was helped both by getting more ground and by having a strong pace to run into on Saturday – especially after he broke lackadaisically. "He was not really paying attention out in the post parade, so I was a little bit worried that his mind wasn't on the business, and that's what he did," jockey John Velazquez said. "He didn't break very well. I didn't panic. I just saved all the ground." Meanwhile, Cellist, who had been fractious in the paddock, was pumped up in the long run to the first turn, and seized a half-length lead through a sharp opening quarter of 21.96 seconds on the firm turf. He was able to slow it down through a half in 47.57 and still held the lead into the far turn, but the pack was closing in. Du Jour made the first run at the leader, with Bolshoi Ballet also in contention as he raced evenly throughout. Velazquez swung State of Rest four wide as the serious running started, and the colt rallied to take command just outside the furlong grounds. He edged clear under a drive to prevail. "I thought Johnny gave him a fantastic ride," O'Brien said. "The pace was pretty strong, and he got him comfortable and came home strong. We knew he would like the firm turf and getting more distance today." The final time for the 1 3/16-mile distance was 1:53.35. He earned a 95 Beyer Speed Figure. Soldier Rising, who was 10th after six furlongs, rallied to be a clear second by 2 1/2 lengths over Du Jour. The latter edged Bolshoi Ballet by a half-length to round out the trifecta. :: DRF's Saratoga headquarters – Stakes schedule, previews, recaps, past performances, and more They were followed by Secret Protector, Cellist, Palazzi, Yes This Time, Cadillac, King Fury, and Flashiest. O’Brien indicated that State of Rest would return to Ireland in the near future, with plans for the colt to be decided. The final leg of the Turf Triple is the $1 million Jockey Club Derby on Sept. 18 at Belmont. "We'll get him home and talk to the owners and see how he is and see where we go next," O'Brien said.