Wit might head to Sanford after clever debut

ELMONT, N.Y. – The 2-year-old colt Wit made quite the auspicious career debut on Belmont Stakes Day, overcoming a slow start to win a 5 1/2-furlong maiden race by six lengths.

Wit is a son of Practical Joke and a half-brother to the Grade 3 winner Barkley owned by Mike Repole, Vinnie Viola’s St. Elias Stable, and Gainesway Stable. He is trained by Todd Pletcher, who also sent out that race’s runner-up Keepcalmcarryon.

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Pletcher said he expected Wit to break slowly, but he also expected a good performance.

“He actually broke a step slower than we anticipated, but I thought it was one of those performances where not only was it an impressive win, but he got some education, got a little dirt in his face, got a little experience,” Pletcher said. “We were hoping for a good debut; he trained like he was capable.”

Pletcher said the Grade 3, $150,000 Sanford on July 17 at Saratoga is possible for Wit’s next start, and that Wit is capable of being a horse for Grade 1 races like the Hopeful and Champagne later this year.