There was a large deficit
between the winner of Friday’s sixth race and the rest of the field as
Unlimited Budget ran away to a 9 ½-length debut victory.
Unlimited Budget raced in hand as she prompted the
pacesetter through an opening quarter-mile in 22.81 seconds and claimed the
lead through a half in 45.97. After brushing off a challenge from 1-2 favorite
Brilliant Jewel near the quarter pole, Unlimited Budget needed only moderate
urging from jockey John Velazquez to stretch her advantage as Squeal came from
off the pace to nab second.
The final time for one mile over a “good” main track was 1:37.82,
with Unlimited Budget paying $16 for a $2 wager at 7-1.
Todd Pletcher trains Unlimited Budget for Mike Repole, who
purchased the bay filly for $475,000 at the OBS March Selected Sale of
Two-Year-Olds in Training.
“We thought with her being a Street Sense she’d be running a
little later, so we didn’t get in a rush with her,” said Pletcher. “It worked
out well. We were looking for a seven-eighths first time out. She trained
pretty well, but that was even better than expected.”
Unlimited Budget is out of stakes-placed sprinter Unlimited
Beauty, making her a half-sister to Grade 3 Flash winner Beacon Shine and Grade
3 Schuylerville heroine and Grade 1 Spinaway runner-up Jardin.
“It’s a nice blend of speed and stamina,” said Pletcher of
Unlimited Budget’s pedigree. “She put herself in a nice position down the
backside. She didn’t give us the impression she was quick enough to win going
five and a half to six furlongs. I was a little surprised she was that close to
the pace. The fractions were pretty quick, but it seemed like she was doing it
in hand. I loved the way she galloped out and finished, so we’re pretty
excited.”
Other horses previously featured in the New York Watch
series include 2010 Champion Two-Year-Old Male Uncle Mo, 2011 Champion Three-Year-Old
Filly Royal Delta, and Grade 1 winners Boys At Tosconova, J. B.’s Thunder,
Winter Memories, Currency Swap, To Honor and Serve, Alpha, The Lumber Guy, and
Dreaming of Julia.
Photo: NYRA, Adam Coglianese