By Your Side Graduates in Sanford

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – Anderson Stables’ By Your Side took over in midstretch and cleared away late to graduate at the graded level in Saturday’s $150,000 Sanford Stakes (G3) at Saratoga.

Breaking well from post 5 as the 7/5 favorite under Irad Ortiz, Jr., By Your Side raced close behind early leader Tomato Bill through opening fractions of :22.60 and :46.19. Sitting clear in the second lane as the field rounded the far turn, once By Your Side straightened up, he was set down for the run home.

After soon ranging up alongside Tomato Bill, By Your Side assumed command in midstretch and began to kick away. Kept to a drive through to the wire, the Eddie Kenneally trainee crossed with a 3-length advantage in a final time of 1:10.22 for the 6-furlong sprint over the fast main track.

“I got a perfect trip,” said Ortiz, Jr. “I had the outside post and he put me in a good spot early. He broke well on top. The speed went and he was second. He was acting like a professional. He relaxed so well, and when I asked him to go, he just turned on.”

Late in the stretch run, Tomato Bill drifted first out, then in, forcing Raging Whiskey to steady along the rail. Though Raging Whiskey’s rider lodged an objection for interference, the stewards ultimately disallowed it. Behind them came Cucina and Memorable to complete the order of finish.

By Your Side’s win was his second in as many career starts, having broken his maiden on June 14 while going 5 1/2 furlongs at Churchill Downs. The juvenile son of red-hot freshman sire Constitution, purchased for $240,000 last September, has now earned $137,348.

“He’s shown that he’s the real deal for a while,” Kenneally said. “He’s a very professional horse. He just does everything right and relaxed nicely after breaking quick. Irad allowed the speed horses to go out and the horse was content to relax on the outside. Perfect position, beautiful ride. He’s good but might be even better going long.”

By Your Side returned $4.80 to win, $3.20 to place, and $2.30 to show. Tomato Bill brought back $4.70 to place and $3 to show, while Raging Whiskey paid $2.40 to show.