Kentucky-bred Far Bridge attained Grade 1 status on Saturday, July 8, with a determined victory in the $750,000 Belmont Derby (G1), a 10-furlong test for sophomores over the inner turf at Belmont Park.
Owned by LSU Stables and trained by Todd Pletcher, Far Bridge received a rail-skimming trip under Jose Ortiz before swinging out for running room on the far turn. After hitting the front, he drew off to a decisive one-length victory over The Foxes (IRE).
“We got a fortunate trip today,” said Pletcher. “Everything worked out. We were able to save some ground pretty much around both turns, especially the far turn. We knew he had a good closing kick, we just needed to be in position to deliver it. I really liked the way he was moving around the turn and then when he got clear in the stretch, I knew he’d keep coming.”
Bred in Kentucky by Calumet Farm, Far Bridge improved his lifetime record to 5-3-2-0 and the $412,500 winner’s share of the purse increased his bankroll to $629,700. Far Bridge is by English Channel out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Fitpitcher. After breaking his maiden in his career debut at Gulfstream Park in January, Far Bridge won an allowance race in his second start and then was runner-up in both the American Turf S. (G2) at Churchill Downs in May and in the Pennine Ridge S. (G2) at Belmont Park in June.