By Bill Finley
On paper, it looked like Pirate (Omaha Beach) had a lot going for him in Saturday's first race at Saratoga, a $105,000 maiden special weight run at 5 1/2 furlongs. A half-brother to GI Preakness S. winner National Treasure (Quality Road), he sold for $350,000 at Keeneland September, had a bullet four-furlong work leading up to the race and hailed from the mighty Todd Pletcher barn. So it was hardly a surprise when he cruised to a three-length win, covering the distance in 1:04.89 for the partnership of Harrell Ventures, LLC and Starlight Racing en route to being named a 'TDN Rising Star'. Bet off the board, he paid $2.70.
“I thought Pirate ran fantastic,” said Jack Wolf, the managing partner and founder of Starlight. “You never know, but I think Todd expected him to run well. I don't know what the figure will be, but I know Todd thought going into the race that he was a good horse. And now he's the winner of a maiden special weight race at Saratoga.”
Breaking from post one under Irad Ortiz Jr., Pirate was quick out of the gate and quickly took control of the race. He was pressed early by Arteta (Take Charge Indy), shook that one off entering the top of the stretch and then had plenty left when eventual runner-up Just Steel (Justify) made his run.
“We thought he would win,” Wolf said. “He ran to the way he trained. Irad has been on him in the mornings.”
The GI Hopeful S. looks like a logical spot for Pirate to make his next start.
“Todd makes all those decisions, but wouldn't you think the Hopeful would be next, especially with the way he won?” Wolf said. “It certainly looks like a possibility.”
Starlight is among a large ownership group that owns National Treasure.
#1 Pirate wins on debut in R1 at #TheSpa for trainer Todd Pletcher with @iradortiz aboard! ☠️
Another winner for young @spendthriftfarm stallion Omaha Beach!
🎥 #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/4SI7r1qYa0
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) July 15, 2023
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