Lost Ark followed in the hoofprints of his big sister Nest when he blasted past his rivals Aug. 27 at Monmouth Park to win the $203,500 Sapling Stakes by 7 1/2 lengths.
Traveling in the middle of the eight-horse field early under Javier Castellano in the one-mile juvenile affair, the 2-year-old son of Violence tracked early leaders Bourbon Spirit and V Mart behind fractions of :23.94 and :47.51. As the field turned for home through three-quarters in 1:11.35, Lost Ark kicked into high gear and easily overtook the frontrunners en route to victory in a final time of 1:37.20 on a fast track.
"I did not want or expect him to be too far back," said Castellano. "It was his first time going two turns and first time going longer, so those were my only concerns. I got the ideal trip inside, and once I took him out, he took off and galloped away. A very professional horse."
Bourbon Spirit held on for second, and Major Dude was third.
Lost Ark ($4) increased his earnings to $169,500 and is now 2-for-2. His prior victory came in a maiden race at Belmont Park July 3.
Owned by Harrell Ventures, the Todd Pletcher trainee was a $275,000 purchase by agent Steven Young from Ashview Farm's consignment to the 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale.
Lost Ark is out of the stakes-winning A.P Indy mare Marion Ravenwood, who has six winners from six foals to race, including 2021 Santa Anita Handicap (G1) winner Idol and multiple grade 1 winner Nest, winner of the Aug. 20 Alabama Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course last out. In foal to Curlin , Marion Ravenwood has been entered in the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale and is set to sell Nov. 7 on the first day of Book 1.
