Crudo Dominates Sir Barton Stakes with Wire-to-Wire Victory

Crudo, a promising 3-year-old colt by Justify, delivered a commanding performance in the $100,000 Sir Barton Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on May 17, 2025, leading from gate to wire to win by an impressive 7 1/2 lengths.

Owned by celebrity chef Bobby Flay and James Ventura, and trained by Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher, Crudo showcased his raw talent in just his third career start.

Breaking sharply from the rail position under Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez, Crudo quickly established the lead.

Despite some pre-race jitters where the colt appeared green and spooked by objects in the infield, he settled into a comfortable rhythm, dictating the pace through fractions of 23.32 for the quarter-mile and 46.86 for the half-mile.

The heavily favored Invictus, ridden by Flavien Prat, pressed Crudo early, traveling three deep into the first turn and prompting the pace outside the winner. However, as they approached the far turn, Invictus’s challenge faded, and Crudo began to pull away.

Entering the stretch, Velazquez asked Crudo for more, and the colt responded emphatically, opening up a significant lead.

Just a Fair Shake, who had settled off the pace after a slightly slow start, made a determined run five wide to secure second place, 3 1/2 lengths clear of the tiring Invictus in third. Bear Claw Necklace finished fourth, overcoming a stumble at the start.

The final time for the 1 1/16-mile contest on a fast track was 1:44.00. Crudo, who returned $9.40 for a $2 win bet, earned $60,000 for the victory, boosting his career earnings to $130,148. This was his second consecutive win, following a 7 1/4-length maiden victory at Keeneland on April 19.

Trainer Todd Pletcher expressed his satisfaction with Crudo’s performance, noting that they had been keen to see him stretch out to two turns.

He praised the colt’s good trip and rhythm, highlighting his talent shown in morning workouts. Pletcher also mentioned that Crudo had some minor issues after his debut fourth-place finish at Gulfstream Park but has trained impressively since.

Future plans for Crudo are yet to be determined, with Pletcher indicating that they will assess how he recovers before considering options, which could potentially include the Belmont Stakes.

Jockey John Velazquez acknowledged Crudo’s greenness but was pleased with how the colt broke and allowed him to get off the rail, which seemed to help with his focus.

The Sir Barton Stakes is named for the first Triple Crown winner and is for three-year-olds who have not won an open sweepstakes.

Crudo, a $350,000 Keeneland November weanling purchase, is a full-brother to Japanese multiple stakes winner Awesome Result and a half-brother to Grade 1 Spinaway Stakes winner Sippican Harbor.

Scratched Horse(s): Hymn (Trainer), Mr. Bogan (Trainer)

Fractional Times: 23.32, 46.86, 1:11.82, 1:37.33
Final Time: 1:44.00

Winning Connections

Winner: Crudo
Jockey: John Velazquez
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner: Bobby Flay and James Ventura
Breeder: Orpendale / Chelston / Wynatt
Bloodline: Crudo, Bay Colt, by Justify out of Blossomed, by Deputy Minister. Foaled February 10, 2022 in Kentucky.
Justify stands at Ashford Stud, in Versailles, KY. ($250,000 Live Foal / Stands & Nurses)

Payouts

• $1.00 Exacta (1-9) Paid: $24.80
• $1.00 Trifecta (1-9-6) Paid: $34.50
• $1.00 Superfecta (1-9-6-3) Paid: $219.30

Race Replay