Illuminare Wins Debut for Centennial, Pletcher
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Photo: Coglianese Photos
Illuminaire wins his debut at Saratoga Race Course
When Centennial Farms signed a $500,000 ticket for a City of Light colt at the 2022 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, the thought was that he had the looks of an early starter.
Some pesky shin issues ended those thoughts of racing at 2 and delayed his debut until June 7 of his 3-year-old season.
Yet the wait was worth it as Illuminare captured his initial start in solid fashion, posting a 1 3/4-length victory in a $100,000 maiden race for 3-year-olds and up on the second day of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga Race Course.
Holy wow!! That's how to get our racing weekend started! Huge debut victory from Illuminare for a wonderful group of partners! Tremendous job by the @PletcherRacing team, a happily healthy @iradortiz, Paula Parsons & all in #Middleburg, Dr. Carr, etc. Way to go, Illuminare!! pic.twitter.com/RycJ3QO3sC
— Centennial Farms (@Centennial_Farm) June 7, 2024
"He ran great. We knew he had it in him," said Centennial president and co-owner Don Little Jr. "We paid a nice penny for him. All of the physical make-up was great. He looked like a real athlete. Nice pedigree. It's a good partnership because all three horses we bought that year have won."
Trained by Todd Pletcher, Illuminare ($11.20) covered the seven furlongs in 1:22.56 under Irad Ortiz Jr.
Bred by Emcee Stable in Kentucky, he is out of the Majestic Warrior mare I Still Miss You . He is the second of her three foals of racing age, and her second winner.
City of Light stands at Lane's End Farm for $35,000.
Itza Mirrakle (Arrogate), a $575,000 Keeneland purchase for trainer Tom Morley, was second in his debut.