Undefeated Startup Nation Heads Pilgrim

Klaravich Stables and William Lawrence's Startup Nation, 2-for-2 with a grade II stakes win, looks for another victory in the $200,000 Pilgrim Stakes (gr. IIIT) for 2-year-olds on the turf Sept. 28 at Belmont Park.

The 1 1/16-mile Pilgrim, which drew a field of nine, shares the spotlight with the $200,000 Miss Grillo Stakes (gr. IIIT) for 2-year-old fillies on the grass.

Startup Nation, trained by Chad Brown, has made his two starts on turf and both around two turns. The Temple City   colt, bred in New York by Spendthrift Farm, won his debut at 1 1/16 miles and followed up with a win at the same distance in the With Anticipation Stakes (gr. IIT), both at Saratoga Race Course.

Joel Rosario, who has ridden Startup Nation in both of his outings, has the call from post 2 at 122 pounds.

Startup Nation is the only two-time winner and stakes winner in the Pilgrim. All but one of the others has a maiden victory, including the Brown-trained Offering Plan (by Spring At Last  ), who was impressive winning his debut at Saratoga at 1 1/16 miles on the grass for owners Michael Dubb, Nantucket Thoroughbred Partners, and Bethlehem Stables.

Phipps Stables' Face the Music, who finished second to Pilgrim entrant Strong Coffee in his debut but returned to win at 1 1/16 miles on the turf at Saratoga, will have the services of John Velazquez for trainer Shug McGaughey. Rosario rode the Stormy Atlantic   colt in his first two starts but opted for Startup Nation.

Godolphin Stables' Imperia, the only non-winner in the field, rallied nicely to miss by a neck to Face the Music in his only start and adds Lasix for the Pilgrim. Rajiv Maragh is back aboard the Medaglia d'Oro   colt for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin.