Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable's Up to the Mark collared pacesetter Strong Quality in early stretch and shook free to win the $750,000 Resorts World Casino Manhatttan (G1) Saturday at Belmont Park.
The 4-year-old Not This Time colt, ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr. for trainer Todd Pletcher, won by 2 1/4 lengths from Soldier Rising, while Ottoman Fleet checked in third, a head back.
Up to the Mark returned $5.30 for the victory after covering 1 1/4 miles on firm turf in 1:59.31. He posted a second successive win at the highest level as he entered Saturday race off a breakthrough performance in the Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic (G1) going 1 1/8 mile at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day, May 6.
Overall, Up to the Mark has won half of his 10 career starts, including four of five outings this year.
Bred in Kentucky by Ramspring Farm, Up to the Mark is out of the Ghostzapper mare Belle's Finale. He was a $450,000 purchase at the 2020 Keeneland September yearling sale, where Taylor Made Sales Agency consigned him.
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