Repole Stable and St Elias Stable's UP TO THE MARK (c, 4, Not This Time–Belle's Finale, by Ghostzapper) consolidated his position at the top of the American turf division with a second straight dominating performance at the top level in Saturday's GI Resorts World Casino Manhattan S. at Belmont Park. Made the 8-5 chalk on the strength of a much-the-best victory in the GI Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic on the Kentucky Derby undercard at Churchill Downs May 6, the $450,000 Keeneland September graduate was away in good order and landed just ahead of centerfield as longshot Strong Quality (Quality Road) set out at a quick tempo in advance of Ocean Atlantique (American Pharoah). Put to sleep through the middle furlongs by Irad Ortiz, Jr., Up To the Mark bided his time around the second turn, was given his cue in upper stretch and blew the race open from there, running out a facile winner. Soldier Rising (GB) (Frankel {GB}) outfinished GII Fort Marcy S. hero Ottoman Fleet (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) for second. Sales history: $450,000 Ylg '20 KEESEP. O-Repole Stable & St Elias Stable; B-Ramspring Farm (KY); T-Todd Pletcher.
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