New York-bred Mo Plex, trained by Jeremiah Englehart and ridden by Joe Ramos, captured the Grade 3 Ohio Derby at Thistledown with a career-best 96 Beyer Speed Figure, showcasing his ability to handle two turns for the first time. After a strong start to his career with multiple stakes wins and consistent in-the-money finishes, Mo Plex is now being considered for the Grade 2 Jim Dandy and the Albany Stakes at Saratoga, with hopes of qualifying for the Grade 1 Travers Stakes. Englehart praised the colt’s competitive nature and physical and mental toughness, emphasizing his commitment to the New York-bred program.

In other notable performances, Friend Ofthe Devil dominated the NYSSS Spectacular Bid turf sprint at Belmont, demonstrating impressive speed and potential for longer distances, while Cugino impressed Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey with a strong turf win at Belmont, eyeing the Bernard Baruch Stakes at Saratoga. Additionally, Striker Has Dial is set for the Grade 2 Honorable Miss sprint at Saratoga, and May Day Ready targets the Grade 1 Belmont Oaks Invitational after a solid return from layoff. These horses highlight promising campaigns and strategic plans for upcoming summer stakes at Saratoga and beyond.