PLUCK IS THE THIRD LEADING MONEY WINNER GOING TO POST IN THE $1,000,000 BREEDERS’ CUP JUVENILE TURF

Team Valor’s homebred colt by More Than Ready put in a bullet work at Churchill on October 10, besting 29 with 4f in :47 2/5, PLUCK came out on top for trainer Todd Pletcher. PLUCK’s last race was a victory in the Summer S. (Can-IIIT) on September 18 at Woodbine. After receiving a less than ideal trip in his stakes debut in August, the talented juvenile stayed clear of trouble in the Summer S. and swept by the leaders with a furlong remaining en route to a one-length victory under Garret Gomez.

Slight favorite PLUCK used a powerful stretch kick to run down the field in the $243,176 Summer, earning his connections a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (gr. IIT), the fourth race on the card Saturday, November 6. Gomez said the key to the victory was allowing his mount to settle and gain confidence before unleashing a rally.

In his previous start PLUCK had a rough finish in the Continental Mile Stakes at Monmouth Park Aug. 14. The son of More Than Ready finished second by a neck that day but was disqualified to fourth for ducking in during the homestretch and bumping rivals.

PLUCK has now won twice in four starts. He broke his maiden at six furlongs on the main Belmont Park turf course by 1 1/4 lengths prior to his start in the Continental Mile. The dark bay/brown colt earned $145,440 for the Summer win, boosting his career total to $185,440.

“He’s got a great turn of foot and he didn’t body-check anybody today,” noted Team Valor representative Terry Smith, after the Summer S. win.

The winning Kentucky bred is out of South African mare Secret Heart, by Fort Wood. PLUCK was raised and foaled at Denali, where his dam resides.