NEW YORK (AP) — Artemis Agrotera and Havana both improved to 2 for 2 with victories Saturday in the $500,000 stakes for 2-year-olds at Belmont Park.
The wins guaranteed the duo starting spots in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile stakes next month at Santa Anita.
Artemis Agrotera held off Sweet Reason, the 3-5 favorite, by 114 lengths in the Frizette for fillies. Jose Lezcano rode for trainer Mike Hushion as she paid $10.60 to win. The time was 1:36.25 for the mile.
Havana took charge on the turn and held off Honor Code by a head in the Champagne. Irad Ortiz, Jr. was in the saddle for trainer Todd Pletcher as Havana paid $7.20 to win. The time was 1:35.81.
In the supporting stakes, Up With the Birds captured the $500,000 Jamaica Handicap for 3-year-olds on the turf. Cornelio Velasquez was aboard for Canadian-based trainer Malcolm Pierce as the colt improved to 6 for 9. He paid $10.20 to win.
