Rugbyman, a 3-year-old son of leading sire Tapit, crushed a Belmont Park maiden special weight field by 14 lengths on May 13 and was named the newest ‘TDN Rising Star’ (VIDEO).
A Wertheimer and Frere homebred out of 2008 Acorn Stakes (G1) winner Zaftig, Rugbyman was last away from the gate but quickly rushed up to track the leaders down the backstretch under jockey Jose Ortiz. The gray colt took command after fractions of 22.92 and 46.14, opening a huge lead in the stretch and completing the one-mile race in 1:36.71.
Trained by Graham Motion, Rugbyman could step up to stakes company in his next start. The 1 1/16-mile Easy Goer Stakes and the seven-furlong Woody Stephens (G2) are potential options on Belmont Stakes (G1) day, June 9, at Belmont Park.