A horse bred in Maryland by a New York sire and owned by New Jersey residents might have designs on the 2019 Kentucky Derby (G1) following Our Braintrust’s three-quarter length victory in the $150,000 Tremont Stakes on Friday at Belmont Park.
Following a career debut victory on May 3 at Laurel Park, Our Braintrust shipped to Belmont Park for Cathal Lynch, who trains the Freud colt for a partnership that includes himself and Stanton and Stella Smith Jr.. The New Jersey couple was not only celebrating the stakes win but also their 50th wedding anniversary.
“(Lynch) has trained our homebreds for us for years, but he bought this one and wanted us to partner with him since we’re such good friends,” Stella Stanton said. “We’re very active in the New Jersey program and have taken some shots (in New York) before but this is our first stakes win here. It’s such a thrill.”
Our Braintrust won his career debut after settling midpack and got a similar trip in the Tremont under jockey Javier Castellano. Tracking the pace set by Social Fan and 2-1 favorite Mae Never No, the dark bay colt rallied up the rail to pass Mae Never No and held of Somebeyay late.
“Javier gave a great ride,” said Charlie Lynch, assistant trainer for his father’s operation. “This horse has done everything right, and he’s by a New York stallion so we have some options. I’d say we’ll definitely run back here. It was nice to take a shot today and win.”
Cathal Lynch bought Our Braintrust at the 2017 Fasig-Tipton Mid-Atlantic yearling sale. He’s out of the winning Trust N Luck mare Caller Trust and bred by Barak Farm.
