Upstart is tied for the top spot on the First-Crop sires winners’ list after Starburst drew off convincingly in the stretch to win his debut by 5 1/2-lengths Saturday at Laurel Park.
The 2-year-old bay colt led nearly the entire trip, taking over just a few strides out of the gate, then dispatching Rapid Response with a quarter-mile to run. He covered the 5 1/2-furlongs in 1:04 flat on a fast main track.
Starburst is owned by Michael Faber’s Dare to Dream Stable and was bred by David DiPetro. He is the first foal out of Favorite Candy, who is a half-sister to Golden Rod S. (G2) winner Road to Victory.
Upstart was also represent Saturday by Reinvestment Risk, who ran second in the Champagne S. (G1).
