El Grande O turned in a fantastic performance in Sunday’s Betram Bongard S. at Belmont at the Big A meet, cruising to an 8 ¼-length victory in the seven-furlong race for 2-year-olds.
El Grande O is from the first crop by Take Charge Indy since he returned to the U. S. following his time in South Korea. He has accounted for five stakes horses to date in 2023, including three in September alone.
El Grande O flashed his customary speed in the seven-furlong Bomgard, and led the field through a quarter-mile in :22.76. He began to get clear of the field on the turn, and was all alone in the stretch as he skipped over the sloppy going to finish the distance in 1:23.89.
“He broke sharp. Obviously, he has speed,” said winning rider Jose Ortiz. “I went out there and he was the fastest in the race. He proved that he was much the best today. I can’t take any credit–he was the best horse.”
El Grande O has an excellent record of 2-3-1 in six starts, and has earned $204,000 for his owner Barry Schwartz. He was bred by Stonewall Farm.
