Mr. Greeley’s sophomore colt Kensei is fulfilling the potential he showed last year as a 2-year-old when he broke his maiden at Saratoga at first asking. Saturday, August 1st, the bay colt returned to Saratoga and built off a breakthrough win last out in the Dwyer S. (G2) at Belmont to gain his second straight Grade 2 victory in the star-studded $500,000 Jim Dandy S. (G2).

In a field that included such high-profile names as Charitable Man, Warrior’s Reward and Saratoga Sinner, an improving Kensei emerged as the best local 3-year-old in the nine-furlong race, drawing of late to win decisively by 2 1/4 lengths and established himself as one of the divisional leaders for the second half of the season. The final time was 1:47.90 over a fast local main track, earning Kensei lifetime-high Beyer Speed Figure of 106.

Trained by Steve Asmussen for owner Jess Jackson’s Stonestreet Stables and Gulf Coast Farms, Kensei moved his earnings to $528,628 with his fourth win from seven starts. The colt is out of the Belong to Me mare Private Feeling and was bred in Kentucky by Gulf Coast Farms, which sold the majority of Kensei for $300,000 as a 2-year-old at Barretts.

“Kensei ran a tremendous race,” said Asmussen. “He was very composed today with the crowd. For him to perform as he did on the highest stage speaks a great deal to his class. We’re glad to be on Kensei’s side. He’s a beautiful horse.”

Kensei burst onto the 3-year-old scene on June 6th with his impressive 3 ¼-length win in the Dwyer where he earned a 105 Beyer.