It’s opening week of the prestigious Saratoga meet and there has been much attention on the 2-year-olds, with multiple graded stakes and key maiden races already run in the first four days. On Saturday, August 1st, perhaps the best-looking 2-year-old winner to date came in Race 6 when Dublin, a colt from the first crop of Afleet Alex, rallied from off the pace to score a powerful 3 ¼-length win in a $55,000 maiden special weight heat.

Trained by D. Wayne Lukas, Dublin tracked the early pace before storming clear late to prove much the best, stopping the clock in 1:09.45 for six furlongs to win going away over a fast local dirt track. The easy win came over a field of 11 juveniles that included many high-profile connections, stellar pedigrees and expensive auction purchases. But Dublin was much the best, earning a gaudy Beyer Speed Figure of 90.

Owned by Robert Baker and William Mack, the chestnut colt out of the multiple graded stakes-winning Storm Bird mare Classy Mirage was bred in Kentucky by Peter Blum & Gerry Dilger, whom sold Dublin as a yearling at Keeneland September for $525,000.

It marked the third winner for the dual Classic-winning champion Afleet Alex.