Stanford earns millionaire status with Charles Town Classic (G2) win

Standford became Malibu Moon’s fourth millionaire on Saturday with a front-running victory in the $1.25 million Charles Town Classic (G2). The win was also the first graded stakes score for the 4-year-old, who lost a heartbreaker in the Gulfstream Park H. (G2) in his previous start.

Stanford, ridden by Javier Castellano, made the most of his early opportunity, leading the field through fractions of :48.86 for the half-mile and 1:13.75 for six furlongs. Page McKenney put in a challenge with about a quarter-mile to run, but Stanford had plenty left in the stretch, and pulled away to win by two lengths.

The final time for the 1 1/8-miles on a fast track was 1:50.55.

Winner of the Long Branch S. at Monmouth Park last year, Stanford is now 4-4-0 in 11 starts and has earned $1,111,800 for owners Stonestreet Stables, Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith.

Trainer Todd Pletcher bought Stanford on behalf of his owners for $550,000 at the 2014 Barretts March 2-year-olds in Training sale.

Stanford joins Orb, Life At Ten and Mr. Z on Malibu Moon’s roster of million-plus earners.